UK Lymphedema Information: Lymphoedema The LSN - lymphoedema uk, lymphedema information, primary lymphedema, secondary lymphodema, lymphedema support, lymphedema cure, lymphoedema swelling, support group

lymphoedema uk, lymphedema information, primary lymphedema, secondary lymphodema, lymphedema support, lymphedema cure, lymphoedema swelling, support groupWhether you have been newly diagnosed, or a Lymphedema sufferer for many years, we sincerely hope that you will find this site a sanctuary that you can visit to locate information and meet with others in a similar position.

lymphoedema uk, lymphedema information, primary lymphedema, secondary lymphodema, lymphedema support, lymphedema cure, lymphoedema swelling, support group

Lymphoedema is a condition which may affect anyone, at any time. However, it occurs with greater frequency in females. It is often distressing, can be debilitating, and is often also painful, showing itself as swelling of the limbs and body. The most common form of lymphedema is in a limb, but it can affect any part of the body or internal organs. At the end of the 20th century, it is far more common than is accepted by the medical profession. Lymphedema can occur at any time, once the lymphatics are damaged. Sometimes, it can start immediately and lasts for life; the oedema may occur for a while then disappear, and may or may not re-occur; or it may appear years after the event in which the lymphatics are damaged, and can be triggered by a seemingly trivial event, such as sunburn, carrying heavy weights or a long flight. Primary Lymphoedema is usually determined from birth and is often due to the under-development of the lymphatic system - usually too few lymphatics, but there may also be cases where the lymph vessels be adequate in number, but are very dilated and do not pump properly. It can develop at any stage of life, but is most likely to occur at adolescence (known as lymphoedema praecox). It is less likely to start later in life (lymphoedema tarda). Primary lymphoedema usually worsens quite slowly. Secondary Lymphoedema occurs where the lymphatic system becomes impaired following surgery and/or radiotherapy (as in cancer treatment) or as a result of infection, severe injury, burns or trauma. It may worsen quite rapidly.

lymphoedema uk, lymphedema information, primary lymphedema, secondary lymphodema, lymphedema support, lymphedema cure, lymphoedema swelling, support group

Unfortunately, there is a general lack of medical knowledge and expertise in giving an early diagnosis and correct referral for treatment. Too often, doctors will claim that it is a trivial condition, which a person has to live with. In fact, Lymphoedema may often have an immense impact on a person's quality of life. Someone with Lymphedema will usually feel any of the following symptoms: Feeling of tightness and heaviness in the limb, which can result in a difficulty of movement; A gradual thickening of the skin on the affected limb. Lymph may also leak through the skin as the condition worsens; Deep aching pains or shooting pains up the limb; Aching buttocks (leg lymphoedema) or back of the shoulder (arm lymphoedema); Pins and needles in the limb; A feeling of tightness or tenderness in the elbow or back of the knee; Pains in the joints (e.g. elbow, knee and ankle), similar to arthritis, and may be diagnosed as this; Tenderness in the groin of the affected leg; "Blown-up" abdomen if a leg is affected or in "lymphoedema-all-over"; The limb or affected areas are warmer than other parts - if it becomes red, this suggests an infection which must be treated immediately; An intolerance to heat, especially in the affected limb (climatic, saunas, baths); Clothes or shoes do not fit properly. Fatigue often sets in. A person with the condition may have to adapt to an altered or more limited daily lifestyle, sometimes with a reduced working capability. Daily self-management of lymphoedema also requires a certain self-discipline.

lymphoedema uk, lymphedema information, primary lymphedema, secondary lymphodema, lymphedema support, lymphedema cure, lymphoedema swelling, support group





		The LSN With kind permission of the LSN. The Lymphoedema Support Network is a registered charity. It began in 1991 and is the UK's patient support organisation for Lymphoedema. The aims are: To provide information and support for people with lymphedema To provide information regarding lymphedema and treatment To work towards the availability of better national resources for Lymphoedema treatment To maintain contact with healthcare professionals working in Lymphoedema management To promote a network of support groups throughout the UK for people with lymphedema, of which the East Kent Lymphoedema Support Group is but one. The overall purpose is to provide advice and support for people with Lymphoedema, and advance awareness in those at risk of developing the condition, particularly after surgery or radiotherapy. The LSN also works to raise awareness of Lymphoedema within the medical profession and health authorities. It is based in London and has especially strong links with the Royal Marsden Hospital, which is the birthplace of the charity. Membership of the LSN is strongly encouraged for both patient and healthcare professionals. Members receive quarterly newsletters and can attend regular meetings in London. The LSN also produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets on a number of topics directly relevant to the condition, such as simple lymph drainage, infections, coping with swelling, and so forth. Two self-help videos are also available, "How to manage you arm swelling" and "How to manage your leg swelling". A parliamentary lobbyist has also recently been working with the LSN, to further raise awareness of Lymphoedema within the political arena. For further details of the LSN, please visit their website, or contact them at: St Luke's Crypt Sydney Street London SW3 6NH Tel: 020 7351 4480 How You Can Help! The Lymphoedema Support Network is a charitable organisation and relies on donations and subscriptions. If you can afford to make a donation, no matter how small, to support their invaluable work, please visit the LSN donations page. Your support really is appreciated.