Leg lymphedema preventing me from bending my leg: What helps?

@johnbishop
Sorry for answering out of order. So my left leg no issues with bending i have my legs wrapped at all times. My right leg will have swelling if I dont wrap it. This is interesting as I called to confirm an appt the person on the phone told me that the last time I had to be in hospital they did I guess xrays. I forgot that but they told me that there were something about lym nodes in right leg which I was never told.. im seeing my GP on Tuesday.. I am so so upset that I just cant seem to get to the bottom of why I cant bend my right leg. Over it.
Its nice to have found a space to be able to discuss these things and hear others experiences.

Hello: My physician referred me to a lymphedema Physical therapist, I had two visits and she taught me how to do manual massage. I presently do the lymphedema exercises in the morning along with message and message at night. The messages for me helped but I had to be consistent with two a day. The PT also talked about a Air compress type sock. I haven't decided if I would try one they can be very expensive for a medical grade style. Here is a you tube site for the exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch. if it doesn't work go to you tube website - Lymphatic Drainage Exercise for the Legs: An Exercise Routine for Lymphatic Flow and Lymphedema 12 minutes long. I also use a boaster pillow at night, this helped a lot more than I could have imaged. Good luck

I havent read thru all comments.
Heres some input:

Consider full body redlight therapy and getting a small rebounder.

The redlight has become somewhat affordable for home use.
If not, join a reputable gym that has a highly rated redlight bed.

The rebounder daily 10-20 minutes will help move the lymphatic fluid.
I went to a PT for six weeks after my double mastectomy for preventative training and massage.
I was given a full body lymphatic Massage, taught how to massage myself, did breath exercises, and bushing my skin.
Lymphedema did not become an issue for me. And I believe this helped.

However, recently my friend had an issue with it. Very painful and swelling.
I researched a good gym with an exceptional redlight bed.
Theres one in our area.
I called them, spoke with the manager, explained my friend had breast cancer and asked if hed be willing to give her a special monthly membership for a discount because all she would be using was the redlight bed and no other equipment.
I explained she had lymphedema.
Interestingly, his wife is currently in remission from BC and he was VERY sympathetic and Kind.
He offered her a great rate, especially for a having one of the top of the line redlight beds in our area.
She did this for 2-3 months and it brought the pain and swelling down and no longer needs it. The rebounder and pickleball keep her lymphedema at rest.

1) find a place that has a reputable full body redlight bed or consider looking into purchasing a home redlight “sleeping bag” or panel type.
Itll run $1,500-2000.
YES, its pricey BUT,
1) your other family members can use it.
2) you can travel with it.
3) in the long run itll be cheaper.
4) it will accessible and useable for general health or other symptoms.

You MIGHT be able to deduct the purchase of the personal home redlight or the gym membership if your dr writes a medical order for treatment.

Redlight is excellent for so many issues whether preventative or with symptoms, for all kinds of health applications.
There are many places that offer it, so do your research.
Hope this helps.

@ebtexas55
Thank you for the input and I will consider the red light. In my research I never heard about red light therapy. As of today my edema has reduced to the point of no swelling or very little. I keep evolving with changing my diet, exercising and messaging. It’s only been four months since my last out break. Let’s see what’s it like in six months, then a year. I will post again in three months with an update. Thank you very much.