HEALTH ALERT: LYMPHEDEMA
osted: Fri 6:35 PM, Oct 12, 2018
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) -- Removing lymph nodes is an important part of breast cancer treatment. This allows doctors to determine whether cancer has spread from its primary site. Joining us tonight on Health Alert is Ginny Vincent, MOTR/L, MLD/CDT, occupational therapist certified lymphedema therapist at UHC.
Question: So, what is lymphedema?
Answer: Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or torso on the side where your lymph nodes were removed. This is called the affected side. Lymphedema develops when the lymph vessels in an area are no longer able to carry all the fluid away from the area. If this happens, the fluid can build up and cause swelling.
Question: What puts one at risk for lymphedema and how long does it take for lymphedema to develop?
Answer: Lymphedema can develop suddenly or gradually. It can happen soon after surgery or can develop months or years later.
Studies show that the risk of developing lymphedema is different based on how the lymph nodes were removed. There are 2 types of surgeries used to remove lymph nodes.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: between 1 and a few lymph nodes are removed from the armpit to check for cancer. With a sentinel lymph node biopsy, the risk of developing lymphedema is low.
• Axillary lymph node dissection: more lymph nodes are removed from the armpit. This is done to remove additional lymph nodes that may have cancer. With an axillary lymph node dissection, the risk of developing lymphedema is higher than it is with a sentinel node biopsy.
Damage to your lymphatic system can also increase your risk of developing lymphedema. The following things can damage your lymphatic system:
-Radiation therapy to your armpit
-An infection after surgery
-Severe injury to your surgical area or the affected arm (such as a serious burn or wound)
-Tumor growth
-Weight gain after treatment, or being overweight
Question: What are the signs of lymphedema and what should one do it presents itself?
Answer: Some mild swelling after surgery is normal. This swelling may last for up to 6 weeks, but it’s temporary and will gradually go away. You may also feel pain or other sensations after surgery, such as twinges and tingling. These feelings are common and aren’t necessarily signs of lymphedema.
The following are signs of lymphedema:
• A feeling of heaviness, aching, or pain on the side of your surgery
• A tight feeling in the skin of your arm, hand, or breast
• Decreased flexibility in your arm, hand, or fingers
• Swelling or changes in your skin, such as tightness or pitting (skin that stays indented after being pressed)
You may notice lymphedema for the first time during or just after one of the following events:
• Injury
• Infection
• Burn
• Strenuous activity
• Significant weight gain
• Air travel (because of pressure changes)
These events probably aren’t the cause of the lymphedema, but they may make the swelling noticeable. This initial swelling may get better or even go away in 1 to 2 days.
Call your doctor if you notice that you have any signs of lymphedema. Look for signs of infection, such as your arm becoming swollen, painful, red, or warm. Call your doctor if you notice any of these signs, even if they go away. An infection in the arm or breast on your affected side is serious because it may get worse quickly. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or order more tests, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Question: How can I lower my risk of developing lymphedema?
Answer: There is no way to know who will develop lymphedema, but there are things you can do that may lower your risk:
• Exercise and stretch your muscles on a regular basis. Don’t overwork your body; if you feel discomfort, take a break.
• Maintain or safely work towards a healthy body weight.
• If you get a cut or scratch on your at-risk arm or hand, clean the area with soap and water and apply antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin® or Neosporin®. Cover the area with a bandage.
• If you get a burn on your at-risk arm or hand, apply a cold pack or cold water for 15 minutes, clean the area with soap and water, and cover it with a bandage.
• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased heat, or tenderness.
• Blood draws and injections (shots) in your at-risk arm
-If you had a sentinel lymph node biopsy, it’s better to have your blood drawn and shots given on your arm that’s not at risk for lymphedema. However, you can use your at-risk arm if needed.
- If you had an axillary lymph node dissection, always use your arm that’s not at risk, unless your doctor tells you it’s okay.
-If lymph nodes were removed on both sides of your body, talk with your doctor about which arm would be safest to use.
• Be careful not to get sunburned. Use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it often.
• Use insect repellent to avoid stings and bug bites.
• Use a lotion or cream daily to help protect the skin on your at-risk arm and hand. Don’t use scissors to cut your cuticles; instead, push them back with a cuticle stick.
• Wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or cleaning with harsh detergent or steel wool.
• Be careful if you shave under your at-risk arm; consider using an electric razor. If you get a cut while shaving, take care of it following the instructions above.
