Kicking LEs butt!! Exercise & Self Care Log
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ok, thought I sent an answer on this but i pushed the wrong button
the regular massage is definitely hard on the body and I would only go through that training to then do the lymphe massage which as we know, is much more gentle.
been talking to therapists and schools and my docs really. Docs say it would be good for me. Have not talked to my therapist as yet, she is a nurse so that is her background. Some of the young folks in the chain massage places, well they will do 6-8 massages a day per a pal of mine who is doing facials at one of the chains. They will likely burn out early.
I think it is doable for me or sure hoping now. The lebod training, now that is to be researched for me~~ research in work....
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Proudtospin.I think in Canada to be a MLD person you have to go thru 2 years massage therapy course and then take a course like Dr vodder which is a MLD course or another type of a certified MLD course.
Also you can be a physiotheraphist for 4 years then the DR. Vodder course or another type of a certified MLD course. You must be certified, no fly my night MLD courses and you have to upgrade your MLD ticket every so often. I think that is what Canada rules are. Chime in if they are not. Not sure about USA though.
I saw a demo on the Lebed course at NORTHWEST LYMPHEDEMA CENTER in Seattle. It is very easy to learn and you can sign up to do it when it comes to a town near you or you can do it online. It is only a few days long. I sooooo... bad want to teach it and Sherry Lebed's course is so near my location,sometimes she even instructs it. It's just that I can't hold a beat worth beans! Need to work on that first. At the NORTHWEST LYMPHEDEMA CENTER I saw Jovi company in the same building. I viewed some of the garments they had on display. Google Sherry Lebed Method and you will get her page with class dates if you are interested.
About cutting off tights to use as a sleeve cover, I cut a slit for my thumb and have my glove covered too! ( Kinda gothic looking) The nylon seems to hold nicely against the sleeve and not slip but when I put it on the bare arm to match then that one slips! ( I guess I could squeeze some silcone rubber on it to hold) I sometimes wear them depending on where I go and how hot it is out. Oh, I also use Lululemon's running sleeves in the winter which have silcone on top to hold them. Very cute and sporty looking over a tee shirt but hot.They cover the glove too! You also can get tatto sleeves to cover your garments but it makes me look kinda Harley Davidson biker chick so I skip them. Yes ...I have thought about marketing a cheaper breathable sleeve cover too but I just don't have the time. It would be so easy to do.
7,500 steps today but nothing else more but sitting as I just came back from chiropractor and need the rest.
Tina, I have a rebounder but I just need to fix this dang back/hip first before I use it. My chiro comfirmed today that I have degenerated discs in the neck and lower back. My back which you poor girls have heard about so much as I have been nagging about for the last 5 months is definetely a leaky disc causing a fissure to press on the nerve and going into my hip. (sciatic). This is the first time I visited him today and he seems to be knowledgable. I think he is the best doc besides my IMS accupunture girl I ran into since falling off the stairs 2 years ago. I was going to go back to my myofascial girl but will hold off for a while and try this chiros method first. See if it helps! Finally an answer!
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hugs, in US I think I can do a year long massage training program, then I would be a trained massage therapist
then per the SOS site, I would need to do the lympho course which is another separate program and end up with LANA certification....or this is my understanding
the full massage program,......not cheap but there is a school near me within close drive
the other program, well figure that will be elsewhere...off hand, my mind is blank on where it would be but I seem to recall it is another 132 hours of training
my approach to all this is I need to try to get the pieces together...research is free! think I need a call to my therapist, maybe I need to take her to lunch......for research you understand!
actually, I find trying to figure this all out....fun
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For purposes of LE, rebounder use should involve gentle bouncing without your feet leaving the mat. Five to ten minutes at a time. You can hold your arms up and pump them slowly, or use the safety rail supplied with some rebounders. You can also use the search feature here, limit it to this forum, and do a search for "rebounder," as there were some extensive discussion of this earlier.
Be well!
