Ask Dr. Sheila Ridner

Note: Dr. Ridner is not currently answering questions.

Areas of expertise:

  • Lymphedema treatment options
  • Self-care
  • Symptoms associated with lymphedema
  • Quality of life concerns
  • Coping with lymphatic diseases
  • Psychosocial issues
  • Patient advocacy

Sheila H. Ridner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Martha Rivers Ingram Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, TN. She is an internationally recognized scientist and expert in the field of lymphedema and lymphatic research.

  1. lymphadema
    Question (Barbara, ):
    • I developed lymphadema after back surgery. This problem is on my left side, not on my arms or legs .Hopefully, one of you may be able to point me to someone who will be able to help.

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  2. Neck lymphedema
    Question (Jamie, ):
    • After breast and node removal, Im experiencing lymphedema on both sides of my neck.Is this normal?

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  3. head and neck lymphedema
    Question (daniel, ):
    • How can I manage the lymphedema in my face, neck?

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  4. Lymphedema of the neck: changes in voice and gums permanent?
    Question (Kirsi, ):
    • Hi, I have lymphedema of the neck as result of RT for Adenoid cystic carcinoma in the summer of 2019. Lymphedema started 2 months after and is inner and outer. My voice gets hoarse and tired and gums get ‘doughy’ and swollen. What do I need to do?

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  5. Finding a Doctor at Vanderbilt
    Question (Linda, ):
    • My great grandfather, grandmother and father were said to have inherited lymphedema after the age of fifty. They all had heart problems but I don't. I have neuropathy. I need to find a doctor that can see if I have inherited lymphedema or something else is going on with me.

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  6. Chest lymphedema
    Question (Melody, ):
    • Who can someone see who is proficient with diagnosis and treatment of chest lymphadema / disruption of chest lymph drainage related to chest surgery and resulting scars?

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  7. Abdominal Lymphedema
    Question (Nicole , ):
    • I was diagnosed about 2 years ago with abdominal lymphedema, after a laparoscopic hysterectomy and then having post op abdominal infection and 3 months later distal cuff ruptured. The area in which I live doesn’t have many specialists regarding lymphedema and I am wanting further information on how this happened.

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  8. Back pain
    Question (Susan, ):
    • I have lipo-lymphedema in my legs. I have been through CDT and have day and night garments that I wear continually. I exercise and do pool work. Recently I have developed horrible lower back pain. Is this linked to Lymphedema? Treatment suggestions?

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  9. Edema leg sores
    Question (Laura, ):
    • My brother has edema leg sores that will not heal, he is a large man and he will not wear compression socks, is there anything else that can be done to heal these sores? I'm worried.

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  10. Far-infrared light therapy for lymphedema
    Question (Leslie, ):
    • I've heard far-infrared light therapy can benefit lymphedema patients when used on regularly effected areas. I have lower extremity lymphedema in my right leg and have had lymph transfer and bypass. I've read numerous studies such as below. Do you advise and if so, how often? Thank you. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28434105 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1011134417301665

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  11. Lymphedema and weight loss
    Question (Maria, ):
    • I’ve had lymphedema since I’m 25 and I’m now 62. I’ve managed to keep it under control until the last three years where I’m now in stage three and have gained a lot of weight and my mobility has been significantly impaired. Will weight loss help in my mobility/condition.

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  12. Iv location
    Question (Sue, ):
    • I don't have lymphedema. I have nodes removed on both sides breast cancer. Where do I have iv and bp checks? Five years ago

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  13. Swimming and wakling when having arm lymphedema
    Question (Athina, ):
    • Hello, I am diagnosed with stage 1 arm lymph-edema, and I follow CDT therapy. Is it safe and/or good for me to start swimming in a pool? Water temperature will be about 29-30 degrees (Celsius). Is brisk walking harmful ( 5.5km in an hour) for this condition? Thank you Athina

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  14. What I Eat Affects the Daily Onset
    Question (Janci, ):
    • I’m 53. My first onset was in 1996 on my right foot. However, now My lymphadema is dominate on my left side of the body. Swelling goes down overnight. And it’s intensity is triggered mostly by the carbs that I eat. Why? What type Dr should I see?

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  15. Lymphedema Preacox
    Question (Oluwatoniloba, ):
    • 4 years ago I found out that I had a swelling on my right foot. I was diagnosed with lymphedema preacox. There’s a lot ofpain on my knees & it’s hard to walk sometimes. I was told to just leave it but elevate it sometimes. What else can I do?

