Videos/Literature on self massage for lymphedema
Thanks for your help.
Marlene
PS - husband thinks it's all in my head, he says he can't see a thing.
Comments
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I have a couple of cautions
I have a couple of cautions for you...first lymphedema can't always be seen, sometimes it is more felt (heaviness, tingling, or pain in the area). Second, even if you see a massage on video, without proper technique you can actually cause more swelling. I would ask the doc again for a referral, explain that you know it's mild now but that you only want to go a couple times to get the training in the self massage and any other information the specialist might have for you. That way you also have a relationship and a history in case something causes the lymphedema to flair up and become worse.
If you search for 'manual lymphatic drainage' in you tube, you should get several results including the video RE made. But I strongly encourage you to try and see a specialist. If that still doesn't work, the Massage Envy near me has a few therapists trained in MLD...not certified but trained. That might be a less expensive solution.
I hope this helps.
Linda0 -
VideosGabe N Abby Mom said:I have a couple of cautions
I have a couple of cautions for you...first lymphedema can't always be seen, sometimes it is more felt (heaviness, tingling, or pain in the area). Second, even if you see a massage on video, without proper technique you can actually cause more swelling. I would ask the doc again for a referral, explain that you know it's mild now but that you only want to go a couple times to get the training in the self massage and any other information the specialist might have for you. That way you also have a relationship and a history in case something causes the lymphedema to flair up and become worse.
If you search for 'manual lymphatic drainage' in you tube, you should get several results including the video RE made. But I strongly encourage you to try and see a specialist. If that still doesn't work, the Massage Envy near me has a few therapists trained in MLD...not certified but trained. That might be a less expensive solution.
I hope this helps.
Linda
Linda:
I am frustrated, going round and round on that subject. It seems to me that as well meaning and capable as my doctors are, there is still not enough knowledge in the medical profession re lymphedema. Doctor did demonstrate some massage moves, said it's somewhat like milking a cow. Never milked one, but I saw it done way back when cows were actually milked by hand. The way my Medicare HMO works, I have to have a referral from my internist to see the one and only lymphedema specialist in my hospital system. There is a Massage Envy right around the corner from me, never thought to give them a call, yes, they are much less expensive. I'll see what I can come up with. Doctor told me that over time some of the lymph system will regenerate, lets hope it hurries up before I swell up like a balloon.
Hugs and thanks, Marlene0 -
there are many sites you can
there are many sites you can get info on lymphedema..... but I agree you should see a specialist first to show you proper massage method for you, etc. But, you can learn from reading info on many of the sites, including nwlymphedema.org which has some short video clips in the patient management section. Another good site is the national
lymphedema network, ACS, and others. Good luck with researching.... the more we read and learn the better off we are. Good luck and Hugs.......0 -
Immediately following my lumpectomy surgery...
... I was an official national study volunteer for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage self-massage technique) as preventative for BC patients (emphasis on preventative). Was almost eight years ago. I still - and always will - practice MLD daily, each morning. So far, so good - haven't developed lymphedema (though I'll remain at high risk for the rest of my life). Of course, I also adhere to all recommended precautions. Yes, I was officially trained by a physical therapist specialist as part of the program.
Check my "About Me - Resources" section - there you'll find information for a very good book: "Lymphedema - A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing." The MLD technique is described in great detail, including "how to" diagrams. The book also includes a wealth of other information. This is the book that was provided to me at the very beginning of the 2-year study volunteer program.
As someone else already posted - it's not always about what you can "see" (i.e., obvious swelling, redness, etc.). Sensations can be indications. And, yes - as your doctor explained - some lymph vessels MAY regenerate over time. However, many/most do not (they are much finer than a single human hair). Kinda like nerves once they're cut. Also important regarding tendency towards/risk of lymphedema is how many nodes were removed (for me - many were). Nodes do not regenerate.
There is no real "cure" for lymphedema. It's a condition (like arthritis), not a disease. So if it develops, it can only be minimized and managed. Please do continue to seek the information and help you need.
With best wishes to you, and...
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Thanks for this informationChristmas Girl said:Immediately following my lumpectomy surgery...
... I was an official national study volunteer for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage self-massage technique) as preventative for BC patients (emphasis on preventative). Was almost eight years ago. I still - and always will - practice MLD daily, each morning. So far, so good - haven't developed lymphedema (though I'll remain at high risk for the rest of my life). Of course, I also adhere to all recommended precautions. Yes, I was officially trained by a physical therapist specialist as part of the program.
