Dear stephanie101,
Here in Indiana, it gets very humid so in summer I don't use a humidifier. In winter, the type I use is one with a fan, the blower facing me. When the lymphedema starts in with its hard bumps/lumps and swelling, I gently massage the area. As time has gone on, it seems to lessen somewhat. Yet, it is true that any type of agitation will cause it to get so bad that breathing becomes difficult. I also wear the trach strap so that it is not too tight. When I told the ENT about the edema and the humidifier strap, he was in disbelief as well. It's crazy how sensitive that area can be. Hopefully, as time goes on, he will get better. Maybe he will get the dang thing removed! If it is only a mm stopping that, it seems likely. If the trach is causing the edema, then it is a catch-22 situation. You and yours are in my thoughts. All things positive!