lymph edema

obliva
obliva Member Posts: 18
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I know about lymph edema being a real problem after mastectomies but it isn't affecting my arm(s)it's affecting the area between my shoulder and my neck (collarbone)...and I don't think there are any sleeves that will work there. Any suggestions. I'm going in for breast reconstruction around the first of the year, and I think this problem may make me look rather strange. I am going to talk with my surgeon, but I just haven't seen/heard of this area being a problem.

Comments

  • mms
    mms Member Posts: 1
    #2
    I have the problem in my arm and hand but I was in a plastic surgeon's waiting room and a lady with lymphedema came in. She noticed the compression garment that I was wearing and she wondered if I used the Tribute sleeve at night too. She then took a Tribute vest out of her bag and it was made to fit the chest and shoulder area just like a vest. She said that it helped her swelling in those areas and told me that was where her main problem with the lymphedema was. Hope this helps!
  • obliva
    obliva Member Posts: 18
    #3
    mms said:

    I have the problem in my arm and hand but I was in a plastic surgeon's waiting room and a lady with lymphedema came in. She noticed the compression garment that I was wearing and she wondered if I used the Tribute sleeve at night too. She then took a Tribute vest out of her bag and it was made to fit the chest and shoulder area just like a vest. She said that it helped her swelling in those areas and told me that was where her main problem with the lymphedema was. Hope this helps!

    Thank you. I didn't know about the compression vests. I see my doctor in a couple of weeks and will ask about it.
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148
    #4
    obliva said:

    Thank you. I didn't know about the compression vests. I see my doctor in a couple of weeks and will ask about it.

    I was referred to my Occupational Therapist/Lymphadema specialist by my onc. She uses manual masage to get some of the swelling to move toward other lymph systems. She told me as well if I had continued swelling in my back by my left shoulder blade and armpit she could order me a sleeve that goes up higher and attaches around my shoulder/body. I didn't need it but it sounds like there are more options for you out there. Good Luck- Candy
  • hounddog
    hounddog Member Posts: 115
    #5
    Hello I have lymph edema in my right arm and when my husband and I were visiting my Mom and Dad in Albuquerque some friends of my oldest brothers came to the house and she got some hand lotion and put it on my right arm and messaged it up ward starting from the hand all the way up when you do this to the affected side you will feel a knot that is waste. To get rid of the waste I was also told to drink lots of fiber and keep massageing the arm upward starting at the hand.
    Marilyn

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