HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Swollen Arm, Lymphedema And Blood Clot In Arm

default
Posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015
Question: help for swollen arm post stated lymphedema and blood clot in r arm. 201/2 in on right and 14 1/2 in on left.
This is post cancer in breast and removal of lymph nodes. Hospital for blood clot bust and doctor stating radiation burn as cause.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Manual lymphatic drainage

Detailed Answer:
Hi

As your arm is still large and painful due to lymphedema and blood clot after breast cancer surgery and radiation i would advise Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).

MLD is a specialized technique that involves a type of gentle skin massage to help blocked lymphatic fluid drain properly into the bloodstream

This may help reduce swelling

Consult your doctor regarding this

For pain you can take tabet paracetamol 650 mg twice daily after food

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Monish De (24 minutes later)
we have done this for a long time, but if the area in question has had radiation burn will this still help? We have not found so.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Non elastic bandages and compression garments

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I will advise you non elastic bandages and compression garments such as elastic sleeves since the area had radiation burn which will place gentle pressure on the affected area.

This will helps prevent fluid from refilling and swelling after decongestion.

It is important that compression garments fit properly and that they are replaced every three to six months

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Monish De (5 hours later)
If you read back at the original explanation of XXXX's predicament, we tried all this and it became too painful to bear. He had a sleeve that he put on three times a day and it blew up tight on his arm and held it in place for 20 min. This became too painful. He also had PT for lymphedema 2 to 3 times a week for a few months to no avail. We even wonder if those treatments contributed to the blood clot and were afraid to have it massaged because of it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Position your arm carefuly

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The treatments you mentioned could have contributed to the blood clot

I would just advise you to position your arm carefuly like when you are sitting down, rest your arm up on a table, cushions or pillows rather than hanging it down by your side.

Do not stretch your arm affected arm

Regards

DR DE
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Monish De

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2229 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Swollen Arm, Lymphedema And Blood Clot In Arm

Brief Answer: Manual lymphatic drainage Detailed Answer: Hi As your arm is still large and painful due to lymphedema and blood clot after breast cancer surgery and radiation i would advise Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). MLD is a specialized technique that involves a type of gentle skin massage to help blocked lymphatic fluid drain properly into the bloodstream This may help reduce swelling Consult your doctor regarding this For pain you can take tabet paracetamol 650 mg twice daily after food Regards DR DE