1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Lymphedema Pain

Posted by marchelle @marchelle, May 2 9:01pm

I have been doing chemo since July 2023, and as a side effect, I have developed pitted lymphedema in my arms, legs, thighs and side. I am in chronic pain, and my legs feel like bricks, and heavy, making it hard to walk at times. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, do you have any suggestions for me. Thank you 😊

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marchelle | @marchelle | May 11 5:54pm

I am still looking into what will best work for me. I have been trying move around more; massaging my legs just as the physical therapist showed me; I ordered ginger masaging oil from Amazon; and a wooden lymphatic paddle. I also got a lymphatic massager that heats up. I want to try more natural stuff, someone told me to incorporate more citrus (pineapples, oranges, grapefruits and lemon s) in my diet. I am really trying to get comfort before it gets worse. Thank you all for your ideas. Keep them coming.

REPLY
marchelle | @marchelle | May 11 5:44pm
In reply to @ebtexas55 "I used full body redlight therapy. You might look into a membership or buy one. Usually..." + (show)
@ebtexas55

I used full body redlight therapy. You might look into a membership or buy one. Usually Planet Fitness or a sun tanning salon.
Go to a facility that has one, tell them youd like to try a 1-3 month membership since this is for medical use. You may ask your accountant if you can deduct the cost of membership or buying a large redlight lamp.
It may give you the relief you're looking for.

Jump to this post

Thank you.

REPLY
ebtexas55 | @ebtexas55 | May 10 4:59pm

I used full body redlight therapy. You might look into a membership or buy one. Usually Planet Fitness or a sun tanning salon.
Go to a facility that has one, tell them youd like to try a 1-3 month membership since this is for medical use. You may ask your accountant if you can deduct the cost of membership or buying a large redlight lamp.
It may give you the relief you're looking for.

REPLY
1 reply
marchelle | @marchelle | May 9 4:38pm
In reply to @gingerw "@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you..." + (show)
@gingerw

@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you are finding out.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about lymphedema: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682 As you can see, there are different causes for it.

I hope you are able to get a different doctor and get the results you are looking for. Will you come back and let us know, please?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Thank you, yes I will.

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marchelle | @marchelle | May 9 4:37pm
In reply to @backincontrol "So sorry to hear that you are dealing with lymphedema pain after chemo. I had lymphedema..." + (show)
@backincontrol

So sorry to hear that you are dealing with lymphedema pain after chemo. I had lymphedema after having a 3-level fusion in my lower lumbar. My physical therapist did the lymphatic massage and it helped tremendously. She also taught me how to perform the massage on myself so I could continually move the fluid. Very helpful. God bless you as you move along with your journey. Prayers are being said for you.

Jump to this post

Thank you do much. My PT showed me the same technique. I will do better at using it.

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ladyq | @ladyq | May 7 4:05pm
In reply to @gingerw "@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you..." + (show)
@gingerw

@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you are finding out.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about lymphedema: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682 As you can see, there are different causes for it.

I hope you are able to get a different doctor and get the results you are looking for. Will you come back and let us know, please?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Yes I will let you know what is going on.

REPLY
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 6 7:19pm
In reply to @ladyq "I have lymphedema and I have never had cancer or lymph nodes removed. I have been..." + (show)
@ladyq

I have lymphedema and I have never had cancer or lymph nodes removed. I have been through physical therapy and have a pump for my legs. The Rheumatologist I did have did nothing for me but send me to the vein guy where I found out I have lymphedema. I just went today and got a vein mapping done and waiting for the results. I am in search of a new rheumatologist so I can get the pain in check if possible. I've also noticed that I may have lymphedema in my arms now and that is very painful and I hate it. My question is how can you get Lymphedema without having cancer or lymph nodes removed? Just need some answers on how I have this. Thank you and have a nice day.

Jump to this post

@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you are finding out.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about lymphedema: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682 As you can see, there are different causes for it.

I hope you are able to get a different doctor and get the results you are looking for. Will you come back and let us know, please?
Ginger

REPLY
2 replies
backincontrol | @backincontrol | May 6 6:46pm

So sorry to hear that you are dealing with lymphedema pain after chemo. I had lymphedema after having a 3-level fusion in my lower lumbar. My physical therapist did the lymphatic massage and it helped tremendously. She also taught me how to perform the massage on myself so I could continually move the fluid. Very helpful. God bless you as you move along with your journey. Prayers are being said for you.

REPLY
1 reply
ladyq | @ladyq | May 6 3:53pm

I have lymphedema and I have never had cancer or lymph nodes removed. I have been through physical therapy and have a pump for my legs. The Rheumatologist I did have did nothing for me but send me to the vein guy where I found out I have lymphedema. I just went today and got a vein mapping done and waiting for the results. I am in search of a new rheumatologist so I can get the pain in check if possible. I've also noticed that I may have lymphedema in my arms now and that is very painful and I hate it. My question is how can you get Lymphedema without having cancer or lymph nodes removed? Just need some answers on how I have this. Thank you and have a nice day.

REPLY
1 reply
marchelle | @marchelle | May 4 11:15am
In reply to @gingerw "@marchelle I have had lymphodema pain and issues myself, and understand how uncomfortable it can be...." + (show)
@gingerw

@marchelle I have had lymphodema pain and issues myself, and understand how uncomfortable it can be. Has it been ruled out that a medication is not causing this issue to get worse? I had to change one because it was causing issues, and that really helped!

As @johnbishop mentioned, compression socks can help many times. Getting out to do moderate walking and exercise when you are able will also be beneficial. And for me, the best thing was getting a local massage therapist to come to my house and do lymphatic massage. She then taught me how I could do this myself and it really made a difference! Also, watch your diet for sodium, and be sure you are hydrating enough.

Please let us know if any of the suggestions you have read here sound like something you could do, okay? I'd like to read your success story!
Ginger

Jump to this post

Thank you. I am working on my sodium intake and staying hydrated. I will look into the lymphatic massage, it sounds great for me. I will keep you updated.

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