Lymphedema

So we're back to the drawing board. I am now being treated for lymphedema. Big boo. I am also being sort of treated for tendonitis. It's a combination between the two. I am now sporting a compression sleeve and glove with fingers. I got it on Wednesday and have been wearing it during the day. I went to the Transitions "store" at Providence Portland. The lady there was so nice. She even threw in a purple tie dye sleeve "on the house." I need to wear the sleeve all day long until I go on vacation. Then she said that I could wear it whenever I need it. Of course I will wear it on the plane. Hopefully it will do the trick.

Today at Physical Therapy I told my therapist that my hand looks even more swollen. She said the fluid is pooling in my hand and the glove may be loose. So now I have a piece of foam inside it. It feels better. I feel like the fluid can now move out of my fingers and out of my hand. We shall see. I have another appointment on Monday and then a follow up on Tuesday when I get back.

The worst part of the glove - washing your hands in the bathroom after going pee. Most inconvenient. Ah the littlest and stupidest things.

Oh and did I mention that I don't have an appointment with the gynoc until April 17! They only schedule these types of appointments once a month. Of course the once this month happens when I am on vacation. Oh well, I guess I'll schedule my surgery in later April early May.

A new diagnosis

Had my first physical therapy treatment yesterday for my hand swelling. It is edema, but my PT says that she thinks it's tendonitis rather than lymphedema. Wahoo! The swelling is not bad (she took lots of measurements of my arm, hands and fingers). My fingers were swollen. My wrist was a bit bigger compared to my right hand. When I relayed the symptoms to her and how the pain is radiating up my lower arm right along a tendon, she diagnosed me as tendonitis. So now I've got to do stretches. In addition, they gave me a treatment called iontophoresis. I receive medication via an electric charge. So far it's helping in the area that it was applied. The medication is absorbed directly in the affected area. Today I noticed the pain is less. In addition, the swelling in my middle and index fingers are a little less swollen. They're still swollen, but it has gone down. The swollen fingers may be a direct side effect of the tendonitis. Pray that it's not lymphedema.

Nevertheless, I am getting a prescription for a compression sleeve and glove. I will wear it when I fly next month to Florida. I don't mind. I would rather prevent lymphedema.

So that's it. My next appointment is next week. :)