Is this Lymphoedema?

Hi, I had rt SMX last May and ALC last July, sounds like lymphoedema. My rt arm always feels slightly bigger than lt arm but not particularly noticeable, only to me really but last autumn my arm and fingers became rather puffy but I found the more I used my arm the better and the swelling goes down. Go back to your post op exercises and I found holding my arm above my head and massaging helps too, if you speak to your bcn she can maybe refer you for some lymphatic drainage? 

Thanks Parisa I'll try your suggestions. Fingers crossed

Hi I would be asked to be referred to the lymphoedema clinic, my boob is swollen, it got worse after radiotherapy so I referred myself, best thing I could have done. The nurse checked it and gave me exercises for manual drainage and also measured my both arms so she had a reference, I’ve got another appointment next month. It made me feel much more relieved as she knows what she’s looking for and I didn’t. 

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I've contacted the BCN team. The Lymphoedema specialist only works later in the week so now waiting for her to come in. I've got the impression there could be a bit of a wait for an appointment which is a little concerning but I'll follow up on Thu/ Friday to find out the state of play.  I need a bit of reassurance. I'm pretty sure it's Lymphoedema... Mild... But don't want it to get worse, don't know why it's suddenly reared its head so will feel better one I've been given some specialist guidance.

Hi

I developed lymphodema immediately after surgery. Surgery was on the Tuesday, by the Friday when I went back to hospital to have drain removed, my arm was pretty swollen. Referred immediately to lymphodema clinic and go every 6 months or so to have my arm measured and the correct compression sleeves ordered. I've also done simple lymph drainage exercises and had manual drainage done at the clinic and I have a special kind of reflexology for lymphodema which I have found helpful.

Although mine developed very quickly after having lymph nodes removed, it can appear at any time, even years after surgery. If you have had lymph nodes removed then you need to be aware of the risk of lymphodema for probably the rest of your life. I have injections, bloods taken from my non surgery side and have a band I wear round my wrist sometimes to warn that I am not to have blood or blood pressure taken or any needles inserted  into that arm.

Incidentally, radiotherapy can also cause fluid retention, as can certain medications.

Thanks. Lots of info there. I have started a new medication... I'll look into that to see if that is a contributing factor. Never a dull moment. Take care. X

I had pain in right arm and put it down to Letrozole. I saw the surgeon and was referred to Sirona  lymphoedema  nurse. Now wear compression sleeve and do daily lymphatic drainage exercises. Some days very painful but exercise seems to help. Ask your BCN if you are still suffering. Take care.