Kicking LEs butt!! Exercise & Self Care Log
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Carol,Make sure your son reports this to the state attorney general where your parents live. There is a site called caring.com that offers advice for all kinds of caregivers. Check it out.
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ptdreamers, thank you for two very good tips!
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Back from the city and exhibit. It was wonderful. I was on my feet walking (slowly) at least 2 1/2 hrs. Feet and legs are tired, but I think that's more from standing. Anyway, it was a terrific show, and we were smart to go later in the evening so it wasn't as crowded. Like music, art shows rearrange the molecules in my brain and make me feel so good. I am getting in bed now and turning out the light!! No MLD, nothing. I wore my glove all day and my hand looks the best it has in quite a few days. No jinx!!
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Tina, How is my buddy Vincient doing anyway! Seriously, I love museums but just don't have the time. My dream is for my family to drop me off at the Louvre and pick me up a year later! Which painting was your favourite there? I also get sore legs from standing at events. I think it has to do with standing in one spot on cement for long periods of time. So happy that you are in love with that hand performing the way it should. Keep doing what you are doing, I'll keep the Jinxster away.
Anyone having problems with their web area on their fingers from glove wearing? Mine is rubbing and this weird hard whitehead pimple thing popped up a couple weeks ago and won't go away. All around it is red from glove rubbing and I have to wear a bandage on it to prevent friction. The finger on the glove works its way down towards the web when I walk and fist pump. It all started once I began uping my walking a month ago. Glove is a medi 550 and fits good othewise.
Ptdreamers, Thanks for the advice. I see I am not the only one who is going crazy from parents behaviours!
Carol, Do you ever stay home! My, you certainly spread your wings! Good for you to get those walks in.
No walking today, but a marathon garden day tomorrow.
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Hugz, good idea to protect the area in the web space with a bandaid until it heals, but make sure the bandaid itself doesn't irritate a wider area. Anything you wear beneath compression gets pressed into the skin, so needs to be smooth and the edges flat--that can be hard to do when putting on a compression glove!
Once the area is healed you can use cornstarch or cornstarch baby powder patted on the web spaces before donning your glove and see if that helps cut down on the friction. I put mine into the toe end of a clean cotton sock, rubber-band the opening closed, and pat it on with that.
Keep a close eye on it throughout the day to be sure it doesn't become infected.
Yuck! Lymphedema!
Hugz right back at ya',
BinneyEdited to add: Now that you're a wrapping pro you can wrap your hand for a few days to let that heal!
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Binney, I think you just answered a question I emailed my therapist late Fri. With my rash waxing and waning on my bad arm, my therapist said not to wear sleeve, but I wondered if wrapping overnight might be okay. I always lotion up well before wrapping because I know it is drying, but since dry skin is my current issue, do you think I should stay away from wrapping until it settles down? Also, is powder drying? And if so, is it something I would avoid if my rash ultimately cycles into a patch of dry skin?
I had a realization after I stepped out of shower yesterday and noticed MORE splotches of rash popping up in new areas. First of all, I am not showering with real hot water, so I don't think that is the cause. However, it is after each shower that new areas of rash appear. I think before I went to DC I may have opened two new boxes of Dove soap. I usually use the unscented version, but I had purchased the sensitive skin version because they didn't have the other. When I had researched my soap and other personal products on the Environmental Working Group's website, I read the unscented version was safer than the sensitive skin one. I hadn't really thought about that being a possibility because I have used before without issue. Dermatologist told me manufacturers can slightly change ingredients in products without having to mention on label, so maybe that's what happened. I know I've experienced that with shampoo I have used for a while. After I buy a new bottle, I will have pimple breakouts on face or back. After switching brands - which is a process in itself to find a new favorite shampoo - the pimples go a way. If I have been lucky enough to have old bottle to compare to new one, I can usually see where they have indeed changed some of the ingredients. I know lanolin and me don't get along, but I have no idea about others. So, since my rash seems to be shower related, I am going to switch my body soap and see what happens. Fortunately, I have a special bar of olive oil soap that EWG rated #1, so I will use that for a while.
