. Lymphatic fluid is made from more than water so some of the other parts of the lymphatic fluid may be left behind. This can lead to areas of hardness under the skin.
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activity should not be limited. Working out while wearing compression can help lower lymphedema. The swelling may get worse if you work out without using any compression on your swollen body part. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan. Ask your doctor if you need to limit your salt or water. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Sometimes, you are at a higher risk for getting lymphedema. Your risk goes up if you have had any lymph nodes taken out with surgery. Radiation and injuries to the lymph system can also raise your risk. ‚
If you are at risk: ‚
- Avoid getting blood pressures or needle sticks on the arm where you have had lymph nodes cut out. If not possible, then ask for the most experienced person to draw your blood. Avoid many attempts to draw blood as it can increase swelling.
- Wear protection to keep you from getting a cut or scrape. Use gloves when gardening.
- Wear long pants when walking in the woods.
- If you get a cut on your swollen body part, wash the area right away. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
- Keep your skin clean. Use lotion to keep skin from drying out and cracking.
- If your arm is at risk for getting lymphedema:
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes.
- Do not carry heavy loads.
- Do not carry a heavy purse over your shoulder.
- Push back cuticles instead of cutting them.
- Think about wearing a medical alert bracelet if you are at risk for getting lymphedema.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- A sudden increase in swelling or pain in the swollen area. This could be a sign of a serious problem called a blood clot. Call your doctor right away. You may need to go to the ER.
- Swelling in the feet or hands or a feeling of tightness in your arm or leg
- Very bad muscle pain
- Weakness in your arm or leg
- New breaks in the skin or a rash that happens and does not heal
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my swelling.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, more swelling, or weakness in my arm or leg.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have weakness or body, joint, or muscle pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/lymphedema/whateverywomanwithbreastcancershouldknow/lymphedema-with-breast-cancer-if-at-risk-for-lymphedema ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/Patient/ ‚
National Lymphedema Network ‚
http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/overview.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