lymphedema

The dr finally figured out what is wrong with my arm.. they say it is lymphedea and I am freaking out! I go Monday for a biopsy, then who knows where from there. I have been researching it on line, and I don't understand, everything I have read says this is usually the result of breast cancer surgery, or sometimes some other surgery.. I have not had any kind of surgery other then my RNY back in May. I am still trying to find more information but in the meantime, my mind is working overtime,(none of it good) and being up all night at work with nothing to do is not going to help matters please say a prayer things come back negative. brianna

Brianna - I have heard a little bit about Lymphedema in the past few years. Had a supervisor who had breast cancer and they took her lymph nodes out so she ended up with it in her arm. Also if you look at Amy Williams profile, you will learn a lot about it here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=W1029266563. She ended up getting it in her legs from falling and injuring herself when she didn't realize she had done so. She found physical therapy did help her though. I think from what I have read the actual problem of lymphedema isn't life threatening (I think!) and is more of an annoyance than anything. I know it can be serious like it was for Amy, but once you find out what it is, it can be worked around. I think compression bandages work well. I hope this isn't what you have, but if it is, then hopefully you'll find it is managable. The good news is you haven't had your lymph nodes out so maybe you'll regain some function whereas those who have had that done won't. Keep us posted and try not to sweat it too much. I know it's easier said than done, though, but I'm thinking positive for you!!! Dina

Brianna, I hope you are doing ok. I could not post for some reason from work the past few days, so I got up early to post from home. I'm saying a pray for you! Hope things are going better and you are feeling better. Take care!! Sherri