Ideas on getting Lymphatic Sys. going & swelling down.

Anyone have ideas on getting your Lymphatic System kick started following PS. I had LBL & Mini Medial Thigh Lift on 12/8. I' so swollen and descended in the abdomen area above incision Ana lower hips to lesser degree. I went into this surgery doing Cardio Training and Weigh.Training religiously for 2 years and am very disappointed in how recovery is going. I'm like a blimp!!! Seriously, this is placing alot of stress on my suture line. I'm watching sodium intake, could probably hydrate better though. Any And all thoughts appreciated. Drains are still in, producing 100cc ea. daily. Thanks

Steve

 I googled lymphatic massage and watched some you tube videos on self massage - give it a shot... Not like you don't have spare time at the moment!

I have heard wonderful things about lymphatic massage--like losing 4 pounds in a day from fluid loss kind of great. Not sure about the self massage, but sounds interesting. I was told to make sure the massage therapist is specially trained in lymphatic massage or you may just get a regular massage. Are you wearing a good compression garment?

Hope you soon unswell. This recovery stuff has thrown me for a loop. I desperately want to get back to the gym. I didn't do all this to be stagnant!

Feel better!

Denise

Thanks Alicia and Denise, I was wanting to wait on massage until my drains were removed but if it was okay and they didn't mind I'm in. Denise I'm still in my binder. IDUNO!!!

Steve

 I hear ya! I had my LBL and thighs done on the 9th.  My abdomen is not swollen but white flour and dairy make me bloat up a bit.  My left leg drain came out a few days ago and that ankle is more swollen.  My three remaining drains are at around 50cc a day.  I too exercised daily pre- op.

I find that when I drink a lot of water, watch the sodium and eat a lot of fresh papaya and watermelon, it really helps.  I had arms and breast done as well and my hands never swelled at all.  Also, the more I get outside and walk, the better.

It will all settle down Steve.  Do your part and the rest will happen.

Thanks Lee, right above my LBL incision I'm as taught(sp) as can be. Was running 101-102 temp this weekend, at about 7pm I started sweating profusely and my temp was fine. I think I will try and see my PS today. Thanks

Steve

 Feel better Steve. Let us know what the doc says.

Saw my PS @ 830am started to readmit me for surgical procedure because of the distention above incision in abdomen area. Coupled with the fact I had 101-102+ all weekend until 7 pm when sweating episode broke my feever: could be totally unrelated. Flow drainage although abundantant looks great. He asked me if I was scared of needles, ( I was an OKC Firefighter for 25 yrs. and worked critical care on my days off) I thought fish around with a needle if it keeps me from going back under. He placed the needle in multiple areas and couldn't aspirate any fluid. So my tissue is just swollen. He still wanted me on another round of antibiotics. He said my drains come out on the 22nd regardless of flow, 2 weeks is it. Thanks and watch out for that mistletoe.

Steve

 Hey now, watch what you say! I'm hoping all this body work will make me more appealing under the mistletoe.   :)

Im really glad you went to the doctor.  Sounds like you're going to be ok.  Happy to hear that.

Thanks Lee, I think your going to need a Hickory stick to beat the masses in their ass's!!!