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I have been to two lymphedema clinics and they both pretty much said the same. No hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, extreme cold or hot, lifting more then 5 lbs. with effected arm, repetative motions, wear gloves when gardening, and to prevent bug bites and scratches. No salt, drinks lots of water. Always wear a sleeve during the day. When I was getting lymphedema treatment there was a lady who had had a mastectomy with nodes removed 30 years ago, no problems until now and her arm was swelling from hand to shoulder. The therapist told me that was an example that it can happen anytime and you may not know what caused it. They were seeing her for the first time and were going to question her as to what she was doing different if anything. I get manicures as I have acrylic nails and so far have had no problem. I make sure they do not cut the cuticles. I also did my own research on it as I was pretty bumed out when I was told I had to be careful of all the above. Our bodies are all different and so what works for one may not work for the other. I have seen some nasty looking hands and arms from lymphedema and they can swell very fast like just over night. We have to do what we feel comfortable doing. If it is going to make you feel like you are giving up all the fun in life then take the chance and deal with the consequences when they happen. Hug, Sandy
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