1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Lymphedema Pain

Posted by marchelle @marchelle, May 2, 2024

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, 2024
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, 2024

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, 2024
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

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Thank you, yes I will.

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marchelle | @marchelle | May 9, 2024
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.

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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, 2024
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.

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 6, 2024
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, 2024

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, 2024

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, 2024
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

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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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marchelle | @marchelle | May 4, 2024
In reply to @zchl "pray, Pray, and PRAY. I was told that the pressure caused by the lymphedema results in..." + (show)
@zchl

pray, Pray, and PRAY. I was told that the pressure caused by the lymphedema results in the soft muscle tissue surrounding the vessels to break off into fragments that irritates the Hell out of nearby nerves,; that there was no possible pharmaceutical treatment. Therefore, with hope and a pray: Tei Chi meditation and movement; Yoga but with toleration; abdominal breathing to move lymph - the abdominal region controls the lymph flow - obese, Lose the Weight; obesity counter productive to any and all means of pain control. See a vein doctor for Compression socks - will need exact correct measurements and pressure amount of mgH - wear them as instructed - requires adjustment(s). Lastly, a God Send, ZERO Gravity Chair with full body air bags - not cheap - go Amazon to break cost up into reasonable payments; make sure that it can be shipped to your address! For me, no luck. I live in Alaska, but I am determined. A zero gravity chair makes sense in that the lymph flow is redistributed to level off, plus the chair comes with built in Bluetooth which will help with relaxation / refousing away from the pain (Taibetan singing bowels, Hand pan drum, ect.). Any suggestion(s) for me. Mine is chronic, relentless, and at times unbearable pain. Hana, Anchorage, AK

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Thank you. I find that prayer helps, and rubbing my legs, and elevating them helps, but the pain is chronic also. I am still researching and will share my findings with you as I get them. I will for sure look into the chair...I will also say a prayer for all who are suffering with this.

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