Lymphedema ?

[jrae11]

I had breast cancer back in 94. Infilterating duct carcinoma. A Biopsy was done and then the removal of all 23 lymph nodes in my left armpit. The cnacer had not spread to the lymph nodes. Because of history of B Cancer in family I went thru Chemotherapy and Radiation.
I am having some swelling and discomfort in my arm pit now. Is it possible to getlymphedema from straining the chest wall muscles or trying to carry something very heavy from that same arm that has no lymph nodes? If it should be lymphedema would the entire arm swell or could it just effect the tendions in the arm? In doing my job I do a lot of pulling things up and I'm wondering if that could also cause the swelling? I am without Health Insurance and I am just trying to gather all the info and ideas that I possibly can. I'm getting very worried and with no health benefits I don't know what to do. I would appreciate anyone's input! I know that the best thing to do is go to a doctor but I can't do that right now with no health benefits. Thank you!!!!

[belochka39]

Hi there,
If you have your complains documented by the emergency room personal, then you can prove that the accident triggered/caused the problems that you are having now.
In such case there is a good chance that the car's insurance will cover the cost of your treatment. If it was not your fault, then it would be the guilty party's insurance and your car insurance would not grow.
Good luck!

[jrae11]

You spoke of trauma! I was involved in a car accident back in April 2006. I was hit from behind. When my car was struck in the rear I remember hanging onto the sterring wheel as hard as I could while being thrown sideways in my car. The same day the accident happened I started have the tingling feelings in my fingertips and it felt like there was a band around the arm pit cutting off the circulation. I complained of this at the emergency room, but the doctors in emergency room x-ray my neck, and say that I had strained muscles. I did complain about the arm several times but it was like no one paid any attention. So now I'm having this swelling and "uncomportable" feeling from the inside of arm above elbow up into the armpit, backside of the arm and shoulder and the breast. I have been applying ice packs at night that seem to help for a moment. I'm sure the work that I'm doing "the pulling part" is adding to the problem.
Is it possible to purchase the compression sleeve without a perscription? I would like to say thank you again for your input!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear jrae11:  Without evaluation, it is impossible for us to speculate on what might be causing your swelling and discomfort.  Lymphedema can affect the arm , the breast and areas between. The risk appears to be increased when a large number of lymph nodes are removed and when radiation is given to the area.  While it can be triggered by trauma, it sometimes occurs for no known reason.  If this continues to cause you trouble, you may be best served by seeing a physician.  In the meantime, you may want to minimize major pulling or lifting if that is contributing to the problem.  

[japdip]

Lymphedema can occur at any time, even years after the lymphatic system has been comprimised. I was advised that care should always be taken when doing any heavy work involving the operative side or any repetitive motions. I was told to wear a lt.wt.compression sleeve when exercising or using the affected side in any manner as well as when flying (a preventative measure). I did develop a mild case and it did involve the area under my arm as well as toward the back (shoulder blade). There is a website and that would be a good place to look for information. There are all sorts of free materials available; I would think thru your local hospital, the library, or perhaps even your surgeon's office. If it is truly lymphedema it can be treated and the earlier the better but it is a life-long problem once it occurs. Best of Luck.