Magnet's

JKAlley

Good morning to everyone. I don't know if anyone here remembers me, it's been a while since I posted or been in the chat room. I finished chemo and radiation the end Oct. 03, and just finished 52 weeks of herceptin last month. Slow but sure my life is returning to normal - to those of you just starting this journey, yes you will get your life back if you have the determation! I'm even starting to look normal again as my hair is getting long enough to get some style to it. I'm working full time or more, and have been since I finished treatments in Oct. I do try to keep up with the posts in here as I still get such valuable info from all these wonderful ladies, but I apoligize for not being as active. I never was one to hang out on the computer (I get enough of computers at work) or in chat rooms before, and don't have much time for it now. This gets back to getting my life back to somewhat normal I guess, but then again anyone who knows me knows I never was very normal!! So annnywaaay, here's my question. A friend gave me a braclet with magnets in it. He says it will help the circulation on the side I had the nodes removed and help prevent any problems. I'm good at not letting anyone take blood or blood preassure on that side, but I carry a heavy brief case and my purse always on that side - my purse just won't hang on my left side - so I do worry a little. Has anyone heard of this? Seems like such a simple idea, and I figure it can't hurt, unless someone tells me otherwise. I see my onc dr next week, and will ask him but I wanted to see what you ladies thought. Please know just because I'm not active in here, it doesn't mean your not all in my thoughts. God bless you all, Judy

jeancmici

I think the magnetism wouldn't hurt but probably wouldn't help either. However, DON'T carry anything with your arm hanging down or even take walks with your arm hanging. Last Spring (actually '03) I began to walk in earnest and not good for the left- and also occasionally carried things - groceries in a bag etc. - with arm hanging down. When did anyone hear a DOCTOR even give a hint on the subject.

I walked all around Paris for a month in summer '02 and wondered why I had no problem. I had had my purse slung from the right to avoid hanging on the left shoulder and by doing this, my purse was perfect for resting my left hand. Of course, it was absent-minded good practice. I really had my hand on my purse to avoid it being snatched or picked at by an expert thief!

The woman at the medical supply store told me about not hanging my arm down while walking.

Good Luck,
Jean

SusanAnne

Hi Judy. I just finished 52 weeks of herceptin last week. I agree with Jean. Don't carry your purse on your bad side or your briefcase. Why ask for trouble. I've tried magnets for my joint pain but not to prevent lymphedema. I have never heard that before. If you do see a difference, please let us know. By the way, I do remember you since my family name is Alley.
Susan

marbleslab

SusanAnne said:

Hi Judy. I just finished 52 weeks of herceptin last week. I agree with Jean. Don't carry your purse on your bad side or your briefcase. Why ask for trouble. I've tried magnets for my joint pain but not to prevent lymphedema. I have never heard that before. If you do see a difference, please let us know. By the way, I do remember you since my family name is Alley.
Susan

Susan,
Do the magnets really work for joint pain?
Marla

SusanAnne

marbleslab said:

Susan,
Do the magnets really work for joint pain?
Marla

Hi Marla. I did find some relief. Not quite sure if it was from the magnets or the extra support from the cuffs (knees). After a few months my joint pain (from tamoxifen I determined) diminished and I didn't even need to take the glucosamine & chondrointin I had been taking. I have since switched to Arimidex and now I'm getting overall achiness. I've started back on the g&c, we'll see what happens.
Susan