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  16. Lymphedema
    Question (Carla, ):
    • I need help don’t know where to turn? What doctor to see? I’m so swollen can’t walk and I’m up to 363 pounds and my husband had to retire to take care of me ! What kind of doctor do I need? Family doctor said I’m overweight and I needbariaticsurgery

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  17. lymphedema
    Question (yana, ):
    • I had breast cancer surgery and developed right arm swelling shortly after; i had MLD for several weeks and i started using a flexitouch compression pump and about a week later developed swelling in my right neck and face; ultrasound negative for clot; could the neck/swelling be from lymphedema?

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  18. Elbow Surgery OK 25 yr. After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection?
    Question (Marina, ):
    • 25 yr ago had breast cancer and many lymph nodes removed. Then chemo radiation & 5 years later latissimus flap reconstruction. I have NOT had lymphedema. Now broken neck of radial head that is not healing; surgery recommended to replace the bone w/metal. Is lymphedema possible? I am concerned.

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  19. Could I have the beginning of lymphodema?
    Question (Michele, ):
    • I had chemo/radiation/lumpectomy w/ 3 nodes removed in 2014-15. All clean. Dx was invasive ductal carcinoma stg 1. I experienced swelling since chemo above my clavicles to this day. It’s now in my hands between my knuckles. Sometimes it’s worse than other days. Could this be lymphodema?

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  20. Lymphedema in my leg?
    Question (Mary, ):
    • My right thigh is 2" bigger than my left. It's painful. I have MBC and had a rod and radiation on my spine and femur. The Dr now thinks the swelling/pain is permanent. No one has said lymphedema. Who can I see to have it evaluated? I think it is.

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  21. Does Pneumatic pump mimic MLD?
    Question (Kathy, ):
    • Would the gradient pneumatic pump better mimic MLD than a Basic 8-chamber? I understand Basic Pumps work in one direction --fingertips to armpit-- therefore "dumping" lymph fluid without actually removing it in a safe fashion. Could this worsen lymphedema? (Left arm/chest/back Stage 1 Lymphedema from mastectomy.)

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  22. Jumping?
    Question (Lorraine, ):
    • Hello! I was recently diagnosed with Lymphedema in my left leg. And for the past 11 weeks I'm having swelling in my right arm pit. I got an ultrasound and they said "my nodes weren't swollen" but I'm wondering if my Lymphedema can "jump" like that? And start to affectother

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  23. Ixl
    Question (Debbie, ):
    • Who can I see to confirm that I have lymphedema

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  24. Leg issue
    Question (Meegan, ):
    • My right leg is swollen on and off. Went through a lot of tests and there was no specific result. Was only told it could be mild lymphedema. I'm not sure what is wrong.

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  25. Lymph damaged in anterior cervical fusion/disectomy
    Question (Jaye, ):
    • I had anterior fusion and disectomy of c5/c6 in 2014 at age 35. Doctor believe the surgeon damaged my lymph system. All that helps is laying as flat as possible and ice. My neck, chin, and rtside of my face swell along w chronic migraine/pain and weakness. Whatcan ido?

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  26. Lymphatic symptoms
    Question (Nancy, ):
    • I have not had surgery in over 15 years. My legs and feet are swelled I out on some weight and it’s very hard for me to bend down or kneal. Do I need to be concerned?

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  27. Lymphedema prognosis
    Question (Albert, ):
    • I have good reason for lymphedema in my right leg, broken bones. My left leg has also swollen as well as both feet, but the left leg swelling doesn't have any reason that I know of. Does the disease keep spreading throughout the body like that? What's the prognosis?

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  28. Lymphedema and running
    Question (Beth, ):
    • I don’t find a lot of info for someone who runs like me. I had surgery for ovarian cancer 3 years ago. Mostly mild lymphedema since then in my left leg. It’s not been consistent over the time so I’ve not been consistent with treatment. I have a pump and have been fitted for compression wear. I rarely use either. I tend to swell if I run far (over 10 miles). It usually seems to resolve over a few days although it’s not resolving as quickly as before. My biggest question is about fatigue. I have a heavy “tired” feeling in my legs some days as soon as I step out the door. I feel like I’ve run before I ever leave. It doesn’t seem to matter how many rest days I have either. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do about it. Running defines me as a person but it’s getting incredibly harder just to get out the door when I know my legs are going to feel like lead from the get-go. I hope u can help. I’m losing my identity. Thanks so much

