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From: joni lowe
Date: 08-24-2005, 05:37 PM (1 of 7)
Do any of you also suffer from acquired lymphedema? If so, how do you control it? I thought I had mine under control until a couple of weeks ago when I attended a funeral in New Mexico. (I live in California) Between the high heat and the elevation, I am now puffy and swollen in my hand and arm. Wearing the compression sleeve and glove just seem to make it worse  Any ideas?Joni |
User: joni lowe
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 75 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-24-2005, 09:40 PM (2 of 7)
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Gosh I never heard of that...but have you tried 'blue ice' packs on your arm and leg ??? Do you take diuretics ??? Does keeping them elevated help ???(above your heart ) I find living here in FL in the heat makes my legs and feet swell, drinking loads of water and/gatorade help that. (I mix the gatorade with water I don't like it straight) I'm gonna look that up and read a bit... I'm sorry you aren't feeling well... [[[ ]]] (I hope the wedding was nice though) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-24-2005, 09:49 PM (3 of 7)
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well I read 5 sites and you're doing what they recommend. Compression. Other than visiting your Dr for drainage (maybe) thats about all you can do. I'm sorry you suffer from this. If you wanna talk private, leave me e-mail...I read it everyday. Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Sancin
Date: 08-25-2005, 12:08 AM (4 of 7)
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I don't know a lot about this, Joni, but have seen it. When you aquired it for the first time what helped? I seem to recall that it takes awhile for the condition to resolve. I have seen people with this condition using compression devices that sort of pump with compression - ie. on for awhile and then off which leads to a type of pumping action. Last time I was at physio they were using such a device that had been donated to the dept from a woman who had had breast cancer. Perhaps just putting the compression sleeve on for short periods of time may work. Do you have physio depts around you that could help you? They could give you advice on use of cold compresses but I think it may slow down circulation taking the fluid away. Keeping a cool body temperature and rest probably will be effective in preventing more swelling. Have you ever tried any visualization exercises? I feel for you, swelling is very uncomfortable. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: Jeke
Date: 08-25-2005, 05:59 PM (5 of 7)
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My daughter is 19 and has battled lymphedema in her left foot and leg for nearly 4 years from softball injury and then surgery. Last year she went to a PT who specifically dealt with lymphedema. They were very surprised at her youth and that it was in her leg. Of course, a major part of the treatment is the compression stocking. However, they also instructed her in some exercises that help with the lymphatic system. This past year my cousin (a PT) also published a book for Fibromyalgia but he also deals with exercises for the lymph system. There is a DVD also available showing the exercises that one can do while watching it. If you are at all interested please let me know and I can give you specifics. It can be ordered through Amazon.com Good luck to you. I know how frustrating and discouraging it can be. Jeke Jay
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User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 232 |
From: joni lowe
Date: 08-25-2005, 06:32 PM (6 of 7)
Jeke, thanks OF COURSE  I am interested in the books and DVD. I'll try to look it up on Amazon, but if you could send info, would be much appreciated. This stuff is awful  it makes me feel like I am suffocating from the inside out. 
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User: joni lowe
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 75 |
From: Jeke
Date: 08-26-2005, 01:14 PM (7 of 7)
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Joni, This is a website about the book, DVD, etc. http://www.fibromyalgia-video.com It is intended for fibromyalgia patients but he uses the exercises to cleanse the lymph system which also helps with lymphedema. I thought his wife told me it was available at amazon.com. However, there is a place to click to email him directly. I know there are lots of other books out there that deal directly with lymphedema. Have you talked to your doctor about some of the machines that are available to help. I am thinking about asking some questions about those for my daughter. Good luck - let us know how you are doing. Jeke Jay
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User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 232 |
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