- Always try to use positive reinforcement rather than negative, ie., – what I cannot do
- Change limb position often rather than let it rest in one position too long
- Try to sleep so that your body weight is not pressing on the affected limb. If at all possible, sleep with affected area elevated.
- Exercise with compression beginning with shorter periods of time gradually increasing to tolerance. “Cause and effect” – how what you do affects your lymphedema condition
- Carry bags & heavy loads on the unaffected side.
- Use the unaffected side for B/P measurements, injections and any invasive therapy
- Avoid any injury to affected side, eg. shaving etc.
- Have MLD performed immediately on recent hematoma/bruising
- Avoid sunburns and keep affected area/areas out of sun
- Avoid any tight constricting clothing: watch bands, bra straps, elasticized socks, etc
- Wear watch on unaffected side.
- Allow nothing to pinch the affected side
- Keep affected area clean, soft and supple by using cleansing lotions and creams
- Use tepid water rather than hot water when washing or bathing affected area.
- Report to your lymphedema specialist any chafing, redness, indentation, loose or tightness of compression garment.
- Wash compression garments each evening after wear. Wash bandages every 3-4 days when used daily during intensive combined decongestive therapy
- Wear a light prosthesis (breast form) on the affected side
- Keep your body weight down or try to loose weight if you are overweight
- Keep salt intake down – “as salt goes, so goes water”
- Refrain from eating refined sugars or anything containing refined sugars.
- Reduce fat and fatty foods in your diet
- Make sure your protein intake is equitable to your size, weight, body build & metabolism
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