I agree with the comments above. My noticeable lymphedema began the year after my chemo and radiation finished. The number of lymph nodes that were removed during your surgery will probably determine the intensity of your lymphedema. You can ask your surgeon, and you can also ask for a prescription for therapy. A well-trained lymphedema therapist will want to know which lymph nodes were removed and will teach you how to do a gentle massage that will help to alleviate the problem. The other suggestions, such as wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, and such are a necessity. (These days, every time I sit at home I try to head for the recliner that will elevate my lower legs.) The therapist can help you determine which compression degree you require. (I have to wear 20-30 knee high stockings all the time except for sleeping.) You may require higher or lower compression, so it's important to have a professional help you sort it out. If you like to swim and have access to a pool, being in waist high or chest high water also helps because the pressure of the water will press the lymph fluid higher in the body, which would have happened normally if you had all your lymph nodes. I'm very sorry to say that this is a fact of life for many of us, along with the other side effects often noted on this site. Cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation all damage the body greatly. It is the price we pay for being alive after treatment. So do get treatment quickly and get into a regimen that will control your lymphedema. If I skip a day of compression stockings, my lower legs ache. That's certainly unpleasant, so do all you can to avoid it. Good luck with getting it treated and managed for minimum distress.
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jcunningham asked a questionEndometrial (Uterine) Cancer
lymphedema
7 answers-
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geekling
3 months agoSigh.
Please look up a supplement called "nattokinese" which is something from an Asian fermented food called 'natto' or fermented soybeans.
The food comes organically and it is super easy but messy to make at home.
Apparently vitamins K2 & K3 can help alleviate lymphodema but needs be used in early stages to prevent it completely.
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jcunningham
3 months agoThank you all for your feedback. I went to my doctor yesterday and will have an ultrasound today to rule out blood clots. Then begin looking at treatment for edema. I hate the idea of compression stockings nor just because of the look but because since my hysterectomy I am always so hot! Yay. Summer heat and heavy socks. I want to look at treatments that don't involve meds hopefully. Tired of pharmaceuticals in my life. Supplements I can cope with.
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