Compression sleeves

I had my mastectomy & axillary node clearance in 2015 and it was never suggested that I should wear a compression sleeve to prevent lymphoedema.

I have now developed lymphoedema - I noticed early this year that my upper arm seemed thicker on the ANC side;  there was no obvious cause that I can think of. I was referred to the lymphoedema clinic who make very detailed measurements to determine the appropriate size and compression level that you require for your sleeve.

I would not think that this is something you can buy for yourself without advice from a specialist. - But I may well be wrong. You could ask your BC nurse for advice.

...And having worn the sleeve daily for the last 6 weeks there's no way I would choose to wear it unless I had to !

Thank you very much for your swift reply. This is much appreciated!

Totally agree with scared_2, an ill fitting sleeve could do more harm than good! Especially when you take into account that one thing you need to avoid when you have had nodes removed, is anything restrictive on that arm….hence the reason they suggest blood pressure to be taken from your good arm! 

I’ve worn my sleeve for the last 7 years! Almost every day and believe me, I wish I didn’t have too!

Good Luck with your surgery  and fingers crossed your nodes are clear! In which case your risk of developing Lymphoedema is even lower! Take care. Sal xx

I had sentinel lymph nodes removed (3 in total) and my oncologist said my risk of lymphoedema was very low as I had so many lymph nodes remaining. I did buy compression sleeves as I am very active and use my arms a lot for hard work - but I have not used them once!

I am very outdoorsy so cuts are impossible to avoid on my operated side, especially as it is my dominant arm. I do make sure I clean any cuts and put germolene or savlon on straight away now, but other than that, I am not doing anything different.

I was told staying active was one of the best things I could do to reduce risk - it keeps everything moving in your body including your lymph system. I don't treat my arm any differently since about 6 weeks post op. 

Of course, there is much higher risk with axillary clearance so advice may be different for that.

Thank you very much LondonLass ! Much appreciated. 

I hope that your lymphoedema is manageable. 

Take care and stay safe! 

XXX

Thank you very much Beatthebreast! Much appreciated. 

I am glad that you are healing well post-op. May I know did you buy the compression sleeves a bit bigger than your arm? And which brand did you buy from?

Take care and stay safe! 

XXX

Hi - I just got my size (according to compression bandage sizing of the brand I bought_ and bought them off Amazon! I haven't even had them out the box so not sure whether they fit :-)