Reducing lymphedema risk
Hi,
Recently I had a medical procedure involving a general anaesthetic and a catheter being placed in my arm. Prior to the procedure I had informed the anesthesist and the nurses that no needles or blood pressure cuffs were to be placed on my right arm.
For some strange reason their first instinct was always to go for my right arm. Luckily I was still awake to ask them to please use my left arm. Then later in the recovery room, same story. I had to struggle to wake up enough to say left arm only.
I am glad to say that I have no further procedures like this in the near future but it makes me very nervous.
Has anyone else been in this situation and found a way to avoid trauma to arm already at risk of lymphodema?
Best to all
Kath
Comments
Hi Kathleen,
Had the same problem when I had my recon in Beaumont in February, however when I went for Physio afterwards the therapist told me all their patients receive a silicon wristband which can be worn all the time (even into surgery) stating the lymphodema risk and that no needles or blood pressure to be done on that arm. Although I did not get my initial mastectomy in Beaumont she gave me one. I think all hospitals should do the same, but if yours doesn't I did find similar bands on line at http://www.medibandireland.ie/. I ordered one for myself as I lost the hospital one (it was too large and must have fallen off when I was out). I got a medium size as my wrists are very small and it arrived within the week. I will be wearing it next week when I go for my revision surgery!
Karen.
Hi Karen
Thanks for the info. Never heard of them before. No mention of them in st. James. I'll get one online. Good luck with your finishing touches, hope all going well.
Jo.
I got a nurse or reg to write "no needles" on both sides of my left arm when I had my lift....they had no problem doing it. Must look into that wristband!
Hello Josephine, Karen and LindyLu,
Great to hear from you all and thank you so much for the ideas.
I wonder why the nurses were drawn to my 'at risk' arm all the time. Strange it happened to you too Josephine. I was also glad to hear that I am not the only one worried by the need to protect my arm.
Best wishes to you lovely ladies
Kath
Hi Kath
I think its where your bed is in relation to the door! First time I was back in hosp, my bad arm was nearest the door, second time my good arm was closest the door. And had less visits to my bad side! Btw, I also set up an obstacle course to my bad arm, moved the bedside chair and slippers on floor etc on the bad side to discourage traffic! Don't know whether that's mad or careful!
Jo x
Josephine!
You had me in stitches laughing
It's not mad, it's inspired!
Kath
Hi Kathleen
I haven't logged in for ages and I've just spent half an hour reading all the helpful posts you've put up recently. I'm delighted to be able to share some helpful hints with you now.
I was in the same situation a few months ago having an op with anaesthetic, unrelated to breast so I was afraid the theatre staff wouldn't be on the ball, so to speak re my arm. So here's what I did. I got a pen and wrote on my bad arm, no needles! Then I also asked the ward nurse if I could leave my lymphoedema sleeve on during surgery. She said there might be a risk that they would cut it off and ruin it but I thought it it was worth trying it. So I wore it and it was still there when I woke up! I remember the anaesthetist saying to someone everything will have to go in the right arm before I drifted off. Hopefully, this will help anyone else facing another op.
And yes just as you said, after op anytime I was to have blood pressure done they seemed to make a beeline for my bad arm. But I had the sleeve on continuously so it made then stop and think and I didn't have to force myself to stay alert all the time