Compression sleeve for prevention?

Hello @CWMC. I had bilateral axillary clearance 11years ago. I was really worried about the risk of lymphoedema, and asked them if I could be measured fir sleeves, even though I had not yet developed it in the arms. They agreed, but I had to pay for them. I found them a godsend. I went to Australia shortly after finishing XRT. I wore them in the plane, as pressure changes can affect lymph drainage. Then I cam across horrible biting insects, so just wore them all of my time there. Subsequently I wear them if I get insect bites, or have had to have a cannula or drip. I don’t have a good arm! When I had bowel cancer I had to have a lot of drips and always asked that a dr did it, same fir blood letting. I ask them to use a vein in the back of the hand as it is less likely to cause swelling further up. I have been very lucky so far. As regards BP checks, I saw a lovely cardiologist when my BP was out of control. He found a paper online which stated that risks of blood letting and BP checks are exaggerated.I have BP checks on the arm, a d ask that they are not over zealous. I used to have it done on the leg, but the reading is 20 units higher, and this is not safe. I don’t feel the need to wear the sleeves all the time, and would not want to. I add that I have private insurance, which may have made them more amenable to letting me have measured sleeves. I would be wary of just buying them.

Good luck x

Hi seaspirit44 just wanted to add that the paper you talk of was written by Dr's! Most of whom don't believe Lymphoedema is that big an issue! After the paper came out someone on here mentioned it and I asked my Lymphoedema nurse who I had an appointment with at the time. She said as far as the nurses are concerned any blood draws or BPs should be done on the healthy are, where possible!! 

Even if the risk of Lyphodeoma being made worse or it causing Lymphoedma is only a small risk. Is it worth taking IF there is another option?!

I recall having a debate about this when the aneathnatist was about to put me to sleep. He was very blaise about Lymphoedema, to which I replied it's my body and my arm! I don't wear the sleeve for fun! He apologised and promised all lines would be on the right hand side! 

Living with Lyphoedema is hard enough without so called experts belittling it!! It makes me so cross and sad that some of us are left with this life long side effect and yet they still try and make out its "not real" or "not that bad"!! 

I'll get off my soap box now  xxxx

Thank you very much seaspirit44 for your detailed answer. Sorry for the late reply as the notification went into my junk mail box. 

May I know the size of the compression sleeves that you bought from them? I meant were they based on your actual measurement or a bit bigger? Many thanks again.

Hi , I went to the physio who dels with it, and was measured, and they were specially made. You might find it useful to contact the Lymphoedema Support Network for further help.

LondonLass, I too have found that most docs dismiss lymphooedema,  it I was glad to have the reassurance from the cardiologist as both my arms are at risk , I don’t have a good arm! Xx