Compression sleeve for prevention?

I can't help with this, however, I am interested on what responses you receive Jacmatholmad.  I'm left handed and operation was left side.  I've had to do a lot of typing the last few days and my arm as been aching a lot, I keep holding it up in the air to try and help it.  I looked on the web and there was talk of compression sleeves.  I hope you have some good replies xxx

Hi Jacmatholmad,

I asked for cpmpression sleeves after surgery as I was so scared of getting lymphoedema. I’m ao glad I did. I went to Australia fairly soon after treatment, and wore them on the flight, abd allthe time when I got there. It was so hot and yhe insects were nasty biters. I swam in them and let them dry on me.

I had tumours and axillary clearance both sides.

Since then I have worn them in hot weather, if I get an insect bite, and if I have ti have blood taken, a cannula, or a drip. Very scary this, but I have no spare arm, and they had difficulty with foot veins.

I was really glad to have them when I had 2 major ops last yesr for biwel ca. Bith arms/hands swelled up postop. I really freaked out, but it is a common postop phenomenon. I. wore sleeves and gloves and the swelling reduced.

I have found very little understanding among medics outside the breast team, and have had to be very assertive.

You are absolutely right to use your sleeve prophylactically. It will pritect you in the future.

Good luck and higs,

Seaspitut xx

Sorry about the typos, can’t type on my phone cx

Dear seaspirit44 

Thankyou so much for your reply. Yes I agree I get the impression there is some debate with doctors about the benefit of compression sleeves. The lady I saw yesterday used to see NHS patients until it was privatised on her so she now sees just private patients herself now. I kind of get the feeling it's her specialise area so she's bother d to look into things in more detail than possibly the doctors have who look a the whole picture.

poor you on both sides. I've just the right side to worry about but it is my dominant arm/hand too. So have you managed to keep the lymphedema at bay completely? How oftern do you wear your sleeves now?

thamks again and best wishes

Hi Jacmatholmad,

I have been very lucky and have managed to avoid lymphoedma so far. I wear my sleeves irregularly depending on risk. I wore themconstantlywhile in hosp for thebowel ca, and onandoff recently having cannulas etc, but may not need them for months.

 I use insect repellant all the. time in summer on myarms. If i cut mysels on arms or hands I use alc gel and then Newskin to seal it.

Ihave been able to go to the gym and use weights with no problem. I think it gets the muscle pump working and is good for you. Went swimming too, though have not been for 18/12 due to recent  illness. Looking forward to. restarting soon.

I would not be without my sleeve, and am sure they are worth using.

Best wishes xx

Hi all,

     I was advised early on after my mastectomy and axillary lymph node clearance to wear a sleeve as protection when I drive long distances and dig on my allotment. I'v also used it when moving a lot of stuff to and from the car. I 've always felt it helped when I've used it and plan to do so more regularly. I also go to the gym and swim. I started slowly and built up a bit and after 2 months off as I was unwell, I am shocked at how much I am back to being able to do very little without feeling exhausted so ... I'm starting slowly and building up from there.

    Can I ask, do you wear your sleeve when at the gym?

Best wishes everyone, I'm just getting to the point of knowing there IS life after breast cancer. xxx

Hi Sallywest, sorry you had a setback, but glad you are geting going again.  I don’t  wear my sleeves at the gym, and have never had a problem. I only wear them at times of risk. My breast ca was 8 1/2 years ago. Feel very lucky. 

Good luck with your return to normal! xx

So pleased to see this thread ......my hand got puffy at xmas , lymphoedema nurse fitted me with very tight bra " corset " and sleeve and glove .My arm has never really ached . I am slim , I swim most days , but apparently I have been doing " too much " typing ,knitting , sewing , driving , swimming etc etc .......in fact most things I like !  She has warned me about pruning shrubs and cutting grass as these are " too repetitive " ....I am anxious at the best of times and this has floored me , I was looking for " hope " that this was not going to progress quckly to a fat arm or cellulitis ( oncologist warning ) .....I used to be able to forget cancer for a couple of hours at a time , now I am constantly aware , the bra is so uncomfortable , I " cheated " and went back to my sports bra today , Can someone give me hope ?

I know I am being silly and so many of you are putting up with so much , thank you all for keeping me going . x

Hi Puzzler, you are NOT being silly at all. Lymphoedema is horrible and the prospect of it is frightening. Also it is NOT your fault that your hand is puffy, it is the fault of this horrible disease we have all had to deal with.

Life is for living, not full of restrictions. You just have to be a bit careful, and you will get to know how your tissues feel and how to manage it. Swimming is the best possible exercise, and gym activity is fine as long as you are sensible and don't go at it like a bull at a gate. 

Wear the sleeve and glove as much as you are able, and it should start to go down. Take great care if any scratches, bites,etc, and you won't get cellulitis. Pruning etc can be a bit dodgy because of thorns and higher risk of skin traumas, but you could use thick gloves. Personally I avoid anything like that. 

I had breast lymphiedema for quite a while, but was not prescribed anything for it, just needed a bigger size, and it does not trouble me now.

You might find it useful to join the Lymphiedema Support Network. Loads of good advice, peoples' stories, and a regular newsletter. Full of poeple living life to the full, and dealing with the problem. You can google it.

I have found on my journey that some nurses have treated my like a recalcitrant 3 year old,mint helpful!! I'm not suggesting ignoring good advice, but some if it is a bit over the top.

Good luck, your happy life is not over, just needs a few adjustments.

Hugs,

Seaspirit xxxx

Hello seaspirit44

I noticed that this post is from 3 years ago but I am just trying my luck to see whether I could get an answer from you. 

I will have a mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy soon and thinking to get a compression sleeve to reduce the risk of lymphoedema as a preventive measure. I saw some mediven ones and they seem to be good. What size and compression level should I get for preventive purpose? Do I need to get a bit large or just fit at the moment? And which brand do you use?  Thank you very much in advance!