The Last Eight Ways To Protect Affected Limbs
© Keith Smiley
In the last two articles, I've listed the first sixteen. Here are the last eight ways to protect an affected limb.
17. If you live in a damp or humid climate, and your skin is frequently moist, try dusting the skin with cornstarch. This also works for feet during the summer months. Keeping the skin dry helps reduce fungi.
18. Maintain your ideal weight and drink plenty of pure water. The recommended quantity of water is one ounce for every two pounds of body weight. Example: If you weigh 128 pounds, drink 64 ounces, or two quarts of water daily.
19. Many lymphedema patients have a misunderstanding about protein. They believe that because lymphedema is a high protein edema, they should avoid eating protein. This is not true. A no protein diet will weaken connective tissues and cells. This will make the condition worse. Your diet should consist of easily digestible proteins, between 10 and 30 percent of your total caloric intake. Know when to get help.
20. It can be helpful to have a professional assessment annually. If you have a leg at risk, visiting a podiatrist can insure that your feet stay healthy.
21. MLD, manual lymph drainage, is a recognized therapy not only as a treatment for lymphedema, but for prevention as well. If you have had lymph nodes removed, your immune system is compromised. MLD helps to increase immune response. Other forms of massage therapy should be avoided on the at-risk limb, because they temporarily shut down the lymph vessels in that area. These include deep tissue, reflexology, rolfing, shiatsu, Swedish, etc.
22. Thoroughly examine the affected limb monthly. Do not ignore any swelling in the affected arm, leg, chest wall, armpit, back, groin, abdomen or genitals. Report any swelling immediately. Or, if any of the following are present; redness, inflammation, blistering, rash, warmth in the limb, fever, change in the texture of the skin, or lymph leakage through the skin, see your oncologist or physician immediately. Any of these can be the onset or worsening of lymphedema.
23. The lymph system is an important part of your immune system, and removal of lymph nodes compromises your immune response in the at risk limb. If you get a cut, scrape, or other break in the skin, use a topical antibiotic, and notify your physician at once. Your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic to reduce your risk of developing an infection. Remember, an infection in an at-risk limb can lead to the onset of lymphedema if it is not treated promptly.
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