Lymphedema “Red Flags”

Lymphedema “Red Flags”

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Lymphedema “Red Flags”

Lymphedema “Red Flags”
Jan 20, 2022
Lymphedema

It is important to note that it is possible for lymphedema to develop in the future even if you have been asymptomatic.  Symptoms can present even years down the road particularly if you have a major lifestyle or health status change.

Patients often ask how they will know if they are developing lymphedema.  Here are the top “warning signals” from your body that you should pay attention to – 

  • Swelling in your arms, hands, fingers, shoulder, breast, and/or neck.  
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness
  • Your arm, hand, or shoulder feels “stuck” and is hard to move
  • Bras, clothing, rings, and/or watches feel tight

It is important to note that it is common to have pain and swelling after surgery. However, after you heal from surgery, you need to watch for the symptoms above. Additionally, symptoms can occur slowly over many months or very quickly. 

Our goal is to keep you at stage 0, but, if that is not possible, we have a number of strategies in place to help you at any stage.  

Please call your doctor immediately if you have signs of an infection, like redness, warmth, pain, or fever.

For more information about breast cancer care and support, please visit https://nfrmc.com/specialties/breast-cancer/.

This blog was written by Samantha Ream, M.Ed., Ed.S., LMT.

Lymphedema