„Remembering not to carry things in that arm, and I didn’t’ realise how much I put my shoulder bag on that arm and how much I carried shopping in that arm until now.”– Sandra
Lymphoedema
Men and women who have had lymph nodes removed may be at increased risk of developing a condition known as lymphoedema. Symptoms of lymphoedema may include swelling (of the limb around where the nodes were removed, e.g., arm or leg), feelings of heaviness, dryness, thickening, tightening or stretching of the skin, or reduced joint movement.
Lymphoedema is caused by lymph fluid not being able to flow properly back into the circulation system. This can result in mild to quite severe swelling as the fluid builds up and is unable to drain away. Lymphoedema can never be permanently cured, but there are many strategies you can use to reduce your chances of developing the condition. Below are some strategies that you can start doing NOW which may assist in preventing lymphoedema[1].
- Reduce your infection risk: take precautions to limit cuts, burns or insect bites.
- Keep your skin healthy: moisturise regularly and avoid sunburn
- Maintain a healthy weight: do regular gentle exercise, and avoid tight clothing & poor fitting bras
- Maintaining normal use of the limb but avoiding strenuous activity
- Avoid extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
We will revisit lymphoedema in the Par gras module to give more detailed management suggestions.
[1] For more information, check out the Lymphoedema Association of Australia: http://www.lymphoedema.org.au.
