Possible drug therapy for lymphoedema

Hi Summer, good to hear from you though I am so sorry to hear about your hubby, dementia is a terrible thing for everyone to deal with.

I was wondering whether having a GP health plan might help with the costs of the massage? I know it was a bit of a help for me - though you only get 5 sessions and there was still a gap. I'm hoping my private health cover will at least help me towards the cost of some of the other sessions I'll no doubt need this year but having used up a bit to help with my new compression garments, I'm not sure how much more I'll have left for the massages.

I also get quite congested down my back / side and although it's not the same as having a good massage in that area, I do use a long-handled massage brush (bristles one side / nobbly bits the other) to help move the fluid as it is difficult to reach around otherwise. Maybe that might help a bit?

Best wishes to you and let's keep our collective fingers crossed that there might be some other solutions on the (near) horizon xx

Hi Jane
Thank you for that information - we will all keep watching for news !
My hubby used to massage my Lymphoedema nightly or as required to move the fluid but now he has been diagnosed with Dementia he has lost the plot.  Mine causes real pain under the arm and down into my side/back.
Unfortunately I can no longer afford the massages in a nearby town so I have high hopes for the trials.
What research is not linked to some chemical company somehow ?
I reckon the surgeons should put a small shunt in when doing the surgery - how easy would that be for all ?
Keep posting.
Summer  :-)

Fingers crossed it is a solution. It could so change so many lives.

Wow @Jane221 I just read the article... how good would this drug be, and no side effects!! I agree, I think Lymphedema is the side effect that is so often not talked about but causes so much distress and discomfort.
Paula xx

Me too Paula. I'm just happy to see some long overdue attention being paid to this condition. 

Thanks @Jane221 have saved for a read later.  As a  lymphedema sufferer am keen for anything that can help this condition.
Paula xx

South Australia do not have any kind of payment assistance for compression garments of course! Every other state does except mine ☹️

Hi there @Cowgirl1 - Our Local Services guide might be helpful to have a look at https://www.bcna.org.au/services-and-support-groups/

Thanks for that the girl that does my massage is trying to get someone to come up from Adelaide with these compression garments so we can try them etc, I will look on the BCNA site thanks again x

Cowgirl do you have an encore program  near you ..... https://www.ywcaencore.org.au/ I find it helps my swelling.

 I am presently trying a compression vest (Men's King Gee brand) long sleeved ... BOUGHT it from Catch of the Day $10.... as my sleeve was causing me to get a build up just under my armpit....  so far 2 days in, it is great no swelling/heaviness under armpit when I take it off  at night and no discomfort of the heavy sleeve. 

Do you know about the ENABLE compression garment help look it up on the BCNA website you will find it you can get help with cost of Garments through a OT