REDUCING YOUR RISK OF LYMPHOEDEMA LYMPHOEDEMA SCREENING We will contact you 6 months after your surgery, again at 12 months, 18 months and 2 years for screening including arm measurements and L-Dex reading. Lymphoedema detected in the very early stages may be reversed with treatment and an appropriate self-management regime. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, NOTE CHANGES, TAKE ACTION! Report changes to your medical team. Note an increase in size, onset of swelling, change in sensation, colour or temperature in your at risk arm or breast. Treating the onset of lymphoedema at the earliest possible time improves outcomes. SKIN CARE Moisturise your skin on the at risk side regularly to assist lymphatics. Use sunscreen and insect repellent when appropriate to avoid inflammation or infection in the at risk limb. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT: BMI Obesity is a major contributing factor in developing lymphoedema. MODERATE AND REGULAR EXERCISE Return to exercise gently, building up the duration and intensity gradually. Always include a warm down. If you have any swelling or fullness in the arm during exercise you may consider wearing a gentle compression armsleeve for strenuous activity. RADIOTHERAPY Continue on with your stretching exercises to minimise any tightness in the tissue for 2 years after Radiotherapy! AIR TRAVEL There are reports of people with, or at risk of lymphoedema developing swelling in the at risk limb after air travel. However, there is a lack of evidence proving that garments are essential during air travel to prevent lymphoedema. If worn as a preventative measure, they must be fitted by a trained lymphoedema therapist to be well fitting and not cause constriction. It is equally important to move around, exercise your at risk arm and keep well hydrated during flights. We fit compression garments here at Bay Physiotherapy. TREATMENT OPTIONS
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