lymphedema?

[suzan w]

Oh, bother...says Winnie the Pooh...3 weeks ago I underwent some serious dental work (New thread...teeth troubles or something like that)...and was under anesthesia for 5 hrs. Then last week I had phase 2 of dental ordeal...another 5 hour anesthesia...a few days later I noticed a pain below my left elbow, felt like a bad bruise. I couldn't remember wacking myself, but didn't make much of it. Then Tuesday, I had another sore spot, I was thinking another bruise??? about halfway to my wrist. Last night, a swelling about the size of a quarter appeared on the back of my left hand...very sore.
Now I am wondering if, during my anesthesia, they left a blood pressure machine on my arm...maybe for 5 hrs??? And maybe the same thing 3 wks ago??
10 years out from bilateral mastectomy, 2 nodes removed from left, 1 from right.
Could I possibly have gotten LYMPHEDEMA???
What do you think, dear friends???

[Carol Ann]

Yes, it could be starting .... mine started with swelling on the tops of my knuckles in my left hand.

I would call your doc/rehab center/etc right away. The sooner you get it treated, the better the chance you can control it.

I wear sleeves on both arms and it is pretty mild. As iong as I wear the sleeves, the swelling stays down.

Carol Ann

[Carol Ann]

And yes, where the swelling was, along my knuckles, was very sore. :(

Please don't wait! It will only get worse, you NEED the therapy if this is really what it is, it won't go away on its own! Call!!

Carol Ann

[tricia keegan]

Susan if there's swelling I'd ask to be referred to a PT trained in Lymph, if only a bruise I'd wait and see in case it's something less sinister.

[suzan w]

Turns out I have a DVT....deep vein thrombosis...blood clot...from IV

[Carol Ann]

Oh I am sorry, Suzan ... but glad you got it checked so now you can be treated for it.

It is always something, isn't it?! ARRRRGH!!

Hoping this clears up quuckly and as painlessly as possible for you.

Carol Ann

[tricia keegan]

Oh so sorry Suzan but so glad they found it!