Hugz, Vincent is doing well. So hard to decide on favorite, but there were about five or six I had to go back and see again before I left. I spent 2 3/4 hrs in there and could have stayed longer but husband was ready to go. He can't stand quite as long as I can, but most of the time we are similarly paced in museums. Sometimes I catch myself standing in front of a painting feeling drugged, almost as if I could fall into it. Probably a bit of drool on the corner of my mouth . . . I find his use of color and texture mind blowing and exhilarating.
Phila was only place in U.S. for exhibit. Goes to Ottowa and then back to Netherlands. I think you're in Vancouver? Not around the corner, but in case you are travelling this summer, it will be May 25 - Sept 3 at the National Gallery of Canada.
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Carol and Binney - Thanks very much for helping me out. The PT did not use the words Lympedema, but they did give me a pamphlet on the subject. They said the swelling was slight, 1.5% or something (I was kind of shook at that time, and did not pay close enough attention). I asked if I needed a sleeve and they said no, unless I fly. Of course no one told me about the flying part until it was too late. I flew 3 weeks after surgery and knew nothing about the fact that I should have a sleeve, Sigh. Anyway, I am going right now to follow the link that was provided and see who is in my area and who accepts my insurance. Again, thanks very much. Keep your fingers crossed.
Everyone have a great week.
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for what it's worth Tina, the Dove Sensitive Skin Nutrium skin wash the LT gave me to use causes blotches on my skin around the incision areas. the only soap I've used since 2/10 is Dial Antibacterial Bar Soap, other than a few times with the Dove. could well just be some have more sensitive skin than others.
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Tina337 - Could it be the water? Are you at home or are you traveling? I have ultra sensitive skin too and when I travel I've noticed that the water can give me a rash. Hoping it goes away soon!
Hugz - I have the same brand gloves and in the web between my middle and ring finger ... I had a spot last summer where it rubbed and I had a little raw place in there. It only happens when my swelling is at its worst ... the hottest heat of the summer. I didn't wear anything at night, so that gave it some breathing room and I alternated gloves ... wore my isotoner therapeutic gloves on alternate days. Haven't had that problem yet this summer but am starting the corn starch now because it was 90 today and humid ... so those days are already here again.
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Julie, do let us know what you discover! Hope you find someone wonderful close by.
Galsal and Tina, that's scary to have your sensitive skin soap attack you!
But, Tina, if you've finally found the culprit it will be such a relief. All that laundry you did, though -- yikes!
Be well!
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Tina, I also only use Dial. I did use Dove unscented when getting radiation. I am so cautious about soaps and shampoos--as little or no scent as possible. And detergent and softener. Today, DH wanted to swtich to a store brand--and I vetoed that.
Some people get hives from showers--choliingeric hives--but they happen with hot water and go away quickly.
It sure sounds like a contact dermatitis. And they are a bear.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_dermatitis
There is a rash, pityriasis rosea, that can pop up, for no reason and be very itchy and then go away. It often has a "herald" patch when it shows up. It's usually on young adults, but it can show up on us middle aged people.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pityriasis_rosea
Hope it goes away quickly. Thank goodness for environmental working group information.
Kira
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Tina--I was using Dove unscented but when my therapist went over skin precautions with me she said to switch to Dial Antibacterial. It does seem strange that the soap is the culprit but could be if you skin is really sensitive. This is like being a detective for suspicious ingredients!
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So is Dial soap an antibacterial soap, or do they make a specific antibacterial soap? I thought I used a special Dial antibacterial right before and after my surgeries. Is your LE therapist encouraging use of antibacterial soap as cautionary against cellulitis, Becky? Binney and Kira, is the Dial you are using antibacterial, too? I understand the concern about cellulitis, but isn't getting rid of all the bacteria on your skin (even the good) a bad idea? I remember hearing this about antibacterial handsoaps also.
Interesting about the Dove Nutrium wash, Galsal. I think my dermatologist gave me a sample of that, but I am not a fan of liquid body soaps, so I didn't try. I definitely have sensitive skin, and I am sensitive to medications, too.