Binney0 -
Binney, looking for some advise if you are willing? will send a pm if open
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I've been going to a licensed massage therapist for scar work, because she is very good and her fees are much less than what I would have to pay the clinic where my CLT works. The massage therapist is interested in learning lymphatic drainage and she is now investigating her options. But I'll be surprised if she goes forward, because not being a PT or an OT or their licensed assistants, she would not be able to take insurance or Medicare work. Too bad--and I think it was NatsFan who said in another thread that it would be so very smart to have LMTs be able to provide reimbursable lymphatic drainage massage, following a plan designed by a CLT. I asked about that when talking to several of the CLT school directors at the NLN conference last month. They said it's unlikely that approach would happen, although they support it, because the physical therapist association has successfully lobbied to keep non-PT/OT providers out of reimbursement. The wait to get into the CLTs, and the expense, are simply crazy in a lot of places and a true barrier to care. Proudtospin, do keep us posted on what you learn and what you decide.
Today my pedometer says 9 miles on the nose, and I did 5 of them in 75 minutes at Minneapolis airport, where I was handed an extra 3 hours of time because of a maintenance delay. I did quite a few jogging intervals during that walk. Then I took a seat and read my book! I did Lebed on arriving at my hotel, and will do MLD before bed.
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Whew, nine miles, Carol! That's terrific. You really make the best use of your down time while travelling. I think being held captive by airlines is pretty good motivation to exercise, otherwise you'd go bonkers sitting on your bum the whole time.
Well, I finished my last weight training class today and new weights are loaded in trunk of my car. I will now incorporate a bit of cardio on weight days but still plan to do the longer walks on off days. Going to get myself over to the gym to start using the treadmill on rainy days to help transition to exercising in cooler weather. I am dreading being tied to a treadmill in winter and may have to resort to finding places to walk indoors. How was it to jog in the airport, Carol? Somehow that seems better than Target. Maybe the mall in the morning. Going to find some warm clothes so I can stay outside as long as possible.
Binney, I found discussions on rebounders, but I didn't notice anything about why one's feet shouldn't leave the net. I admit to browsing quickly for info on this. I am hoping I can sort of lightly jump/jog. Is it bad for LE to let your feet leave the net? Or is it hard on feet/knees?0 -
I'm a big airport walker too - long straight concourses where you can really get a power walk going. I've never tried jogging in one, though.
MLD, 30 minutes core/weights, and Lebeds this morning. Thanks for keeping me on track, ladies!
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Carol, thanks for you insight. I have had massages (reg sort) many times, on my legs and such. I have spoken to my therapist about this, she said that she had tried to do Lympedemia massage but she has too heavy a hand! She said she could not ease up enough!
the insurance side is an issue I have thought on but not yet looked into. One more of a million details! Will certainly keep you posted on what I learn and ultimately decide on as your advise is very helpful
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Just finished a 6 mi walk/run out at dam for cardio today. Yesterday I did 5 mi out there but at a leisurely stroll so cannot count as cardio as no hard breathing. But I was out there!
Have a support group meeting tonight. We are honoring 8 lymphedema therapists for October Physical Therapy Month. Should be a fun evening.
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Speaking of running
.. You go Ladies... I can encourage... I'm still on a holding pattern. 0 -
Becky, thinking of you all this evening. Great idea--good therapists are gold, and they get so little recogniton. Brilliant!
Binney0 -
Becky - I figure if I'm breathing, that's cardio.
Great job!0 -
Natsfan, when jogging at the airport, I imagine that people just think I am late for a flight but cannot find my gate.
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I've thought of becomeing a massage therapist too, but here are my hopes and fears.
I would want to work in a strictly clinical setting. No malls, spas, or "drive-by" massage, (the 15 minutes jobs in a chair.) I would like to work for a large clinic or hospital, no single practioners who struggle to pay the rent.
Here are my fears. Would I even make it through school? Would I have to drop out if I keep having flare ups trying to massage people? (Ok class, here's some on the job training, fix nibbana's arm!) How many pounds of pressure do you think massage therapist use for most purposes anyway? Perfectly healthy massage therapist have to constantly be aware of self care or they get hurt. How would a LE sufferer do?
