The incidence of arm or leg swelling (lymphedema) in patients undergoing surgery after cancer is around 25%. This rate increases slightly in patients receiving radiotherapy and reaches around 40%. This is because radiotherapy blocks or destroys newly formed anastomotic pathways. In the remaining patient group, lymphedema formation is caused by the careless behavior of the patients. For this reason, patients should be informed about what they should pay attention to in their daily lives after surgery.
-Do not wear tight shoes
-Make sure that clothes such as skirts, underwear, pants, belts do not cut your skin.
-Be careful when cutting nails
-Take care of your feet
General recommendations:
-Use an electric razor and pay attention to the cleanliness of the razor blade
-Do not enter the sauna
-Beware of sunburns
-Allergic cosmetics be careful with materials
-Beware of cat and dog scratching
-Beware of athlete's foot
-Beware of insect stings and bites
-Sports such as cycling, aerobics, weight lifting put a load on your legs. Sports such as swimming and diving are beneficial.
-Take care of your weight
-Eat adequate and balanced nutrition
-Do not prefer hot and tropical regions on vacation
-Do not have injections or needles in your affected leg
-Consult a doctor when you see signs of infection
-Consult a knowledgeable specialist for your questions about your affected leg
-Strictly don't smoke
-You may need to change and regulate your lifestyle, but do not be victimized by this disease.
-After your swollen leg due to your insufficient lymph system becomes normal or close to normal with treatment, different problems await those who forget the details and do not pay attention to their care.
-Compression garments should be worn all day. It should only be taken off at night.
-If you are going out for special occasions, you may not wear your clothes for this time only. However, do not do this after a few months of treatment. Your textures are g It may not be tripled.
-Measure your leg at least once a month or have someone measure it. Inform your therapist if there is any significant change.
-Change your compression garment according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you feel loose or wear easily, either your leg has shrunk or your clothing has stretched. There should be no redness or pity at any point, if this occurs, seek help from your therapist. Wash regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Recommendations for patients with arm lymphedema:
-Do not carry heavy luggage and packages with your affected arm
-Be careful when using a knife, do not cut your hand
-Be careful with your hand while sewing so that the needle does not prick
-Do not open the oven door without gloves in your hand
-Be careful when ironing, do not burn your hands
-Bras should not be tight around the rib cage and on the shoulders. Good support of one helps to prevent edema by shaping your other breast. Use a wide shoulder strap and, if needed, place some cotton pads under the strap and chest strap
-Your breast prosthesis should be light.
-Make sure that clothes such as skirts, underwear, pants, belts do not cut your skin
-Be careful not to cut your nails while trimming your nails
-Do not get a manicure, do not cut your cuticles
-Do not apply heat to your shoulder at the hairdresser
-Use an electric razor
It is in your hands to live well with this disease. After following your therapist's recommendations and wearing your compression garment regularly, you won't have too many problems. But you must strictly implement the things that need attention.
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