Having my 1st lymphatic massage today

I've been reading about the benefits of the lymphatic massages so I hope I have good results.  I'm 9 weeks out from having my arms, inner thighs (groin to knee) and upper back done and although the swelling is not unbearable, it is very uncomfortable.  Funny thing is I'm only swelling on my right side.  

My doc recommended these massages and I see that many ladies here have done them so off I go.  My insurance covers Chiropractic care and I found a clinic that has a licensed lymphatic massage therapist in it so my co-pay is only $15.  I'm excited. 

How did it go???

WOW!  Well, since this was my first time, I didn't know what to expect or how I was supposed to feel afterwards.  Now that it's over.....WOW.  That was the most relaxing lunch I have ever had!  It was soooo hard to come back to work after that.  I almost fell sound asleep.

She massaged each one of my thighs, calves, feet and both arms.  She went up and down all my incisions and it felt wonderful!  The only type of massage I've ever had is a chair massage done here at work.  I was kind of expecting some pain because my incisions are still a little tender but I guess she had the magic touch because it didn't hurt one bit.  She said I need to drink at least a gallon of water everyday....EEEKKK!  That's gonna be hard.

Still not sure if I'm supposed to feel anything differently afterwards but so far, I feel great.  The only thing I'm noticing is that I am pooping a lot this afternoon ()sorry, TMI).  Don't know if that's a coincidence or not but it's not my normal routine and I haven't done anything different with my diet to warrant this.  I guess the massage is unblocking more than just my lymph nodes (LOL)!

Anywho, I'm scheduled to go back on Thursday then every Monday and Thursday until I use up my 20 visits that the insurance allows. Hopefully. this will get the swelling under control.  I thank God that it's sandal season because I cannot get my feet into any of my shoes. 

We could be twins.  I had the same reactions (right down to the poop) and same trouble with the shoes.

For me I seem to always notice the legs/feet feeling better the day after my massage.

I was wondering if I had imagined the massage making me go to the bathroom more (glad you 2 ladies confirmed that it has affected you the same)I spoke to my therapist about it and she looked at me kind of strange. But each time I have went within a couple of hours I begin to get a headache and then shortly thereafter my stomach will begin to run off.. One good thing about it..... It cleanses the system....lol.
I do hope your massages do you as good as mine have been.

no headache...thank God!  I sure could use a good cleansing so if that is what's happening then bring it on!  I can't wait for the next visit. 

My therapist massages the back of my body too and even my face. There are lymph nodes all over your body. It feels WONDERFUL! This is the third therapist I have used since I had my first surgery and this one is the first one who has had me turned over and work on my entire backside...even my feet!  She told me last week that she noticed I wasn't as swollen as I was the first week. She also told me to take warm epsolm salt bathes too and that it helps draw the toxins out of your system. The first time I used this therapist I was very tired for a few days which she told me I may experience. This last time I peed a lot for several hours afterwards. I haven't noticed the extra pooping though. Out of all the therapist I've used, she has been the most effective in my opinion.

I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Hopefully you will reap the benefits soon!  I know my therapist wants to eventually move into another type of massage that focuses more on my incision area and scar tissue. 

I wish she would have done my back....it itches terribly and that massage would have been right on point.  She did do the feet and toes and also my hand and fingers.  Kinda like they do at the nail shop when you get a mani/pedi.  That felt good!  The place I go to has 2 therapist on staff so hopefully I get to try the other one out on my next visit to see if they do things any differently.  The one today was mainly working on my incision areas and scar tissue. 

Hi ladies! I was thrilled to see this post about lymphatic drainage massage! I had gastric bypass in 9/2006 and am now a certified massage therapist and am training in LDM right now! It is really wonderful to hear that you are benefiting from this bodywork! Yes, it will definitely cause you to urinate because the LDM moves the lymph fluid to the watersheds in your body and then you flu**** out, ie pee! Very cool and good luck to everyone!
Sarah, CMT