Lymphatic Massage....question to anyone who had it

Lymphatic massage.........how soon do you feel the benefits of having it done?

I'm going for the first time on Tuesday and am so hoping it will help with the swelling in my lower legs and feet.

If you've had lymphatic massage how soon did you feel relief from the swelling?  

THANKS!

EDITED:
I just found this and after seeing the pictures I'm thinking I have nothing to complain about!  Yes my legs are swollen especially my feet/toes but I am counting my blessings that it is only as much as it is.  www.lympha-press.com/about-lymphedema.html

Ruth,

I didn't get immediate help/relief from my swelling with just massage.  I had to use lymphedema wraps, which are very different from ace bandages and use them for several hours per day, along with prescription lymphedema hose, in combination to the massage.  If you have having swelling from the lymph vessels being removed, you will have problems until they restablish themselves, which can take some months.  My legs were done in January of 09, began with wraps and massage in May because nothing else would control the pitting edema and swelling in my legs.  Wore wraps/hose in combination and with massage at once per week for about 6 weeks, then hose only for another 3 months, and now I rarely get swelling, and if I do it is minor.  It really takes time and the force of the compression hose from the toes to the thighs to get it under control if it is a problem.

I'm a bit suspicious when someone tells me that they got instant relief from the massage at the first visit and never needed compression for lymphedema, which is different from our PS compression garments.  When taliking with the lymphedema specialist, she said that massage will help with peeing it out for a few days, but until you treat everything consistanly, it won't stay gone very long. 

As your doctor about referring you to a lymphedema physical therapist and get comprehensive help, which may include wrapping with lymph wraps for a few weeks.  It didn't take long, and it does help to restore the lymph channels, but it is annoying and aggrevating!  Oh, and my insurance covered all of the lymphedema treatment due to the PS complications, even though they didn't cover my legs.

Thanks for all the info.
I have not heard of Lymphedema Wraps.  Is this something I can do on my own or is it something I have to go and have done (like the massage)?  I'll search on-line to see if I can buy the wraps.
The worst for me is in the feet.....pain on the tops of my feet and really swollen toes.  Guess there is no compression for the toes...lol

As always I appreciate you sharing your experience and insight.
THANKS!!
Ruth

I had swelling and felt and saw instant (by the end of the day) relief.  I was peeing quite a bit and wasn't nearly as swollen as earlier in the day or even the day before.  Can't remember if I weighed or not.

WOW, same day relief would be wonderful....
Did you re-swell immediately again the next day or so or did it last a little while??
Thanks!

I can alway see a difference in the swelling by the time I leave. Literally. My therapist says she sees this with her PS clients all the time too. She also works at a hospital with patients that have sever lymphedema but I'm sure those cases are different. I don't know. Drinking lots of water before and after massage really helps too. My therapist told me that those that benefit the most are those that start 3 or 4 weeks after surgery. You will still benefit but it must have the biggest impact on your body soon after surgery. I have never had any major long term swelling with my surgeries other than my stomach (really long term!) and a short while on my back. I have been doing massages about once a week since I was about 4 weeks out and I love it. Thanks to Emerging Beauty they are insurance paid too!  It's not a cure all but it helps and feels good.

If I can get relief in my feet I'll be thrilled.
I bet if people look at me they won't say....wow look how swollen and big her calfs and feet are but I know the difference and it's that awful tight, heavy feeling and the pain in the feet I hate so that's why I want to try the massage.....any relief more than that will just be a bonus. 

As I start working out again this weekend I expect swelling in the legs to get a little worse so it will be interesting to see how the next few days go...

Thanks for the input!!!

I just had my first lymphatic massage on Wednesday. I did not have immediate results from the swelling but my legs did not feel as tight. My Therapist is suggesting that I come once a wee****il I return to see my surgeon. I know exactly how you are feeling about the swelling in the calves and the feet. My surgeon did tell me to avoid salt if possible and to make sure I load up on water before and after my massages. She also said the heat and humidity would cause the swelling to be more profound. Good Luck with your massages.... wishing you all the best

Thanks for sharing!
Quick question......I get a lot of pain on the top of my feet, especially if I put on shoes or I bend/stretch the foot downward.  Did that happen to you?  
I remember something similar happening with my wrists after my first brachio so I'm fairly certain it has to do with the inner thigh lift but I am hoping the massage will help.

I had lipo on April 5th and from what I have read and heard the swelling is horrible with that. I like you had a TT and never experienced the swelling like I am having now. I hope that we both find some relief with these massages.
My swelling goes from my hips to my feet.. some days my feet swell so that my shoes leave an impression on them.I am finding out more and more that the heat and humidity plays a big factor in the amt of swelling I have.
Best wishes to you along your journey.. Please keep me informed on how your massages are going and the results you are having. I am very interested.