Lymphedema
is a medical condition characterized by swelling of one or more parts of the body due to retention of lymphatic fluid. It can occur spontaneously, with no known cause; or it can result from damage to the lymphatic system caused by injury or surgery. Some people are just born with insufficient capacity in their lymph vessels.Studies indicate that up to 20% of all patients who have had lymph nodes removed or who have undergone radiation therapy develop lymphedema. It can appear weeks, months, or many years after the procedure.
Signs of Lymphedema
- swelling of your arm, hand, leg, or neck on the side of your surgery
- a puffy or “full” sensation in your back, neck, or limb
- swollen or “tight” feeling skin
- decreased flexibility in your hand, wrist, or foot
- a swollen ankle
- trouble fitting into clothing in one specific area
- a tight ring, wristwatch, or bracelet
There is no known cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed and controlled with proper care.
Lymphedema therapy
begins with a series of closely-spaced sessions during which I use manual lymphatic drainage to reduce the volume of retained lymph in your affected area, followed by careful bandaging. The bandaging is essential to help maintain the reduced volume between treatments, and special bandages are necessary.Once the size of the area has stabilized, I measure you for a specially-fitted compression garment. You will wear this garment in your daily activities to control swelling and maintain more normal function.
I can supply you with both bandages and compression garments.
I will also teach you simple techniques for self-treatment, and we will discuss self-massage, exercise and diet. Lebed movement, breathing exercises, and swimming are some activities that have been shown to be very helpful.
From time to time, you should return for maintenance sessions or garment refitting.
There are many excellent resources for lymphedema information. I suggest you start with the National Lymphedema Network (NLN). I am an NLN affiliate lymphedema therapist.
The NLN website also provides links to several lymphedema support groups, both online and off. There is probably a group that meets near you.
Other useful web resources include the Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation, the Northwest Lymphedema Center, and Lymph Notes.