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Worked out with my trainer today. Mostly worked lower body and lots of abs. Did some with my arms but less than usual. We're having crazy 20-30 weather changes every day ... high of 60 yesterday, 80's today ... 50 tomorrow ... grrrrr.
Went to my local health department for a flu shot. I'd called ahead, told them I needed it in my backside. Got there and waited for 45 minutes then noticed that people who had come later than I were getting in, went to the desk, they had lost my chart ... when I finally got in the room the nurse mumbles, "Now how do I do this?"
Um, not exactly what you want to hear when you're waiting to get a shot. I told her that last year they had given it my thigh and she said she was going to get give it in my butt ... but she kept mumbling the same thing over to herself, "How do I do this?" 
I mean, really? She finally shoots me and it HURT! It really, really hurt! Moreso than any shot I've ever received ... it really was right near my tailbone. I literally was praying she didn't hit a nerve or something ... it hurt so much that I decided I was going to try to walk it out and ended up doing 3.5 miles, jogging about half. It's better now ... but I'm going to soak in epsom salt for a bit. Did not intend to do any cardio today ...
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In my experience, really good massage therapists are some of the most caring, compassionate people in the world. I imagine there is an empathetic personality trait that draws people to this profession. We have very caring people here, so no surprise that some have interest in massage therapy!
I did not report my LE care and exercise yesterday. No hard core cardio, but I did manage to get 4 miles plus a bit on my pedometer, just walking to and from the building I worked in all day. Was not dressed for working up any kind of sweat. Did Lebed at the end of my work day, but fell asleep before MLD. Today is a two-airport day with a long layover, so miles will be easy to come by.0 -
Dawne - what a terrible experience! I hope the walk/run, the tub soak, and a good night's sleep settled thing down.
For me, MLD, 2 mile run, Lebeds this morning.
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Well, my hope on the massage thing (and still working my plan) is to do only lymphedema massage. That would not be as ....scary as the reg massage. Course, got to get past the training so that is working in my brain!
I belong to a gym that is associated with a hospital and call themselves a fitness and wellness center. They have a spa in the gym, independently operated and I have often used her for massages. When a pal was looking last summer for a lymphe therapist and had trouble finding one, I asked my spa lady about it. She does not do it but.....would be fine with my working out of her operation!
Can you believe that Central NJ has a shortage of lympe trained massage folks? She often gets folks asking her for it but does not know anyone to refer the folks to now. She tried it herself but she had too heavy a touch. Think her people are independent contracters...so that would work for me.
And...I a 63 and not looking for a long time at this, I want to retire from current job but still earn some money...this is my thought process....it is a work in progress. Not sure on my plan but am having fun with my planning!
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Ran the Gold's Gym 5k today. The cool thing is .... my favorite uncle drove up unexpectedly from Oklahoma yesterday and he ran the race with me! In his college days, he was an NCAA ranked half miler ... so he is way beyond me ... but it was so fun to run with him ... even if it was only for the first mile!
I did it in 33 ... something ... I don't know the seconds ... but I really wanted to do 11 minute miles and I did it!
Won't be running any more races, I think, anytime soon ... these 'ole knees ... I have to baby them a bit ... but it feels soooooo good to be able to run again if only for little bits at a time. 0 -
And something a bit random ... that only you all could really appreciate ... my recent soaks in epsom salt (did it again today after the race)... I've found that is a really good time to do MLD. Can't have the water too warm because of the LE ... but taking baths may be my answer to my "I hate MLD" problem. 0
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Dawne-Hope, triple wow! What a great day you had, and to be able to share with a favorite uncle is such a bonus.
This weekend we have family visiting, which is making it difficult for me to break away to exercise. So I've just decided not to worry about it, and I can return to my routine on Monday. They're great family, so I do not begrudge having every minute accounted for. I guess we strive for balance in everything, so I'll add this weekend to the past few weeks and on average, by activity is pretty balanced!
