Andre Jackson

Questioning Lymphedema!

When I was a baby, I was diagnosed with lymphedema. As I became older, I started to question myself what it is and what were the causes. I did some research and came to the conclusion that lymphedema is basically a major swelling in the body part(s). It involves the blockage of the lymph vessels with lymphatic fluids in the interstitial tissues of the body that accumulate. Lymphedema usually occurs in the arm(s) or leg(s).

There are many symptoms that can trigger lymphedema but they can be medically treated. My question is; Is there a cure for lymphedema? Research says that there is no cure for lymphedema and once it develops, it can be a long-term, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful condition requiring daily treatment.

Symptoms of lymphedema include:

• swelling of an affected limb, which may develop gradually or suddenly
• tightness of the skin and a feeling of heaviness in the affected area
• discomfort or a feeling of "pins and needles" in the affected area
• pitting edema, which can be identified by observing a temporary indentation in the swollen area when pressure is placed on the affected area
• aching in the adjacent shoulder or hip due to the increasing weight of the swelling limb
• tight fitting of a ring, wristwatch, or bracelet, without a gain in weight.

There are three stages of lymphedema:

• Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible)—tissue is still at the pitting stage and soft to the touch. Upon waking in the morning, the limbs or affected areas are of normal or almost normal size
• Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible)—tissue is non-pitting and no longer soft to the touch, fibrosis begins to form, and the limbs increase in size
• Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis)—swelling is irreversible and the affected areas are very swollen. The skin hardens and begins to break down, fibrosis is more extensive, and patients may need surgery to remove some of the swollen tissues.

Even though there is no cure for lymphedema, there are many treatments/therapies to prevent the maximum swelling of the affected areas. Compression techniques include the use of compression garments, compression aids, and compression bandages. These techniques encourage natural drainage and prevent swelling by supporting tissues in a way that aids in drainage. Compression garments are knit, stretch sleeves or stockings. Compression aids are custom-fitted sleeves, stockings, or pads made of fabric-covered foam. Bandages are an effective and flexible means of compression. Exposure to extreme heat has the potential to increase lymphedema swelling, so an affected person or a person at risk of developing lymphedema should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.

Exercise is important for a person with lymphedema, but only in moderation. If the extremity starts to ache, the person should lie down and elevate the swollen limb. Recommended exercises include walking, swimming, light aerobics, bike riding, and yoga.

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/lymphedema