Lymphedema

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 31, 2015

Are you looking for direct patient care? Those options may be fairly limited. However, there are non-bedside options such as management positions, education, case management, quality improvement, and others that may be a possibility.

JJG0821 · Jul 31, 2015

Probably not patient care at this point. I am an LPN so I am not sure what other options are available to me. I would be open to the latter suggestions in your post but not sure if I am qualified for some of them.

OCNRN63, RN · Aug 2, 2015

I have lymphedema in both legs due to ovarian cancer. Have you tried using Lympha Press compression sleeves? They inflate then deflate like a blood pressure cuff. Mine have been very successful in working fluid out of my legs.

I'm not able to work due to other issues related to my illness, but I wanted to put this out there in case you haven't tried it.

RunnerKate · Aug 3, 2015

I'm an EMT with stage two lymphedema praecox in both of hands. My dexterity is currently being maintained with size reduction with Lasix.

Because walking and lifting pose an issue for you, I concur with the prior comments about looking into everything else out there in nursing beyond the bedside.

Good luck to you.

JJG0821 · Aug 4, 2015

OCNRN63, thanks for your reply. I have the Sequential Circulator 3008 pneumatic compression pumps. It's the 8 chamber system the use in my therapy office. I run them once nightly. I do everything possible to manage my legs (drainage exercises daily, compression stockings during the day, pumps at night and multi bandage compression wrapping before bed) but they are slowly getting worse. The problem with my legs is that they "fill up" faster now than before. I have more fibrotic tissue too, particularly in my ankles which makes wearing shoes uncomfortable after a while. I am awaiting an appealed decision for social security but I want to still try and work. I hate the idea that I have to feel financially strapped because I have to rely on SS. It's just very depressing. I hope your getting along okay. Take it easy.

JJG0821 · Aug 4, 2015

Thanks RunnerKate. I am also taking a low dose of Furosemide when I get really swollen and my systolic isn't 80 or 90! It's always so low... I can't imagine how hard it can be to deal with lymphedema in the hands. Ugh! As I said in my previous post, I do want to try something else in the nursing field so I don't have to be poor on SSD forever. I've been there before with my cancer junk and it wasn't fun...Take care. Keep running!

OCNRN63, RN · Aug 4, 2015

OCNRN63, thanks for your reply. I have the Sequential Circulator 3008 pneumatic compression pumps. It's the 8 chamber system the use in my therapy office. I run them once nightly. I do everything possible to manage my legs (drainage exercises daily, compression stockings during the day, pumps at night and multi bandage compression wrapping before bed) but they are slowly getting worse. The problem with my legs is that they "fill up" faster now than before. I have more fibrotic tissue too, particularly in my ankles which makes wearing shoes uncomfortable after a while. I am awaiting an appealed decision for social security but I want to still try and work. I hate the idea that I have to feel financially strapped because I have to rely on SS. It's just very depressing. I hope your getting along okay. Take it easy.

The physical therapist I was going to had really nice compression straps that had velcro closure; their level of compression was similar to compression garments. Much nicer than having to try to put on compression stockings or deal with multiple ACE bandages.

I can definitely sympathize with you; it is very frustrating. Take care.

JJG0821 · Aug 10, 2015

I have the Velcro straps (or Juxta fit) compression garments also. I don't use them often though, usually when I go camping because it's easier. At home I have to wrap because I find that I get the most out of wrapping. But Juxta fit just doesn't do it for me.