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Dawne-Hope, amazing! I'm downright excited for you. Wish we'd all been there to cheer when you crossed the finish line. Thanks for the inspiration!
Binney0 -
Way to go Dawne!!
Off to dam today to continue my five mile walk/run. Did so the last two days. I vary my routine out there.
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It's been awhile since I visited the boards. Work travel had me on the road two weeks straight. Work is intense and after being on the computer all day sometimes I just don't login during the evening.
I did get good steps in a few airports but knee pain has increased making walking pretty painful. Not sure what is going on, I see all my docs in three weeks and must find a solution. The pain is waking me during the night. Makes for a grouchy Diane.
I read all the posts on losing weight and they were motivating. I've added 3 lbs with traveling and reduced exercise. I need to lose pounds, not gain. I need to exercise, not prop my legs up. I gotta figure something out.
Diane
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DawneHope, Wow! Binney is right; you inspired me. And I do wish I had been there to cheer you on. You go girl!
Becky, I am not any where near a dam, that must be a pretty place to walk.
Diane, you've come to the right thread. These ladies will motivate you. I try not to get too upset with the ups and downs of weight. My weight can fluctuate a couple of pounds, and I think it's because of the fluid in my arms. I would guess everyone with LE has the same issues. I just try to watch what I eat and get a little exercise and not look at the scale too much. My knees hurt too, not sure if it's the exercising, the tamoxifen, leftover effects of tx, or a combination. I was stage 3c too, so I imagine we both had a lot of tx.
After doing well on the treadmill, I went thru a week where I could do nothing but walk. I was happy yesterday I was able to do 3miles in 35 minutes. I am determined to do that mini triathlon next summer. It will be the first time I ever competed in any kind of organized race; and I will be 50 before next summer. My big bro is 61 and competed in his first race ever last year. It can be done! And thanks again DawneHope for the inspiration. Enjoy your Sunday everyone.0 -
argh! Lost my fitbit! However shall I manage. I've used it every day since June 3rd.
Probably need to run to Best Buy and replace it. Anyway, meanwhile, last week: averaged 10588 steps so that's pretty good.
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Cindy, I once sent a very nice pedometer through the laundry. Sometimes you just cannot save yourself from yourself! I replaced it with a fitbit, and I sure do not want to lose that. It can tend to work itself off the waistband of my pants, so I looped a little tether to it (the one that actually came with the pedometer I ruined in the wash). So now it has a second little clip to my pocket.
Today was rugged. I walked about 5 miles with women in the family, and they were great about keeping the 4 mph or better pace. Only...about 1/8 mile from returning home, my foot landed on one of the zillion walnuts all over the road now, and I twisted the ankle, went down in a picture-perfect no-grace landing. Then limped home. It's not terrible, but a bit swollen despite some icing and elevation. GRRRRRRR! Tomorrow morning I am expecting to wake up with a mess. And sigh...it probably means a mandatory setback in the gym. The good news is that I broke my fall unwittingly with my hand, but it was my non-LE hand, so I have a bruise on the hand but nothing worse and the LE is none the worse for the wear.
One step forward, two backward...many of us are feeling that, be it steps logged, walking speed, pounds gained, treatment side effects. I think we should accept where we are, wherever we are at a given moment, and just decide to make some kind of progress-even if circumstances mean that 'progress' is a teeny, tiny step in the right direction, or one lovely treat not eaten, or a day when getting all the right amount of water down the hatch, etc.
Carol
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Carol, thanks for the encouragement. Tomorrow is a new day with a fresh start. I only need to improve my efforts from today.
I can do that.
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Well, I found it, but it's not syncing now, so GOK what happened to it while it was gone walkabout. So I went to Best Buy who was supposed to have fitbits in stock, but they didn't seem to have and, so I ordered a new fitbit one, which is supposed to be available later this month. Dug out an old pedometer to use for the next couple of weeks.
Gotta have those hi-tech toys to keep myself motivated.
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