UK Lymphedema Information: Lymphoedema Complex Decongestive Therapy - 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





		Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) CDT \| Compression Garments \| Exercise \| Reid Sleeve \| Circ-aid Neopress \| Specialist Footwear \| Skin glue \| Alternative Therapies The Flik Flak \| Aqua Massage \| Low Level Laser Therapy Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT): this is an intensive course of treatment, lasting from 10 days to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the Lymphoedema. It consists of: Skin and nail care: to avoid the risk of infection by using skin washes and moisturising cream. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) on a daily basis to encourage lymph flow and efficient drainage, especially around the impaired areas; Multi-layer compression bandaging: on a daily basis to reduce limb volume; Exercise: gentle exercise on a daily basis to encourage efficient lymph flow. Following a course of treatment, compression garments will probably have to be worn indefinitely to maintain the volume reduction achieved. The Lymphedema clinic or hospital surgical appliances department will be able to fit and prescribe these. It is also necessary to ensure that body weight remains within normal limits, if at all possible. After six months to a year, a repeated course of treatment will be of benefit to the patients. However in the meantime, daily exercises with regular MLD may be recommended. The overall benefit is that the reduced limb volume should remain under control in the long-term, allowing the patient to enjoy a real improvement in quality of life, with less threat of infections. In the UK, few clinics offer the full CDT and certainly not all elements are available on the NHS. However, in East Kent, it is possible to obtain full CDT through the network of Lymphoedema clinics in the main hospitals. Please note - only use a therapist who is fully qualified and registered, with MLD UK to practise Manual Lymph Drainage. Simple Lymph Drainage: a simpler form of Manual Lymph Drainage that can be self-administered. By massaging various points on the body, the lymph glands can be stimulated to work more effectively. This can be carried out daily. A lymphoedema nurse can show you how to carry out Simple Lymph Drainage. The LSN also produces two videos on Simple Lymph Drainage, for those with arm or leg lymphoedema." Important Note: Healthcare professionals do not run this site, and we are not able to give advice or contra-indications regarding any information discussed in the forums. We are also cannot verify accuracy of information, nor provide any form of guarantee. Please seek advice from your medical practitioner or Lymphoedema specialist before proceeding. A diagnosis of Lymphedema is also essential due to any contra-indications that may appear with other conditions following the use of any of this information. The owners of this web site are not responsible for the content of the postings and in no way advocate that they form a medical opinion. To view or leave comments about this treatment, please click here here to enter our Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Discusssion Forum.

Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT)