LaKarune
member
United States@MissFanny I'm catching up on your thread, loved to read that you do meditation. That and also practising gratitude helped me immensely through the tough days.
For the swelling I hope you don't mind my giving you some reading to do on this? It can be very helpful in moving some of the excess fluids. Maybe the photo was at an angle that didn't show correctly the height of your elevated legs but I would think having a bit more elevation would be helpful, too.
No worries if that isn't possible, we will just "go with the flow".
You are doing so well and your recovery thread is a good read, your honesty and humor are so refreshing!!
Here's my little Manual Lymphatic Drainage tips:
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Take deep breaths.. deep, as in breathing in to a count of 3 or 4, whatever is best for you. hold it for another count of 3-4, then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 of these could help get your excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up.
Then, as you slowly breath out, to the same count of either 3, 4 or 5 gently press down and slightly upwards with the palm of your hand.
Do this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. The more supine that you can get in the recliner or bed, the more effective this can be.. you have lymph nodes located in your groin and sitting up too much can cause a restriction of the lymph flow.
You can, after the breathing, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, right where the crease is in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
I did this quite a bit post op and while it takes a while for the body to wake up and respond, it will and it will help get the swelling moving.
The reason this can help is because many of our lymph nodes are located in our abdomen. Our breathing combined with moderate pressure over our naval can help to "prime" our lymph system.
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Additional notes: you can reach down to your knee and lightly stroke upwards your groin after doing the steps above. Then lastly, gently pump the back of your knee in a rolling, upward motion towards the trunk of your body, using all 4 fingers of your hand and NO fingertips pressing in..
This can be effective if done daily.. use light pressure, no deep pushing. This isn't a no pain no gain thing.
I hope this helps!!
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I noticed you mentioned dry brushing, so this would be perfect after you do the deep breathing.
Just screenshotted this for later! Thanks again @CricketHip!
I hate to complain because he’s an amazing partner and really good cook, but all weekend it was French toast and bacon, breakfast burritos, ham and mashed potatoes, mac and cheese—heavy, comforting, delicious . . . but too much for my body when I’m barely moving. I was hungry and ate it all, though. I cannot imagine the calories burned healing from something like this. I have been eating normally since surgery and still I can tell I have lost a little weight. I wish I could have lost a little weight before surgery! That would have been more helpful.
and good early morning
here in Georgia.
Who knows what that was about but my theory is something in there adjusted itself by my walking.
It is such a challenge to refrain from digging in when you’re feeling okay and having a good day. I like a tidy home and dear hubs messes were driving me cuckoo when I was still unable to do much damage control.
