Swelling?

[Pray]

Any other reasons my arm would start swelling? Onc. And family Dr. Say it's not lymphedema. No pain, infection, injury, repetitive use or fever. I'm having an MRI tomorrow afternoon. Just odd. Thank you so much for any insight. 🌻 Nancy

[Pamelamary]

No ideas or advice, Nancy, but all good wishes to you....Pam

[suzan w]

Stumped! Let us know how the MRI turns out!!

[tricia keegan]

Sending good wishes Nancy, maybe you need to see a PT trained in lymph drainage?? Repetitive motions will not show outward but can cause lymphedema, even ironing etc, please keep us posted.

[Pray]

Just checking in. A side from the swelling arm I have had thoracic back pain for 2 months seeing a chiropractor and massage therapist, was told it was a muscle spasm so when my arm started to swell two weeks ago he had me stop that treatment and had me do an mri of my thoracic spine. It wasn't a spasm it is a pinched nerve at t6 t7 t7 t8. He was checking for mets. I'm thanking God it wasn't mets! so I'm going to see a spine specialist and a Lymph edema specialist. There is some humor in what we are thankful for now. Thank you ladies. Gods blessings!

[Jackie07]

Thanks for the update ...

[Catherine]

I have light swelling if I use my effected arm too much. Meaning the arm that had some lymph nodes removed. The swelling will come after too much vacuming, window washing or scrubbing. It sometimes occurs after a good work out at Pilates, or too many downward dogs in yoga. I try not to overdo that arm. I hope you get an answer for your swelling.

All the best,

[Catherine]

I used to wear a compression sleeve if I had a lot of physical work to do. I think it helped eliminate swelling.

[Pray]

CATHERINE , if your telling me not to do house work I'm in! Lol thanks for your feed back. The only lymph dr is not available until the 25th of June. Trying not to over do it. Getting awefully hot though��

[Lani]

Is the weather hot? Have you taken a recent airplane trip?

Either might overwhelm your remaining lymphatics' ability to return fluid to the lymph system.

[BonnieR]

I had minimal lymph nodes removed but still have very mild Lymphedema. As has been said, exertion, heat, air travel can all be factors. Important not to expose arm to hot water, sunburn etc I once had a minor sunburn and the arm swelled up. I was given Cipro by a Lymphedema specialist. To prevent cellulitis setting in
So just treat that arm with care. No IVs or blood draws. No BP
I believe even if doctors don't SEE it, patients can FEEL it
Keep the fsith

[Joanne S]

Nancy, Sorry to hear you have a pinched nerve. That pain can be awful. Hope you're getting some relief from your back pain and swelling. I used to see Dr. Riutta for arm, chest and back pain and I highly recommend him. Don't recall where you are in Michigan, but just in case you're interested, here's a link about his specialities.
http://lmtrehab.com/physicians/doctors_Riutta.html
Hugs & well wishes, Joanne

[RedHen]

I have lymphedema in my right arm. I didn't have an infection, cut, etc either, just the swelling initially. I think it - lymphedema - can start without any obvious triggers if you've had a sentinel node biopsy and even one lymph node removed. I hope your MRI is negative for LE. :-) Lynne

[Pray]

Hello, Thank you everyone for your input its always appreciated! I saw the lymph specialists this morning and had an ultra sound of chest an arm, no blood clots so that's a good thing. Being fitted for sleeve tomorrow. The NP said everyone has a slightly different take on lymphedema and treatment for it. Also that only if it shows up after surgery is it reverse-able, In my case that was 4 years ago so mine will not be able to be reversed. In the scheme of things not that big a deal. So in light of these things I will wait on the therapy for a few months and just follow suggested guidelines until September when all the summer fun is over which I'm totally ok with.

For the thoracic pinched nerves I will start pain shots and they believe it will resolve itself with in the year! Another no big deal.

Joanne, I did have an appt with Dr. Riutta he did not have an appt. until end of June and I was not comfortable with the size of my arm. I very glad you had great success with him!

I've been coming here for 4yrs. now and I am ever grateful for each and everyone of you! even the newbies! Gods blessings to all of you!

[LymphActivist]

The removal or radiation of a single node can disrupt the lymphatic drainage of the breast and/or arm. Do not let any person tell you otherwise. A recent clinical study on a rabbit demonstrated that irradiation of a single lymph node in the leg of the rabbit caused a 40% reduction in lymph drainage and the start of lymphedema -- the same effect as would result from the surgical removal of that lymph node. The sentinel node removed in diagnosing whether a breast tumor has spread, especially if it is in the upper-outer quadrant of the breast, can disrupt the drainage of lymph from the breast and result in breast or chest lymphedema, and if in the chain of lymph nodes draining the arm can result in lymphedema of the arm and/or hand.

[BonnieR]

True, that. I had minimal node removal. Sentinel and a few hangers on. Big still have very minor LE on one side. Not a big deal but it periodically let's me know it's there. Particularly if I scratch arm or expose to sun/heat
Be vigilant
Keep the faith

[RedHen]

I had a biopsy and 12 nodes removed on the side with the LE. I also had radiation which burned my skin and caused an infection. I am eager to find out more that I can do on my own since I have so far been unsuccessful in locating anyone who REALLY knows how to treat this. The woods are full of "certified" therapists eager to take my money but who have little real knowledge of this condition and how to treat it.

I apologize for any repetitions. I seem to have gotten involved in several threads on this topic. I appreciate all the posts regarding this subject which is of the utmost importance to me. Thanks to you all, especially LymphActivist.

LynneR

[Pray]

Thought I would check in. I'm through 5 of my 10 PT sessions for lymph edema. They use massage and wrap therapy. I will use a sleeve for preventative care.( repetitive use, flying,..). Very awkward but totally doable. It did take three days of wrapping before it showed minimal improvement. Hope all goes well for everyone else.

[BonnieR]

Lynn R. I consulted with Dr Emily Iker in LA. She is considered quite the specialist and has LE herself, in lower extremities. Perhaps googling her or her website will offer some ideas
Keep the fsith