Lymphoedema is not well known. For those who have heard of it, because, they or someone close suffers from it, this can be a very unpleasant and troublesome condition.
In the bad old days when a woman was diagnosed with breast cancer, axillary clearance, or removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit was common as a preventative measure, given that breast cancers usually spread to the lymph nodes under the arms first. Sounds sensible, and it was as it gave the patient the best chance of a recovery, and less chance for the disease to spread. The trouble is that these lymph nodes act as a sort of filter and drainage system, an important defence against infection removing excess protein, abnormal and dead cells and bacteria in lymph, which is a colourless fluid, which forms in the body. This normally drains back into the blood circulation through a network of vessels and nodes.
If some damage occurs to the lymphatic system, or if part of it has been surgically removed, swelling (oedema) occurs and tissues can change, becoming hardened (fibrotic) with an increased risk of infection which makes the swelling even harder to control.
Lymphoedema is categorised as Primary lymphoedema, which may be present from birth due to underdevelopment of the lymph system and can affect children men or women at any age and secondary lymphoedema that can occur in the treatment of cancer following surgery or radiotherapy. It can also occur as a result of infection, injury, burns or other trauma.
The swelling can be painful and drug therapy is of limited value. Although the condition cannot be cured, the major symptoms, the swelling and the risk of infection (cellulitis), can.
Although this condition has usually been associated with breast cancer there needs to be more education to encompass patients affected by all types of cancer and other causes of their lymphoedema. In the past many people just lived with the condition, thinking that nothing could be done, or feeling so relieved that they had survived cancer that the resultant lymphoedema seemed a small price to pay. Well trained Lymphoedema Practitioners can now offer a range of helpful advice and treatments like manual lymphatic drainage, a special sort of massage carried out by a therapist, instruction on self massage, multi layer lymphoedema bandaging where appropriate, as well as provision of compression garments, skin care, and advice on exercise and a healthy eating regime.
One of the biggest rewards is to see the face of a patient light up when they realise that there is help for a condition that they thought they would just have to live with.
The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) supplies telephone information and a support line, quarterly newsletters and updates on current information on lymphoedema, research being undertaken and its findings as well as the most up to date information on treatment methods, fact sheets, a web site and self-help videos. As the LSN relies solely on membership subscriptions and donations there is a £10.00 membership fee. The LSN works to raise awareness of the condition amongst patients and the medical profession and campaigns for better resources for patients and practitioners. You can reach them on 0207 351 4480 or email them on:
[email]adminlsn@lymphoedema.freeserve.co.uk[/email] These days when the NHS faces a lot of criticism it is very heartening to meet a dedicated professional like Carol-Ann Cahill and we should all be very grateful to those individuals who, like her, are totally devoted to the work that they do on our behalf.
So Rob I hope I have helped with the information that I have found for you. It should be a simple matter to approach your doctor and ask for referral to a Lymphoedema Practitioner or get in touch with LSN.
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