Lymphedema Archives - My Unique Stories

July 12, 2020July 17, 2020

Lymphedema Frequently Ask Questions

1. Is there a cure treatment for lymphedema?

At this time there is NO cure for lymphedema. But it can be controlled, or it can be managed.

2. How do you know that you have lymphedema?

When you notice that you have swelling that does not go away, make sure you visit your physician and have her or him check on you. And he/she makes a diagnosis.

Once you are determined that you have lymphedema then get a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist.

3. What can be done when having lymphedema?

There are 2 phases of treatments, first you will be seen by a certified lymphedema therapist and during these sessions you have treatments such as therapeutic exercise, skin care, manual lymph drainage and bandaging using short stretch bandages.

The second phase, once the swelling /lymphedema is decreased in volume and it is determined by your therapist that you are ready to move forward with compression garments , your therapist will let you know. Then you are set to be fitted with compression garments or farrow wraps. At this point you are ready to manage your own lymphedema.

It is very important that during your sessions with your therapist you learn the manual lymph drainage, self-bandaging, taking care of the skin and therapeutic exercises.

4. How often should I change my compression garment?

It is very important that you change your garment every 6-9 months. There are so many brands that you can choose. Make sure you are measured for right fit to avoid wasting your money.

5. Is ace wrap okay to use for bandaging?

Ace wrap is a long stretch type of bandaging. It is recommended to use a short stretch type of bandaging for better compression of lymphedema. There are different brands such as comprilans or lo press. There are also different sizes.

6. Why skin care?

Our skin is our protection so if you take care of your skin you minimize the entry of the bacteria. For example, if you leave your skin dry and it is scaly, your tendency is to scratch it. Once you keep scratching the skin, then it is subject to skin being cut and is potential for bacterial entry. With the presence of fluids in the interstitial tissue there is less blood flow and your immune system is compromise.

7. What can I do to take care of skin?

Taking a shower or bath would help. Keep the body clean. After taking a shower or bath apply moisturizing lotion such as Curel, Eucerin or Aquaphor.

February 1, 2020

Lymphedema Continues…

8. It requires in your part the willingness to manage the lymphedema

9. There are challenges you encounter as you try to manage the lymphedema in the face and neck. However, you can still work on it.

10. Using kinesio tape on the face/cheek and direct towards behind the earlobe. Make sure to cut the kinesio tape into strips.

11. Encourage good posture and facial expression exercises are beneficial

12. Diaphragmatic breathings are also advised no more than 10 repetitions at a time to prevent hyperventilation.

13. Procuring the face/neck mask compression garment is very helpful

14. There are different compression pumps that you can use in addition to Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression and Exercises.

15. Do NOT just rely on compression pumps as this is NOT the only treatment.

December 28, 2019January 12, 2020

Lymphedema Continues…

1. When you are travelling by plane, to make sure you wear compression garments or bandaging while in flights.

2. Avoid eating salty food.

3. If you have compression garments, make sure to change it every 6- 9 months.

4. Compression garments should have 20 – 30 mmhg or above gradients. Or make sure to consult your physician.

5. Use mosquito repellant if you have activities outside.

6. Wear compression garments during the day and before going to bed to make sure to remove it. There is compression garments design for day use and night use. Ensure to know the difference.

7. Enjoy the self-manual lymph drainage on yourself to assist in moving the swelling.

November 23, 2019January 12, 2020

How to manage lymphedema?

When you notice that you are developing swelling, first step to do is to check with your doctor. You should be diagnosed by your primary physician for you to address the problem.

It is advised that you get referred to a certified lymphedema therapist to help you manage the lymphedema. Find in your area that are certified lymphedema therapist and get help.

Simple tips in managing lymphedema:

Skin care: You must take care of your skin. Taking a shower or bath to clean your skin is one way of taking care of your skin. Apply moisturizer lotion to keep it from drying. When you leave the skin dry, it is easily getting nick or cut even just a little scratch can be potential of organism to enter your body. And this may lead to infection such as cellulitis.

So, use lotion such as Eucerin, curel or aquaphor lotion.

Do not use blade razor if you want to shave your legs. But instead use an electric razor. You want to avoid nicking from the blade razor.
Avoid hot spa. Because of the heat, it can increase the swelling.
If you love sun bathing, you must consider NOT to do that because the heat from the sun can also exacerbate the lymphedema.

November 10, 2019January 12, 2020

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the slowing of flow in the lymphatic system.

Imagine a drainage that is blocked, there is slowing stream of water. Consequently, there is some pooling of water somewhere. This is similar to what is happening with lymphedema. It has some blockage so that the fluids tend to pool somewhere. For example there is swelling in the legs or arms.

There are 2 types of lymphedema:

Primary lymphedema: is hereditary or congenital. The onset can be at young age like at teen age or puberty and is called praecox. Praecox is a Latin term meaning very early. The other one is called Tarda. This means that the onset is at older age like in the third decade.
Secondary lymphedema: could be caused from surgery such as removal of lymph nodes for example in mastectomy or lumpectomy. Radiation can also trigger the onset of lymphedema.

Keep an open mind set in approaching this problem will help you manage the disease well. First of all you have to understand that there is no cure to this problem .But the good news is that you can manage the swelling or this can be controlled. Staying on top of keeping this under control at all times are the key.