Lymphoedema Information Day

How long it lasts depends on the individual. Days,weeks.But if they follow instructions it can stay down for years.Sadly lymphoedmea is for life ,it never goes away, just gets worse and worse unless we take action. The more action , the better it is. Its a choice and active daily participation in maintainace of the limb   is required to stop it 'filling up agian'.Some people can get away with just wearing compression and som simple basic self massage and movements and skin care , but other have to do much more and choose to. Basic lymph flow  means it can refill in 2 hours- as our body produces 8-12 liters of lymph every day  that our body has to process, if there is one area thats not working then it gets stuck there.Some people i know do the decongestive therapy once a year bandaging and fibroitic  softening intensive process. I been able to manage mine so i have never really had to do it because i was lucky to be taught from day 1 what to do- but it did take me years to really get a hang of it and i regulary check in with a l therapist when i notice changes or time to try something new and refine my methids. There are many options to try.

Some people who have advanced lymphoedmea can sometimes have 'debulking surgery'- but they  have to commit to doing a whole lot of wrapping  before surgery and commit to daily compression and self cares afterwards.other wise its not worth them doing the surgery if a person isn't willling to do the work to keep the swelling down.Thats at Macquarie Uni in sydney ALERT.They do diagnosis and treatment plans if your friend of a friend is sydney based. But people come from other states to go there as they are so good. Then take their plan home for local help.

 https://www.mqhealth.org.au/services/find-a-service/lymphoedema-clinic

 yes i often get asked was my arm burnt- compression therapy firm sleeves etc is also used for wound healing- there ar e many types of special fabrics, for swelling it helps hold the skin firm and small and encourages the fluid to move up and out of the limb.otherwise our skin just stretches wider and thinner.  I think everyone should wear oocompression - especially if they work and stand a lot of the time.

Its also been proven to help prevent getting lymphoedmea- when used appropriatly and as part of an education program.

Early stage lymphoedmea can even be reversed.Now we have special machine that can detect it before its even noticable- so that a person can start slef massage and movements and sleeve and stop it in its tracks.Most  women having breast cancer surgery in NSW public hospitlas are getting pre surgery scans, and 3 mths (appprox) re scans  for 2 years  as ongoing research as a result of the PREVENT trail of  something like 2000 women that proved it can reduce lympheodema.

I wouldlln't wish it on anyone- but the sooner a person starts  intervention the better.

Just like cancer - catch it when its small.

Know your risk.Know how to check for it.

Your worth it.