Lympedema can be controlled
Lymphedema is chronic swelling of a body part. Millions world-wide are affected. Usually, lymphedema happens after cancer surgery or radiation therapy. More than three million breast cancer patients are expected to experience the condition, and anyone who has had cancer treatment that has affected the lymph nodes is at risk. Lymphedema can also be the result of a congenital abnormality and can show up at birth, puberty, or during mid-life.
"Lymphedema affects between eight and thirty percent of women who have had surgery for breast cancer. It can be mild or devastating," says Dr. Rolene Redland, general surgeon with Alegent Health.
Lymph nodes transport fluids from the tissues back into the bloodstream. The fluid protects the body from infection and disease by storing and distributing lymphocytes. Waste from metabolism, as well as some proteins are also filtered through the lymph nodes.
When the lymphatic system malfunctions, proteins will accumulate, the limb will swell, and will be at a heightened risk of infection. If left untreated, the tissue may harden, and the individual could lose use of their limb. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the disease from progressing.
Fortunately, lymphedema is treatable. CDT (Combined Decongestive Therapy) offers effective treatment for this condition. A skilled therapist, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, remedial exercise, and skin care can greatly improve the condition. The treatment usually takes about three to four weeks.
Long-term maintenance for lymphedema eventually becomes the responsibility of the patient. Learning about your anatomy will help you understand the condition and learn to practice daily self-care. The patient's ability to keep the condition under control means that recurrence of the condition, and infection, will be greatly decreased.
Donna Peterson, a patient who suffered from lymphedema so badly that her clothes didn't fit, was in misery until she began treatment at the Alegent Health Physical Therapy Clinic.
A year later, Donna says, "I have my life back." With the proper therapy, exercise and compression bandages to stop the swelling, lymphedema is treatable, and can be kept under control.