In my 40's I developed an allergy to bell peppers. Talk about doing detective work, that took quite a while to isolate the food that suddenly didn't like me. I can eat hot peppers occasionally, but not more than a couple of days back to back. The bells are definitely off limits though, unless I want to spend the next day with extreme rhinitis and wanting to scratch or rip my face off. I love most food, and bell peppers and spicey things were a staple for me. Very frustrating to not be able to enjoy certain flavors. I was just glad to determine it wasn't a gluten allergy. Speaking of bell peppers, though, I learned that it isn't an uncommon food for people to develop allergy to. Also, I read that in places where bell peppers are grown hydroponically (Netherlands) that the workers who pollinate plants often develop bell pepper allergy. Who knew? I certainly wasn't eating tons of bell peppers, but I guess I maxed out my limit!0 -
Tina, I use Dove. It does leave my skin, even the radiated skin, soft and moist, and I'd think that would be a plus. But then, I live in a very dry climate.
Like you, I'd worry about using an antibacterial all the time. Or on the other hand, aren't all soaps antibacterial, at least in the sense of cleansing the skin? What am I missing here?
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I'm listening attentively to this discussion. I wash my underarm with Hibiclens before shaving. Overkill? (funny word to use on this particular topic...)
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Tina, yes, Dial has triclosan, which is antibacterial. I just use it because I've always used it--even as a kid.
My younger daughter bought some Dial liquid soap for when she was a dorm dweller and got a horrible reaction--I looked at all the liquid soaps and they're loaded with perfumes and additives.
Carol, any question of an infection and I break out the hibiclens.
Tina, I wonder if red peppers cross react with any other allergen? My older daughter has celiac disease, so I know how hard it is to live gluten free.
Kira
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According to recent news and studies we have gone overboard in anti bacterial cleaning products and personal products. This has led to mutations in the germs so that they have become resistant, then we get stronger stuff to combat and it becomes a vicious cycle. The number of kids with allergies and asthma has risen dramatically since we started using all of these products. When I was growing up we got dirty and didn't worry about it, just washed the hands before eating and had a weekly or sometimes bi-weekly bath. Guess that really dates me.
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Tina. Bummer that art exhibit is not coming to Vancouver. Back east gets everything good ,we just get rain. Well at least it is green here.
Soap discussion. I can't use 99.9 % of the products out there. I buy a glycerin base soap from health store made locally and only use it on the smelliest body parts. The rest of my skin gets brushed with water to clean. My method works for me. Othewise I would die of itching. The word "fragrance" labelled on our natural products means that it has hidden chemicals for the smell. Stupid companies tricking us!
Tina. Peppers are related to the nightshade family and it is the first thing a good naturopath will take you off. Also included in nightshades are potatoe, tomatoe, etc. They are inflammatory.
Binney.I wore the wrap for 3 hours and the red went away in my web space. Still have that hard whitehead pimple in the web. I wonder if it is a callus. I want to scratch it off but my better part of my brain says, LEAVE IT ALONE! It is driving me crazy not knowing what is. It came the same time as the redness and is definatley friction induced. Will try cornstartch instead of bandaid. The bandage works great but I have to get ones for sensitive skin as regular ones are too harsh getting them off my skin.
Gardened and tidal beach walked. The supermoon made the tide the lowest ever. Was beautiful.
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Strange question...does firing light handguns at the range constitute exercise or is it no bueno?
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Newksmom.... I'm in SA and can PM you with some local info.
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Galsal. It only counts if you fire towards the "docs in Denial"
Sorry, your question was loaded!Seriously... I would count it as you are not just sitting around. You are expending energy. Go for it.
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Tina--I think she said Dial Antibactorial in case of cuts or openings in skin. The liquid body wash Dial soaps are scented. They have a white, unscented bar of soap that says antibactorial. It feels the same as the Dove I used before which was unscented but did not say antibactorial. Since I have done so well under her care I am doing everything she says.
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LMAO thank hugz! my poor Sis about freaked out when said I was going to the shooting range, worrying about the LE. promised her I'd ask the Dr. it'll be the PS I see tomorrow and he won't say no so there you go. LOLOL
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Say, no exercise reports for a bit, are we getting some activity in? Yesterday I was in the car for 11 hours and then had get-ready-to-start-work-again activities, so no exercise at all. Today I did 30 minutes of rousing cardio and then an hour of weights/stretching in the gym, so I'm feeling tired but energized, if that makes any sense. Over the weekend there were several walking opportunities, so generally my record was pretty good on activity, but I was horrid at taking time for MLD. So off to bed shortly and will do MLD just beforehand.
