Welcome - lymphoedema resource site
Information and resources about lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a swelling caused by lymphatic dysfunction. It can be misdiagnosed as obesity. The lymphatic system is your body’s waste removal system. When it is insufficient in function, then long term chronic oedema and swelling occurs. Sometimes chronic oedema is diagnosed (unjustifiably) as lack of exercise and laziness. Assessment information and diagnostic tests with explicit information for lymphoedema are sometimes a scarce resource in western medicine. Given this situation, one must work on the principle that if there is no other reason for chronic oedema, then there is a high probability the condition is caused through lymphatic dysfunction and is lymphoedema.
After all regular medical tests for fluid retention are completed and no logical reason for your oedema is diagnosed, the normal prescribed treatment is prescription diuretics to provide temporary relief, and/or a direction to lose weight or do more exercise. This in most circumstances will not return a long term beneficial result which can become most disappointing and mentally deflating.
In the case of secondary lymphoedema, quite a lot of diagnostic lymphoedema information is being circulated to medical family doctors. In the case of surgical intervention, radiotherapy administration and chemotherapy treatment for cancer the risk of lymphoedema is more clearly understood. For Primary lymphoedema, also known as Milroys, there is much less medical information circulated.
Lymphoedema swelling is normally controllable. The swelling can be reduced using specialised massage, gradient compressive bandaging on swollen limbs, compression garments and self help routines after intensive therapy. We find the most effective treatment requires active participation from the affected person to have the best long term effect.
This website explains or refers you to places to provide an introduction to assist lymphoedema treatment with helpful resource materials outlining;
- a description of lymphoedema symptoms
- an explanation to help diagnosis
- a review of medical tests for lymphoedema
- diagnosis of lymphoedema after cancer treatment
- answers to why the lymphatic system causes lymphoedema
- an introduction of options for lymphoedema therapy
- a list of reference materials suitable and available for lymphoedema treatment.
- a review of the most effective treatment options
- links to associations, support groups or therapists for treatment, information, referrals, help and assistance
- introduction to four common lymphoedema scenarios people encounter
- details of lymphoedema training courses
- information of the best diet for lymphoedema
- introduction of suitable plant extracts used in lymphoedema therapy
- summaries of laser therapy and laser treatment for lymphoedema
- reviews of compressive bandaging as a therapy
- an assessment of compression garment therapy
- 'how to guides' and books showing explanations for swelling reduction
- a list of well qualified lymphoedema therapists
- a guide for effective skin care
- a discussion of pumps for lymphoedema
- a history of lymphoedema treatment
- information and description of the three types of lymphoedema (see history)
We advise you always seek the advice of your doctor, specialist and therapist for any medical condition. Work with them, get their help and advice and take positive action to help your self too. A combination effort pays dividends for lymphoedema control and swelling reductions.
With just a few focused inexpensive actions in your life routines in conjunction with your doctors approval and help, you can be well on the way to a new happier life with considerably less swelling and oedema.
Website Sponsor © Poppy Lane Skin Care & Lymphoedema Clinic Lansvale. NSW 2166 Australia Aug 2008. Main website www.lymph.com.au