• Don’t use heating pads or hot-packs on your at-risk arm or shoulder.
• Take off any tight or heavy jewelry or clothing that has tight elastic and leaves a mark on your arm. These things can lead to swelling.
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) -- Removing lymph nodes is an important part of breast cancer treatment. This allows doctors to determine whether cancer has spread from its primary site. Joining us tonight on Health Alert is Ginny Vincent, MOTR/L, MLD/CDT, occupational therapist certified lymphedema therapist at UHC.
Question: So, what is lymphedema?
Answer: Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or torso on the side where your lymph nodes were removed. This is called the affected side. Lymphedema develops when the lymph vessels in an area are no longer able to carry all the fluid away from the area. If this happens, the fluid can build up and cause swelling.
Question: What puts one at risk for lymphedema and how long does it take for lymphedema to develop?
Answer: Lymphedema can develop suddenly or gradually. It can happen soon after surgery or can develop months or years later.
Studies show that the risk of developing lymphedema is different based on how the lymph nodes were removed. There are 2 types of surgeries used to remove lymph nodes.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: between 1 and a few lymph nodes are removed from the armpit to check for cancer. With a sentinel lymph node biopsy, the risk of developing lymphedema is low.
• Axillary lymph node dissection: more lymph nodes are removed from the armpit. This is done to remove additional lymph nodes that may have cancer. With an axillary lymph node dissection, the risk of developing lymphedema is higher than it is with a sentinel node biopsy.
Damage to your lymphatic system can also increase your risk of developing lymphedema. The following things can damage your lymphatic system:
-Radiation therapy to your armpit
-An infection after surgery
-Severe injury to your surgical area or the affected arm (such as a serious burn or wound)
-Tumor growth
-Weight gain after treatment, or being overweight
Question: What are the signs of lymphedema and what should one do it presents itself?
Answer: Some mild swelling after surgery is normal. This swelling may last for up to 6 weeks, but it’s temporary and will gradually go away. You may also feel pain or other sensations after surgery, such as twinges and tingling. These feelings are common and aren’t necessarily signs of lymphedema.
The following are signs of lymphedema:
• A feeling of heaviness, aching, or pain on the side of your surgery
• A tight feeling in the skin of your arm, hand, or breast
• Decreased flexibility in your arm, hand, or fingers
• Swelling or changes in your skin, such as tightness or pitting (skin that stays indented after being pressed)
You may notice lymphedema for the first time during or just after one of the following events:
• Injury
• Infection
• Burn
• Strenuous activity
• Significant weight gain
• Air travel (because of pressure changes)
These events probably aren’t the cause of the lymphedema, but they may make the swelling noticeable. This initial swelling may get better or even go away in 1 to 2 days.
Call your doctor if you notice that you have any signs of lymphedema. Look for signs of infection, such as your arm becoming swollen, painful, red, or warm. Call your doctor if you notice any of these signs, even if they go away. An infection in the arm or breast on your affected side is serious because it may get worse quickly. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or order more tests, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Question: How can I lower my risk of developing lymphedema?
Answer: There is no way to know who will develop lymphedema, but there are things you can do that may lower your risk:
• Exercise and stretch your muscles on a regular basis. Don’t overwork your body; if you feel discomfort, take a break.
• Maintain or safely work towards a healthy body weight.
• If you get a cut or scratch on your at-risk arm or hand, clean the area with soap and water and apply antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin® or Neosporin®. Cover the area with a bandage.
• If you get a burn on your at-risk arm or hand, apply a cold pack or cold water for 15 minutes, clean the area with soap and water, and cover it with a bandage.
• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased heat, or tenderness.
• Blood draws and injections (shots) in your at-risk arm
-If you had a sentinel lymph node biopsy, it’s better to have your blood drawn and shots given on your arm that’s not at risk for lymphedema. However, you can use your at-risk arm if needed.
- If you had an axillary lymph node dissection, always use your arm that’s not at risk, unless your doctor tells you it’s okay.
-If lymph nodes were removed on both sides of your body, talk with your doctor about which arm would be safest to use.
• Be careful not to get sunburned. Use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it often.
• Use insect repellent to avoid stings and bug bites.
• Use a lotion or cream daily to help protect the skin on your at-risk arm and hand. Don’t use scissors to cut your cuticles; instead, push them back with a cuticle stick.
• Wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or cleaning with harsh detergent or steel wool.
• Be careful if you shave under your at-risk arm; consider using an electric razor. If you get a cut while shaving, take care of it following the instructions above.
