UK Lymphedema Information: Lymphoedema Treatments - 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





		Treatments Produced with kind permission of the LSN and the Lymphedema Association of Australia There is no cure for Lymphoedema; however, there are ways of controlling the swelling, making the Lymphedema more manageable for the sufferer. Early and correct diagnosis is essential as is a daily discipline of self-management with frequent, medical monitoring. The first point of contact should be your GP. If you experience any problems here, please contact the LSN who will be able to provide information and support in getting help. Inappropriate prescribing by doctors in the past has included using diuretics, but these have little or no effect on Lymphoedema, and can make the long-term problems of tissue-thickening worse, and possibly increase swelling. Surgery is never recommended except as a last resort. Pressure pumps may also be recommended, but should only be used under strict medical controls for short periods of time. Referral can be made, by the GP, to a specialist Lymphedema clinic or consultant, who may then be able to discuss the options with the sufferer. The following pages detail treatments for Lymphoedema, together with comments from sufferers on how effective they have found them. If you have Lymphoedema and know of any other useful tips, please contact us so that this information can be added to the site. Remember that it is essential to work in conjunction with the Lymphoedema nurse or specialist regarding management of Lymphedema, especially where compression (whether hosiery, pumps or other fittings), skin care and exercise are concerned. Please note: Healthcare professionals do not run this site, and we are not able to give advice or contra-indications regarding any of the following information. 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. Current Treatments Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Compression Garments Exercise Reid Sleeve Circ-aid Neopress Specialist Footwear Skin glue Alternative Therapies The Flik Flak Exerciser Aqua Massage *Some other tips:* Do not allow blood pressure to be taken, or injections to the affected limb. This may result in infection and worsening of the condition. Do not neglect any signs of an infection. This needs to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible. At the start, an infection can look and feel like a red, warm area on the skin, which may spread rapidly. The sufferer may also experience flu-like symptoms. Skincare is important, to prevent any infections from entering the skin through tears or dryness. There are many good creams on the market that can be regularly used. However, beware of heavily perfumed creams as these may cause sensitive reactions. Also ensure that skin is fully dried following bathing or showering, especially between areas where skin may rub, or between the toes.