Kind Kine

kinésithérapeute 

Définition du mot Kinésithérapeute : Le kinésithérapeute est un professionnel de santé qui pratique la kinésithérapie. Cette spécialité consiste en l'utilisation de mouvements actifs et passifs (mobilisation des membres, massages, électricité) dans un but thérapeutique et de rééducation.

or in English, physiotherapist

My arm was still hurting when I last saw the doctor and the scar for the lymph nodes was inflamed.  The whole arm was swollen on Saturday and I had bad pins and needles in my fingers.  The oncologist at the hospital gave me a prescription for 20 sessions with a physio to get full movement in my arm and stop the swelling.  What they are most worried about when lymph nodes have been removed is lymphedema http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema 

Actually I wish I hadn't read that wilkipedia link!  There are some pretty nasty pictures of advanced lymphedema and it looks like I'll have to wear some special apparatus when I fly in a plane from now on - yikes!  And the rate of development of lymphedema after cancer surgery seems to be very high (up to 89%).

 Anyway in an attempt to avoid this, I made an appointment to see a physiotherapist.  I had been advised to see one that can do manual drainage of swellings, otherwise if it's dealt with by a nurse or some other physios, the drainage is called a 'punction' which involves a large needle drawing off fluid.  I've had enough of needles for the moment.

I was a bit nervous, this is, again, another new experience for me.  I had checked that this guy did manual drainage and I'd chosen a physio just at the end of my road, not too hard to get to.

 He examined me (I could keep my bra on, hurrah!) and started massaging certain points and manipulating my arm and shoulders very very gently whilst chatting to me.  He seemed pretty gruff and no nonsense but I liked it that he had a laid back little waiting area with a fountain and classical music playing and his diplomas displayed.  He was wearing jeans and a shirt, very relaxed.  It hurt when he started rubbing certain points and I had to tell him when it didn't hurt any longer, which was quite quick.  He didn't push too hard or quickly but I did feel aching in my arm and fingers afterwards, which is normal apparently.

The session was not too long and he reccomended two per week, so that will last for 10 weeks.  He didn't think I had a high risk of getting lymphedema and he was hopeful to get full mobility in my left arm eventually.  He also said he'd get me to stop rolling my shoulders and hunching them up.  I said my Mum's been trying to do that for years so good luck to you!

As I left he shook my hand and said 'it's ok to cry you know, let it all out'.  I have no idea where that came from but it was a really kind and insightful thing to say.  So I've been having a little cry from time to time since.

It is so nice to have a medical treatment in a more normal atmosphere, relaxed and gentle after the stark, antiseptic, white, hard space and the aggresive treatment in the hospital.