Lymphedema with carpal tunnel

[Wendy616]

I have had lymphedema for three years.  I now have carpal tunnel in the right wrist.  How can I relieve the pain of the carpal tunnel without having my fingers, hand, and arm swell up more?  I wear a compression glove and sleeve.

[lynnsaleo]

Wendy,
I have bilateral lymphedema in both legs and carpal tunnel in both wrists and arms. I had had an EMG and both the hand surgeon that sent me for it and the doctor who did the testing couldn't believe I was functioning with that much nerve damage.  My hematologist/oncologist suggested that I try a drug called Nupragen (I hope I spelled it correctly) while I was in the hospital for the removal of an infected area on my stomach wall.  After 1 pill I could not believe it.  I was totally pain free, no trigger fingers no anything bad.  Ultram, Darvocet and Percocet did nothing to quiet the pain.
Obviously hand surgeons don’t recommend it; because it would put them out of business.  It is 6 months now that I have been taking it.  Two nights last week I didn’t take my pills, the Nupragen being one that I forgot.  The next morning I couldn’t believe the pain I was in.  I quickly took a Nupragen and put on my braces and by that afternoon I was able to use my hands again.  I am thrilled by the success I have had with it.  There are several other drugs in this nerve blocking category, talk to your doctors and ask what they think about it for you.  
I wish you the same success with it, that I have found.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could talk to your breast specialist about manual lymph drainage, breast massage and breast exercises.

Your breast specialist would refer you to a physical therapist.

Let us know what your doctor advises and if you have any doubts.

Hope this helps.

Regards.