Check my "About Me - Resources" section - there you'll find information for a very good book: "Lymphedema - A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing." The MLD technique is described in great detail, including "how to" diagrams. The book also includes a wealth of other information. This is the book that was provided to me at the very beginning of the 2-year study volunteer program.
As someone else already posted - it's not always about what you can "see" (i.e., obvious swelling, redness, etc.). Sensations can be indications. And, yes - as your doctor explained - some lymph vessels MAY regenerate over time. However, many/most do not (they are much finer than a single human hair). Kinda like nerves once they're cut. Also important regarding tendency towards/risk of lymphedema is how many nodes were removed (for me - many were). Nodes do not regenerate.
There is no real "cure" for lymphedema. It's a condition (like arthritis), not a disease. So if it develops, it can only be minimized and managed. Please do continue to seek the information and help you need.
With best wishes to you, and...
Kind regards, Susan
Thanks for this information Susan.0 -
Thanks for this informationChristmas Girl said:Immediately following my lumpectomy surgery...
... I was an official national study volunteer for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage self-massage technique) as preventative for BC patients (emphasis on preventative). Was almost eight years ago. I still - and always will - practice MLD daily, each morning. So far, so good - haven't developed lymphedema (though I'll remain at high risk for the rest of my life). Of course, I also adhere to all recommended precautions. Yes, I was officially trained by a physical therapist specialist as part of the program.
Check my "About Me - Resources" section - there you'll find information for a very good book: "Lymphedema - A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing." The MLD technique is described in great detail, including "how to" diagrams. The book also includes a wealth of other information. This is the book that was provided to me at the very beginning of the 2-year study volunteer program.
As someone else already posted - it's not always about what you can "see" (i.e., obvious swelling, redness, etc.). Sensations can be indications. And, yes - as your doctor explained - some lymph vessels MAY regenerate over time. However, many/most do not (they are much finer than a single human hair). Kinda like nerves once they're cut. Also important regarding tendency towards/risk of lymphedema is how many nodes were removed (for me - many were). Nodes do not regenerate.
There is no real "cure" for lymphedema. It's a condition (like arthritis), not a disease. So if it develops, it can only be minimized and managed. Please do continue to seek the information and help you need.
With best wishes to you, and...
Kind regards, Susan
Thanks for this information Susan.0 -
VideoChristmas Girl said:Immediately following my lumpectomy surgery...
... I was an official national study volunteer for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage self-massage technique) as preventative for BC patients (emphasis on preventative). Was almost eight years ago. I still - and always will - practice MLD daily, each morning. So far, so good - haven't developed lymphedema (though I'll remain at high risk for the rest of my life). Of course, I also adhere to all recommended precautions. Yes, I was officially trained by a physical therapist specialist as part of the program.
Check my "About Me - Resources" section - there you'll find information for a very good book: "Lymphedema - A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing." The MLD technique is described in great detail, including "how to" diagrams. The book also includes a wealth of other information. This is the book that was provided to me at the very beginning of the 2-year study volunteer program.
As someone else already posted - it's not always about what you can "see" (i.e., obvious swelling, redness, etc.). Sensations can be indications. And, yes - as your doctor explained - some lymph vessels MAY regenerate over time. However, many/most do not (they are much finer than a single human hair). Kinda like nerves once they're cut. Also important regarding tendency towards/risk of lymphedema is how many nodes were removed (for me - many were). Nodes do not regenerate.
There is no real "cure" for lymphedema. It's a condition (like arthritis), not a disease. So if it develops, it can only be minimized and managed. Please do continue to seek the information and help you need.
With best wishes to you, and...
Kind regards, Susan
Thanks for the info everyone gave me. Susan, wished there'd be a study in my area I looked at some of the videos and will see if I can order the book you mentioned. As far as PT is concerned, I checked out videos on Facebook and saw that most of the exercises I already do at the health club. They have a sizeable number of classes specially designed for "mature" people and their instructors are quite good. On the PT end I am in good shape. Going to make some calls re massage and am considering to simply pay for a couple of $100/sessions for the lymphedema massage therapist. From time to time I'll stop at a women's boutique around the corner to measure my arm, they have been quite helpful. If there is any change, I assure you, ladies, I'll yell so lound it will be heard from end to end!
Hugs and thanks again, Marlene
PS - I had 18 lymph nodes removed, don't have any of the other symptoms mentioned0
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