Other treatment options include pneumatic compression pumps, which are occasionally used for our patients. Care must be taken when using these pumps in order to prevent further problems, and we strongly recommend adding self-massage to a pump protocol.
Many companies make compression sleeves and stockings. In the past you may have worn one of these without any other treatment, and may have had some problems with it. Research shows that compression garments are more effective and better tolerated when the arm or leg is decongested first.
Most of our patients have also found that the knitted garments are more comfortable and effective than the old seamed ones that they used to wear. Standard sizes of knitted garments also allow us to fit many patients at a lower cost.
Precautions Following Removal of Underarm Lymph Nodes
These precautions are presented to you to help prevent any complications that might result from having some of the lymph nodes removed from under your arm. As we cannot regrow our lymph nodes, we suggest that you follow these precautions for the rest of your life. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your Physician or Physical Therapist.
Use your arm as normally as possible. Avoid cradling or protecting your arm against your body, or pulling your shoulder forward to protect your surgery area.
Protect the skin:
-Protect the skin of the arm on the surgery side from cuts, scrapes, burns or other breaks in the skin.
-Use rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning the house, or using any chemical cleaners.
-Use gloves when gardening, and be sure to turn them inside-out to clean them after each use.
-Use oven mitts to avoid burns when cooking, and get into the habit of removing covers from microwaved foods with the other hand.
-Use cuticle cream and push the cuticles back, rather than cutting them.
-Beware of burns from the iron, and heated hair styling aids.
-Use insect repellent when exposed to biting or stinging insects.
-If you smoke, always hold the cigarette in the other hand.
-ALWAYS have blood tests and injections done on the other arm. Click here to order a Medical Alert Card
-Wash all cuts or breaks in the skin well, apply an antibacterial agent (such as Bacitracin or Neosporin), and protect with a "band-aid" until it has healed.
Call your Physician immediately if you have any of the following signs of infection in your arm on the surgery side: -Local pain; localized redness; new or sudden swelling; localized increase in the temperature of the skin.
-It is always best to treat any signs of infection promptly. If you have any concerns about these signs please discuss them with your Physician or Physical Therapist.
Prevent Burns: Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on the arm, and front and back of the chest on the surgery side.
Keep the skin well conditioned by using moisturizing lotion such as Eucerin, Curel, Dermal Therapy or Johnson & JohnsonÕs baby lotion daily.
Use an electric shaver to shave under that arm to avoid cuts.
Prevent Constriction: Avoid binding or constricting the arm on the surgery side.
ALWAYS have blood pressure taken on the other arm.
Wear only loose jewelry and watch on that arm. You may wish to remove rings from that hand at night.
Carry your purse on the other shoulder, and lighten its load.
Prevent Muscle Strain Avoid heavy activity such as shoveling snow, vacuuming, carrying groceries, for the first 6 - 8 weeks, then build your activity level gradually. Lift or move objects carefully to avoid muscle strain. If you "strain" a muscle, you may use ice for up to 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling.Take the following precautions when flying:
-Decrease your intake of salt, alcohol, and caffeine; drink plenty of water and juice to prevent dehydration.
-Decrease preservatives in diet; instead eat fresh foods including salads and fruit.
-Avoid carrying your heavy luggage; instead try using curbside checks or wheeled luggage.
-Avoid sitting still; move about frequently; perform range of motion exercises or muscle pumping exercises provided by your therapist.
-Provide compression to your limb to counteract the change in cabin pressure.
-Elevate your limb above your heart when sitting still.
