SELF-CARE

Self-care daily habits are important to managing this disease. The most important of these is wearing daily compression, for which most people choose to wear garments such as sleeves or socks, but other options are available. You can view a list of fitters for compression garments on our Therapist/Fitters page.

Once you have visited a doctor for a lymphedema diagnosis as well as a certified MLD/CDT therapist to guide you through the reduction and maintenance phases, you will then be able to continue managing mostly on your own.

COMPRESSION

Regularly wearing compression garments is a must.

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING
also known as belly breathing, can help move lymph fluid through the body and stimulate the lymphatic system.

SELF-MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE (MLD)

Self-MLD Upper Body Instructions

Self-MLD Lower Body Instructions

Self-MLD Head and Neck instructions

Self-MLD Genital instructions

or videos on Self-MLD, see Cancer Rehab PT on Youtube

EXERCISE
Swimming and exercising in the water is great but any movement that generates the pumping motion to move lymph around your body is great.

Exercise ideas

SELF-BANDAGING FOR REDUCTION 

A certified MLD/CDT therapist can teach you how to self-bandage if for some reason your swelling has increased again during the maintenance phase. 

Self-bandaging for Arms and Hands Instructions

Self-bandaging for Arms and Hands (Video)

Self-bandaging for Legs and Feet Instructions

Self-bandaging for Legs and Feet (Video)

Caregiving bandaging (Video)

SKIN CARE

Maintaining your skin is important to prevent injury and reduce the risk of infection. Use neutral PH soaps and emollients (non-fragrant) to avoid drying out your skin. Avoid cuts, scrapes, abrasions and insect bites by wearing protective gloves when gardening or doing dishes. If injury occurs, wash with soap and water, apply topical antibiotics and monitor for redness, pain or swelling.

DIET

Maintain a healthy weight and eat an anti-inflammatory diet.  Certain foods may trigger more lymphatic swelling – keep track of these occasions to help better understand what works best for your body.

TRAVEL 

• Carry the lightest luggage possible. Have wheels on your check-in bag and pack a very light carry on. 
  
• If you travel with a pneumatic lymph-assist pump, you will need a doctor’s note to say the machine is for personal use only. Contact the airline in advance as you may get pre-boarding privileges and able to bring the device as a carry-on for free.
• If possible, book extra leg room seats to allow you to stretch out or elevate legs.  
  
• Get up and move frequently while on an airplane.  Wiggle your fingers and toes frequently as well. Bring a small rubber ball to pump in your palm or roll under your feet.
  
• Drink lots of water and do not hesitate to take as many washroom breaks as needed. 
  
• Wear a compression sleeve/garment and bring an extra along. Gauntlets help keep the swelling down in your hand and fingers. Once you arrive at your destination, keep it on for a couple extra hours, when possible.
  
• Find out if there is a Lymphedema support group where you are visiting and if the group has recommendations for a manual lymph massage therapist.