Lymphedema Prevention
Care of arm to avoid lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling of the arm on the side of surgery as a consequence of the removal of lymph nodes from the armpit. The prevention of lymphedema is highly desirable as it could be quite resistant to the treatment. It can happen to about 15–20 % of patients who undergo removal of axillary lymph nodes as part of breast cancer treatment. It can set in weeks, months or even years after surgery.
Precaution to be taken life-long:
• Blood pressure measurement should be avoided on the side of surgery.
• Heavyweights of more than 5 kg should not be lifted by the arm on the operated side.
• Avoid pricks and needles on the arm on the operated side.
• Cuts, stings, insect bite should be avoided.
• Tight garments, bracelets, and rings should not be worn on the affected side.
• Be careful while paring your nails. Avoid waxing of the arm on the affected side.
• In case of any accidental cuts, wash the wound carefully and apply antiseptic ointment at once.
• If there is redness or swelling in the arm, report back immediately to your treating physician.
• If you wish to undertake a trip by flight, kindly ensure you have an arm sleeve (custom made) for the arm on the operated side during the duration of the flight. Information regarding the same will be provided to you at the hospital.
Shoulder exercises after surgery
These exercises retain your ability to move your arm and shoulder and improve circulation. This will help you gradually regain normal shoulder movement if done regularly.
General Instruction:
● Start your exercise comfortably in a standing or sitting position. (First 4 exercises)
● Repeat each exercise 10 times, at least 4 to 5 times a day.
Exercise 1:
Step 1: Keeping your back and head up straight, stretch your hands to your sides to form a T shape.
Step 2: Bring both your palms forward and then lock your fingers tight without bending your elbow and make sure your hands are straight at the shoulder level.
Step 3: Now, using the hand on the unaffected area hold the other hand on (affected area) and slowly lift your both hands to the top above your head. (if you are feeling a stretch on the affected area, it is normal)
Step 4: Then, slowly release your hands and bring them back to the starting T shape position.
Exercise 2:
Step 1: Keeping your back and head up straight, stretch your hands to your sides to form a T shape.
Step 2: Bend your elbow to touch your shoulders with your fingers.
Step 3: Now lift your shoulder slowly up towards your ears and roll backward and continue this rotation (step 3) for at least 10 times. Make sure you are rotating your shoulder and not your elbow.
Exercise 3:
Step 1: Keeping your back and head up straight.
Step 2: Lift your hand of the affected side (you can keep the other hand in rest position) and bring it around the head above the ear on the opposite side, slowly bring the hand behind your head and pass through below the ear on the affected side. This would look like you are combing your hair. And repeat step 2 for 10 times.
Exercise 4:
Step 1: Make a fist (with or without using sponge ball) and squeeze slowly and gently open fingers out and relax.
Exercise 5: (This exercise needs to be done after the drain removal)
Step 1: Stand with your affected side to the wall, about 2 feet from the wall so you can touch the wall with your fingertips.
Step 2: Walk your fingers up the wall. Do not rotate your body towards the wall. While crawling up your fingers, try to move towards the wall and touch the axilla to the wall. Keep your side facing the wall even if it means you can’t go up high. Follow Step 1 and 2 for 10 times.
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