Tuesday is a flight day for me, and I don't have a long connection so my usual airport cardio walking will be short. I'm expecting to have some time on arrival, though, so will look forward to that, plus extra MLD tomorrow to help with the predictable arm ache and truncal burning after flying.
Carol
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I just want to jump in on a couple of soaps I really like - use at your own risk, but they are very mild. The first is Kirk's Original Coco Castile. Look for this online or at whole foods or new seasons market. The second is Dr. Bronner's baby mild bar soap. I alos use a goat milk soap that is produced locally that our family loves, but the other two are so mild. Anyway, you can check out the ingredients online and see if you think it is worth trying. The Dr. Bronner's is pretty pricey, the kirk's is less expensive, but certainly more than you would pay for irish spring in bulk at costco or something. Good luck!
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Carol, I did my 16 flights today but no walk. I have been OK in the exercise dept. but was a bit lax as I spent 3-9 hours in the garden, digging, bending, fist pumping between chores instead of a big walk. I also did a wonderful walk on the beach yesterday. Tomorrow, I will go to a different beach and do the boardwalk after my doc appointment.
Tina. Nordy is right on with Dr. Bonner. It is a very healthy, friendly to the skin soap. Goats milk soap is good to but not the commercial one. Made locally probably is the best. So soft on my skin. Try a test area first, just in case.
Where is our Becky dam doodles! Do we have to find her the dam?
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For showering, I use Aveeno soap and olive oil based soup I buy at an Italian grocery store.
I signed up for a 6k race in September and I've started training for it. I'm delighted because on days doing the minimal jogging (I used to run years ago but had to stop because of knee issues so I'm taking slow) my swelling is gone...my hands look completely normal. I'm thrilled! I just hope my knees will hold out so I can keep this up!
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Dawne-hope... Have you tried minimalist shoes? Let me know if you want to know more on this topic!
Alright, dog lovers. I need help! My dog is now 16 months old and has been fully housetrained for sometime... But all of a sudden I have found urine stains (under blacklight because I couldn't sniff them out!) all over in my living room and family room. I have been saturating with Bac Out and Nature's Miracle as well as running the carpet cleaner! Now I have to wait until everything dries to see if it helped. What gives? Why would he star peeing everywhere all of a sudden? My husband - who is NOT a dog person- is having a fit, and I cannot blame him! This is grounds for dog adoption in his eyes. The only thing I can think of is that the neighbor's dog (female, but marks her territory!) urinated when she came in through our backdoor with the kids a few weeks ago and now he is remarking? Or... .? Help! He just had a check up too and everything was fine!0 -
Nordy - Yes, I have heard of miniimalist shoes and I bought a pair a couple of weeks ago! I'm still getting used to them and wearing them for little bits at a time. I've done the elliptical and walking in them but no jogging yet. I can tell a huge difference! It's amazing, really. Yes, tell me more info ... I'm open to learning all I can.
Concerning the 16 month old ... he is a male, correct? Have you thought about getting him neutered? I've only ever had female dogs but I've heard that getting male dogs neutered could help ...
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Nordy, I tried 5 fingers by virbram and I loved them. However I had to return them because when I nordic pole walked with them I would stub my big toe continually. The big toe would roll under and I would catch myself tripping. This happened about 4 times in a 45 min walk. I don't know if this had anything to do with the pole walking, or because I naturally walk as a heel walker, striking hard with my heel first. I try to walk on my front of my feet but it is so unnatural for me. Do you know why?
I would love to be able to wear 5 fingers as I am a bare footer at home and even sneak my shoes off at work. I HATE shoes. I started wearing the 5 fingers because I had a 3rd degree sprain on my ankle which turned out to be bad torn ligaments. I thought these would be safe as you wouldn't turn a ankle as easy being so low to the ground,
Cheaper method for santizing peed carpets. Use vinegar. It reacts with the enzymes in the pee and really kills the smell. It just doesn't cover it up but gets rid of it. Even with cat pee. Pour directly on carpet, rub clean and let it dry. Commerical detergent cleaners just set the stain in and will smell later on. That Nature's Miracle stuff you mentioned is good too because it is based on enzyme cleaning, but it is so expensive. Try vinegar.
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