• Don’t use heating pads or hot-packs on your at-risk arm or shoulder.
• Take off any tight or heavy jewelry or clothing that has tight elastic and leaves a mark on your arm. These things can lead to swelling.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 14, No. 8
ORIGINAL PAPERS Six Weeks of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Improves Pain and Fatigue in Women with Fibromyalgia
Eduard Alentorn-Geli Jaume Padilla Gerard Moras Cristina Lázaro Haro Joaquim Fernández-Solà
Published Online:6 Nov 2008https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0050
Abstract
AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week traditional exercise program with supplementary whole-body vibration (WBV) in improving health status, physical functioning, and main symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) in women with FM.Methods: Thirty-six (36) women with FM (mean ± standard error of the mean age 55.97 ± 1.55) were randomized into 3 treatment groups: exercise and vibration (EVG), exercise (EG), and control (CG). Exercise therapy, consisting of aerobic activities, stretching, and relaxation techniques, was performed twice a week (90 min/day). Following each exercise session, the EVG underwent a protocol with WBV, whereas the EG performed the same protocol without vibratory stimulus. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was administered at baseline and 6 weeks following the initiation of the treatments. Estimates of pain, fatigue, stiffness, and depression were also reported using the visual analogue scale.Results: A significant 3 × 2 (group × time)-repeated measures analysis of variance interaction was found for pain (p = 0.018) and fatigue (p = 0.002) but not for FIQ (p = 0.069), stiffness (p = 0.142), or depression (p = 0.654). Pain and fatigue scores were significantly reduced from baseline in the EVG, but not in the EG or CG. In addition, the EVG showed significantly lower pain and fatigue scores at week 6 compared to the CG, whereas no significant differences were found between the EG and CG (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Results suggest that a 6-week traditional exercise program with supplementary WBV safely reduces pain and fatigue, whereas exercise alone fails to induce improvements.
ORIGINAL PAPERS Six Weeks of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Improves Pain and Fatigue in Women with Fibromyalgia
Eduard Alentorn-Geli Jaume Padilla Gerard Moras Cristina Lázaro Haro Joaquim Fernández-Solà
Published Online:6 Nov 2008https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0050
Abstract
AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week traditional exercise program with supplementary whole-body vibration (WBV) in improving health status, physical functioning, and main symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) in women with FM.Methods: Thirty-six (36) women with FM (mean ± standard error of the mean age 55.97 ± 1.55) were randomized into 3 treatment groups: exercise and vibration (EVG), exercise (EG), and control (CG). Exercise therapy, consisting of aerobic activities, stretching, and relaxation techniques, was performed twice a week (90 min/day). Following each exercise session, the EVG underwent a protocol with WBV, whereas the EG performed the same protocol without vibratory stimulus. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was administered at baseline and 6 weeks following the initiation of the treatments. Estimates of pain, fatigue, stiffness, and depression were also reported using the visual analogue scale.Results: A significant 3 × 2 (group × time)-repeated measures analysis of variance interaction was found for pain (p = 0.018) and fatigue (p = 0.002) but not for FIQ (p = 0.069), stiffness (p = 0.142), or depression (p = 0.654). Pain and fatigue scores were significantly reduced from baseline in the EVG, but not in the EG or CG. In addition, the EVG showed significantly lower pain and fatigue scores at week 6 compared to the CG, whereas no significant differences were found between the EG and CG (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Results suggest that a 6-week traditional exercise program with supplementary WBV safely reduces pain and fatigue, whereas exercise alone fails to induce improvements.
FIRST STEPS TO WELLNESS
- Drink enough “good” water, YL Lemon essential oil aids in creating “good water”
- Decrease sugar with the goal of eliminating sugar, look for “hidden sugar”, read labels
- Replace favorite foods with new and improved versions, Pinterest is a great resource
- Switch personal care products to those without harmful chemicals, read labels
- Switch cleaning products to those without harmful chemicals, read labels
- Get enough rest, researchers say 8 hrs is still the best
- Practice forgiveness, toward others and yourself
- Get moving, find what you enjoy doing
- Limit computer, personal device time
- Quiet yourself 2 hrs before bedtime
- Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, set it apart for rest
- Cell phone placed in another room at night
- Find likeminded people, engage in conversation
- Practice thankfulness, prayer, meditation
- Set healthy boundaries
- Serve others
- Breathe deeply from your diaphragm