Palm Springs Lymphedema Center

04/02/2026

03/22/2026

Yummy DYI chemical free moisturizer.

03/22/2026

Keep it simple, and just say NO to the supplements.
If you absolutely have bought into the idea that they have an effect and intend on ingesting them do the research to stay safe as most supplements are proving to be a danger.
Sleep, sunshine, laughter and movement may be healthier options.

02/20/2026

👉🏼 Living with lymphedema can make every joint issue more complicated — especially when knees start giving out. A question that comes up a lot is: Will orthopedic surgeons even do a knee replacement if you have lymphedema?
My orthopedic will NOT even consider it ! 🛑

The honest answer: sometimes yes… but often they want swelling managed first.

Many surgeons worry about infection, wound healing, and extra swelling after surgery. Because of that, they may ask patients to:
• Work with a certified lymphedema therapist
• Get swelling as stable as possible
• Use consistent compression
• Have a plan for care after surgery

It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re already in pain and just want relief. And let’s be real — lymphedema DOES cause pain, even though it’s often overlooked.

But here’s the encouraging part: people with lymphedema have successfully had knee replacements when there’s a good plan in place.

I’d love to hear from our community:
• Have you had a knee replacement with lymphedema?
• Were you approved right away or asked to manage swelling first?
• What helped you most during the process?🩵🦋

02/20/2026

GREAT Explanation

02/12/2026

What a Cellulitis Flare Actually Feels Like (Especially With Lymphedema) 🔥

If you live with lymphedema, cellulitis is not a minor issue.
It is a medical urgency.

Here’s what to watch for:

🔹 Early Warning Signs
• Sudden increase in swelling
• New or unusual pain (different from your normal ache)
• Skin feeling warm or hot to the touch
• Tenderness when pressed
• Skin that feels tight or stretched

This often starts subtly — but it progresses quickly.

⸻

🔹 Skin Changes
• Pink or red discoloration (may spread)
• Shiny or tight appearance
• Skin may feel firm or hard
• Possible streaking

Important: Not everyone gets dramatic redness at first.

⸻

🔹 Whole-Body Symptoms

Cellulitis is an infection — so your body reacts.

You may experience:
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Flu-like body aches
• Nausea

If systemic symptoms begin, medical care should not be delayed.

⸻

🔹 Why It’s More Serious With Lymphedema

The lymphatic system helps fight infection.
When it is compromised:
• Bacteria spread more easily.
• Infections can worsen faster.
• Swelling may increase significantly.
• Each infection can further damage lymphatic pathways.

Repeated cellulitis can permanently worsen lymphedema.

That’s why early antibiotics matter.

⸻

🔹 What To Do Immediately
• Contact your doctor right away.
• Start prescribed emergency antibiotics if you have them.
• Rest the limb.
• Elevate.
• Avoid aggressive massage during active infection.
• Monitor for spreading redness or fever.

If symptoms escalate → emergency care.

⸻

Cellulitis is not “overreacting.”
It is not “just inflammation.”
It is a bacterial infection — and with lymphedema, it must be treated quickly.

Awareness saves limbs.
Awareness prevents hospital stays.
Awareness protects long-term lymphatic health.

If you live with lymphedema, knowing the signs is not optional — it’s essential. 🩵🦋