Frightening Side Effects of Manual Lymphatic Therapy

Any help with this is sincerely appreciated!  I'm scared about continuing with this treatment if I can't find a reasonable explanation.

I underwent a double-mastectomy 9 months ago for cancer in both breasts. Within the past three weeks, I started having truncal lymphedema--first on the right side of my chest and under my right arm and back, then in my left upper chest area. My oncologist diagnosed lymphedema and referred me to an Occupational Therapist for Lymphatic Drainage Massage/Manual Lymphatic Treatment (MLT) and massage on my scars to loosen the tissue.

After my first treatment (which wasn't painful and actually felt good), I completely BLACKED OUT!  I'm told I went shopping, took the kids to eat Chinese food and a bunch of other stuff that I simply don't remember.  (I didn't have any alcohol or non-prescribed medication.) Everyone who interacted with me during the 24-hour time period that I do not remember says I seemed fine.

I have continued with the therapy (I told the therapist what happened), and she is using even lighter touch with fewer reps. We also take breaks for me to drink water when I start to get dizzy. No one seems to know exactly what happened/is happening. I'm small in frame/weight (5'6", 105"). One theory is toxins being released into my bloodstream from the inflamed  tissues. I try to drink alot of water to help dilute whatever is in my blood or lymphatic fluid. If I don't, I also get nauseus and throw up after each treatment.

Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced this? It's scary but I need treatment for the lymphedema! Help!

Thank You and God Bless...~Leslie

Did you ever get any answers to your questions?  I am asking because I wanted to get all info possible before letting Jim go for a massage.  He has 3B lung cancer and its in his lymph nodes and I wondered if a massage would actually cause the cancer to spread more quiicky.

 I hope you are doing well!

Esther

On 9/22/2007 Leslie912 wrote:

Any help with this is sincerely appreciated!  I'm scared about continuing with this treatment if I can't find a reasonable explanation.

I underwent a double-mastectomy 9 months ago for cancer in both breasts. Within the past three weeks, I started having truncal lymphedema--first on the right side of my chest and under my right arm and back, then in my left upper chest area. My oncologist diagnosed lymphedema and referred me to an Occupational Therapist for Lymphatic Drainage Massage/Manual Lymphatic Treatment (MLT) and massage on my scars to loosen the tissue.

After my first treatment (which wasn't painful and actually felt good), I completely BLACKED OUT!  I'm told I went shopping, took the kids to eat Chinese food and a bunch of other stuff that I simply don't remember.  (I didn't have any alcohol or non-prescribed medication.) Everyone who interacted with me during the 24-hour time period that I do not remember says I seemed fine.

I have continued with the therapy (I told the therapist what happened), and she is using even lighter touch with fewer reps. We also take breaks for me to drink water when I start to get dizzy. No one seems to know exactly what happened/is happening. I'm small in frame/weight (5'6", 105"). One theory is toxins being released into my bloodstream from the inflamed  tissues. I try to drink alot of water to help dilute whatever is in my blood or lymphatic fluid. If I don't, I also get nauseus and throw up after each treatment.

Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced this? It's scary but I need treatment for the lymphedema! Help!

Thank You and God Bless...~Leslie

Dear Leslie, I have been doing manual lymph drainage (from the Upledger Institute) for five years and have recently become certified in complex decongestive physiotherapy. I have never encountered anyone who had the side effects you've described in your message. I'm wondering if you found out what was causing the blackouts and if the MLD therapy helped your condition. I know that Renee Romero (my MLD instructor) has extensive experience with very severe cases of lymphedema. She might be a resource for you to find an answer to this question. If you are interested, I'll provide her email address. Sincerely, MLD Specialist