I forgot one thing:
You might want to consider doing MLD - manual lymph drainage (self-massage) of that arm after exercise and before rebounding. You can probably find instructions online, or else ask your dr to give you a one-time referral to whomever in your area is skilled in MLD and can teach you how to do it. (I learned at the rehab place where I got my compression sleeve, I don't know if insurance will cover such a visit without an official diagnosis of lymphedema, but if you can afford it, it certainly would be well-worth the cost to learn from a professional.) There might also be people at your oncology clinic who could show you how.
MLD is a little time consuming, but it's easy to do and an excellent way to prevent or manage lymph edema. Just always remember to massage from the fingertips toward the shoulder, up over the back of the shoulder to the middle of the chest, and down the front of the shoulder to the middle of the chest. Massaging toward the fingertips or away from the middle of the chest can really increase lymph congestion, and cause undue strain on blood vessels.
Good luck and take care,
Tre
On 7/4/2008
trehouse60 wrote:
On 7/3/2008 Smort9256 wrote:
Can anyone advise me please? I had surgery last year and some lymph nodes were removed. I have recently started weight lifting as part of my 'fitter me' lifestyle but am worried that it might cause my arm to swell. I have not had any problems with my arm so far - but should I wear a compression sleeve 'just in case' or is this unnecessary?
If you haven't had any indication of lymphedema in general, or with other activities, you may not have a problem with exercise. Compression sleeves are expensive, especially if you don't have insurance, so I wouldn't purchase one unless you notice your shoulder, arm, and/or hand swelling after the exercise.
The other thing to watch for is undue fatigue in that arm. That kind of muscle use generates a lot of lactic acid, which is what makes muscles feel tired. while your lymph system in that arm may still be quite adequate to handle normal lymph circulation, you might have some problems with drainage of lactic acid from tissues. Most people will experience only very transient muscle fatigue after sensible weight lifting. If your arm has not recovered within 10 - 15 minutes, I would recommend you talk to your doctor, get the doctor to actually measure your arm and compare to the other arm to make sure you aren't developing lymph edema.
Another indication of lymphedema is the actual feeling of fluid moving in your arm when you run your hand across it.
A excellent way to help keep your arm healthy is to use a rebounder (minitrampoline.) Bouncing on a rebounder twice a day for 3 minutes each time is an excellent way to promote lymph drainage back to the chest. You don't have to do anything fancy, just bounce gently. I got my rebounder at a discount department store - you don't have to get the real fancy models - just a basic 36" inch minitrampoline is all you need. make sure to bounce AFTER your weight-lifting sessions.
One thing to avoid: steam rooms or saunas. A lot of ladies like to use the heat to loosen muscles before exercise, and for relaxation after exercise. But that kind of heat can cause problems for women who have had lymph nodes removed - actually causes increased congestion in the arm instead of improving circulation.
And it's always a good idea to go slowly and gently with exercise when there is a question.
Take care,
Tre