Lymphedema of the arm

Is there anyone out there that has found help for Lymphedema of the arm. Its bean 6 months for me and I am very frustrated. Thank you Lynn

[japdip]

I'm assuming that you have sought treatment for your Lymphedema, right ?? You don't state what type of treatment or from whom you have received this treatment ... more information would help. A Physical Therapist who has been specially trained in the treatment of LE is the proper choice. Keep in mind that LE is a chronic condition and is NOT curable but certainly treatable. Various compression garments along with massage and sometimes wrapping are all employed in the treatment program. Some form of treatment may be required for life so if you were expecting immediate results (or cure) it just doesn't exist.  Regards ....

[madgeOwens]

They use to do exercises where you walk your fingers up the wall.  I was curious if they still suggest that as well or has that changed?

[japdip]

Exercises are never recommended for Lymphedema. The exercise you mentioned are part of the routine post mastectomy to regain range of motion on the operative side.

[Babs443]

Find a good PT therepist that only handles lymphedema.  I have it in both arms and in my chest.  I go to PT 5 days a week 2 of them in the pool (PT)  It has helped a lot but I was told for me it is going to take time.  This developed after I had a bi-lateral mastectomy Sept 16th hope this helps you

[DECMT]

Besides a good PT, you can also seek out an experienced Massage Therapist trained in Lymph drainage work, as they can do many of the same techniques as any PT for the condition you're dealing with.  As many of said if you have dealt with a mastectomy this may be an ongoing issue for you, and therefore you will most likely need ongoing treatments.

Hope this helps & take care.

[lhughes]

Actually they are now rethinking the "no exercise" issue with lymphedema.  I've ALWAYS exercised my lymphedema arm followed by manual lymph drainage (MLD)massage.  I do nautilus equipment at the gym to help with both keeping the range-of-motion and stretching, plus light/moderate weight bearing exercises.  I also wear a sleeve while exercising which was the only thing not mentioned in the article on lymphedema and exercises (I think it was on either CNN or FoxNews website, but an article concerning this can be found at the cancer . org website, too).  My PT person that I saw a few years back actually had me do weight bearing exercises with my sleeve and highly recommended keeping the training going after release from her.

When my lymphedema was at its worst, I had to wrap my arm and hand in compression wrap which made the whole arm look like it was in a cast.  I did that for 2 weeks with MLD to get my arm back to a manageable state where I wore only my sleeve and gaunlet.  Now I wear them whenever my arm feels full and do the massive wrap if I've totally let it go and it has gotten out of hand again.  I

You need to talk with your doc and a PT person who specializes in this to get approval from them.... but check it out for yourself.

Best of luck!

[katarina777]

The problem with massage is that it is often not covered by insurance as is PT. But the Physical therapists do the same thing of massaging as a massage person would if they know what they are doing. It has also helped me a lot. Make sure though you get a good one.

[BKathyB]

I'm a massage therapist in Austin, TX and I own Austin Beauty and Health.  

I'm having significant success with two cases of lymphedema utilizing a holistic approach and several different pieces of cutting-edge techonology along with "other" tools.

I screen my clients carefully and am adamant that they become involved in their care.  A spiritual law of being in the wellness industry is that I'm not allowed to care about someone's health more than they do.

If you're willing to learn and become invested in your TOTAL well being I'd be happy to hear from you.  

[japdip]

This is a Medical Community ... pt. to pt. forum ...  and I'm not sure your seemingly helpful advertisement is appropriate here. There are prescribed treatments for Lymphedema and most are paid for by Ins. or thru Grants from various agencies ... ACS or Susan G. Komen Foundation.    As a rule, Medical treatment should be provided by specially trained Medical Practitioners.

[katarina777]

Yes, you are not allowed to advertise your services here and the sneaky way you go about doing just that is even less OK. I am glad you are so great, and I am sure you will have better success advertising in Austin than on a site that is international. it's inappropriate, as japdip said.

[joyjoy38]

there is a new microsurgery that replaces the nodes ,dont know alot about it .but it sounds promising!!Ther is a surgeon in Charleston S.C. and also one in N.Y. city