Have you recently undergone a
chemotherapy session and are scheduled for a lumpectomy and/or mastectomy (removal
of breasts) procedure at some point? Are you aware of lymphedema or swelling after mastectomy?
Medical procedures like mastectomy, lumpectomy and chemotherapy often end up damaging the lymph nodes which causes the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the adjoining areas like arms and legs. This inflammatory condition is known as lymphedema and it is one amongst the many common side effects of such procedures.
The irreversible damage to the lymph nodes negatively affects the body’s infection coping abilities, not to forget the great amount of inconvenience caused to the patients particularly due to the swelling after mastectomy.
Mastectomy in itself is not an easy decision to make and on top of it the problem of lymphedema is bound to make many women unhappy. However, the good news is that you can easily bring your swelling after mastectomy under control by following some easy steps.
But before you embark on any do-it-yourself program, please remember to consult your doctor or lymphedema specialist for avoiding any misadventures. Here are some of the best practices for controlling and reducing the severity of lymphatic swelling after mastectomy. Happy reading!
Do’s and Don’ts for Lymphedema after Mastectomy:
1. Avoid extremely hot water bath or sauna, as application of heat causes dilation of the nerves in the affected arm and increases the swelling with an appearance of red patchy skin. If you must feel like taking a hot water bath, then try to limit yourself to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Also, keep your affected arm raised and out of direct contact of hot water for prolonged periods of time.
2. Avoid wearing extremely tight or constricting jewellery pieces like rings or bracelets as any minor abrasion on the skin surface might in flare the chances of contracting an infection and can lead to an extremely painful situation later on.
Even for hair removal, use electric razors rather than opting for waxing.
3. Maintain a hygienic routine and report any change in the lymphic arm to your doctor or lymphedema specialist at the earliest. Be on a lookout for cuts, burns, change in skin color, hardening of skin surface.
4. Consult with your doctor and follow prescribed manual lymph drainage techniques. A good massage improves the circulation of the lymphatic fluid and reduces the swelling in the affected arm.
Keeping up with an overall mild exercise routine is always a good idea. And the bottom line is to not overdo everything at once. Make progresses slowly and gradually.
5. Wear good quality lymphedema compression arm sleeves which let your skin breath, fit properly and stay good even after repeated use and careful washing. Lymphedema compression garments can be worn all day and are a must for work outs or mild exercises.
Browse http://www.therapygarments.com for your perfect fit today and reduce swelling after mastectomy under control with our unique Bioflect FIR Therapy Lymphedema Compression Garments.