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  29. Head & Neck Lymphedema
    Question (Cassandra , ):
    • I had “traditional neck lift” or lower facelift Jan ‘18. I had large hematoma and seroma develop day after surgery. I’ve been in constricting, tight/pressure pain. I have had extreme intense discomfort in my head when weather changed fast or rain this summer. A month ago a PMR suggested I had lymphedema, noting fullness on left side face:neck (nothing really noticeable).., so I started MLD/CLD therapy 3-4 weeks ago. 1st MLD massage I felt huge shift in pressure around my head. I had more therapy and it seemed to confirm that this was lymphatically related due to the huge shift in pressure. Unfortunately, we don’t know where lymph damage/block is so I just feel like fluid/pressure not being managed well to yield relief. I became distraught this last week as the pain/tightness all over head/neck has become unbearable. Was brought to U of MN Med Ctr and was told imaging showed nothing and they didn’t suspect lymphedema. (Ps. I also did have a psych consult just so we could rule that I’ve conjured these issues out..., I’m sane/competent) I’ve been sleeping in a chair upright for months, plus been doing MLD for weeks, so assume they wouldn’t see much fluid. Im 5’10 130 lbs. I’m not sure anymore, where to go. No one knows anything about head/Neck Lymphedema. I’m struggling desperately with pressure in my head that can be shifted by MLD but not to relief. I’m concerned that I had some infection (gas-air) or poor healing after the facelift that’s not showing up on imaging, which may have left damaged tissue from fluid sitting in tissues for months, now leaving spaces after MLD massage that are vulnerable to pressure/barometer changes. Is there any info re lymphedema symptoms of head/neck? Can cosmetic surgery result in lymphedema? Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated as I am I’m hitting a wall in coping and am scared

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  30. Holistic treatment for lymphadema in legs
    Question (Lynn, ):
    • I am a 16 year ovarian cancer survivor. I had 6 rounds of chemotherapy after a complete hysterectomy along with removal of lymph nodes. Over the years the swelling in my ankles has gotten worse and now my feet, toes and lower legs swell. It hurts to walk for long periods of time. I do wear compresssion stockings whenI fly or am on long car trips which does help to a point. I did attend a few sessions of physical therapy with a lymphedema therapist and was recommended to wrap my legs and do massage. Along with getting the special boots that would pump the lymph system. I was recently told that Ginger Oil can help with the swelling. I’m wondering if you’ve heard of this and what your thoughts are on this? Or if you are aware of any other type of holistic treatment to help with the swelling. I appreciate any thing you can provide. Thank you for your time. Lynn

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  31. Treatment Advice
    Question (Gaynor , ):
    • Hi. I am asking the question on behalf of a family member. As a result of being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus approx 14 years ago they underwent a full hysterectomy, they subsequently had chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The lymph nodes were removed from the left leg area. Over the past 4 years lymphodema has become an increasing problem down the left leg. A large lump has grown on the inner thigh and treatment is having very little impact. They are under the care of the Christie Hospital but due to this condition being extremely under funded there are very few options. They currently wear a compression stocking every day which is bearable however trying to obtain a second stocking has become impossible as the nurses never get the measurements right. Very frustrating!! They have visited a clinic in London to investigate the possiblity of lymph node transplant but apparently this is not an option as it has been stated there is a lot of scar tissue?? Whatever that means. I would like to know if there is anywhere in the UK that specialised in lymphodema and what does your research suggest for long term treatment? Many Thanks

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  32. Lymphodema and flying in an airplane
    Question (Barbara, ):
    • Hello Dr. Ridner: In 1999 I had 15 lymph nodes removed in association with a diagnosis of breast cancer and I am currently lymphedema free. I am interested in flying as a mode of transportation but have heard that the cabin pressure changes could cause Lymphodema. Is there any new information and/or treatment options for people who want to travel by air, but are at risk for lymphedema?

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  33. Is lymphedema hereditary?
    Question (CM, ):
    • I have lymphedema in my legs that started when I was about 13 and they say it is primary lympehdema. I am worried about having children. Can I pass this lymphedema on to my children?

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  34. Does radiation cause lymphedema
    Question (Catalina, ):
    • Everyone seems to think surgery is what causes lymphedema after breast cancer, but I had very little surgery and a sentinel node biopsy. I also had radiation to my breast. I think the radiation caused my lymphedema in my arm. Can radiation cause lymphedema?

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  35. lymphedema, left arm
    Question (Anne, ):
    • I've had secondary lymphedema for 11 years resulting from removal of lymph nodes under my arm. I exercise, wear a sleeve and a Solaris garment at night. My arm swells sometimes when I take prescribed medications and then I have to work with it for weeks to get it down. It has never been back to normal size even with the PT manual drainage I have had. I have trouble with clothes with this big arm. Would low level laser help to break up scar tissue and could this help? Sincerely, Anne (I've tried a pump also.)

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