Lymphedema?

[whethergirl]

I plan to go to the docs to get this checked out on Tuesday, and don't want to unnecessarily go to the walk in clinic, which will be crammed today, with my 7 year old.

I had breast cancer over 10 years ago, and had my lymph nodes removed as a result. I've had no problems since and have never had Lymphedema before. A boil on my armpit has been brewing since yesterday, and today it is more swollen (but no head) and I noticed there is a reddish patch on the inner top part of my arm, next to the boil, it is slightly swollen but soft.

Is it possible to get Lymphodema in this way? I've just had a look online but to be honest all the pictures and descriptions are making me feel really queasy - not normally like me at all.

You can understand my predicament thought - 2 or more hours in a hospital waiting room with a bored and tired 7 year old. Also, I always prefer to see my own doctor, I've been diagnosed incorrectly at this walk in hospital before and given the wrong antibiotics.

Yes. I would get it checked. It might just be localised swelling from the infection and may need antibiotics. I think you should be cautious of any possible infection that might cause swelling in your limbs especially with your medical history.

whethergirl - I've also had lymph nodes in my armpit removed after breast cancer, I think you should keep a very close eye on the infection from your boil - I had an insect bite on my wrist and a red line started going up my arm very suddenly, - I went to a&e, and they said I was absolutely right to go and triaged me to the front of the queue.

Don't want to alarm you, but do be vigilant, because you have nothing there to fight the infection it can get nasty quite quickly. (Mine went from small bite which looked OK, to big red line up my arm and all swollen within about an hour) Keep checking it very regularly to see if the red patch is getting bigger.

Obviously I don't know, but I would guess it is more likely to be infection than lymphodema causing your swelling.

Well I didn't go in the end, and I've been checking regularly and it hasn't got much worse. The red patch is definitely a sign of infection because it is warm to touch.

Not sure if my usual GP is open tomorrow....or are they normally closed on Easter Monday?

I think normal surgery may be closed tomorrow, - but ring the OOH or try a walk-in centre.

It's good it hasn't got worse, but do get it checked tomorrow. Hope you feel better soon

Thank you KurriKurri, I never think of calling OOH so will give them a go. I think I will have to see someone tomorrow as my arm is starting to feel a bit numb.

If your arm is starting to go numb then you should probably consider going tonight.