Living With Lymphedema

Information, helpful tips, and news items of interest relating to lymphedema.

A Table of Contents

Easy Access to find informative Lymph Notes articles. <more...>

Cellulitis is Serious

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection that can develop rapidly in tissues that are affected by lymphedema. Normal healthy skin protects these tissues and prevents such infections; however even a minor break in the skin, such as an insect bite or a paper cut, that allow bacteria to enter the underlying tissues can rapidly create a life-threatening infection. <more...>

Coping Emotionally with Lymphedema

This article contains a brief excerpt from the book Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema by Elizabeth McMahon PhD.

Here Dr. McMahon, who is a clinical psychologist with many years of experience, helps the reader recognize normal responses, as opposed to problematic responses, to lymphedema. In addition to this helpful information, Dr. McMcahon also provides practical suggestions and helpful worksheets to aid the reader in overcoming emotional problems associated with having lymphedema.   

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Emergency Weather Preparedness

Weather events, such as major storms, hurricanes, or floods can force residents to leave their homes with very little warning. Usually local officials publish lists of recommended items to have ready in case you must evacuate. However those with lymphedema, have special needs to be prepared to cope with the management of this condition.

The following are basic suggestions; however, since each lymphedema patient has different needs you should make a list (or better yet a kit) to meet your needs.

• This information was provided by: http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/new_research/20081031.jsp

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Exploring Lymph Notes Content

The goal of the Lymph Notes content, which is organized into catagories, is to introduce members and visitors to the broad range of content that is to be found here. You can explore this scientifically, or randomly. There is so much to learn to learn about the lymphatic system and lymphedema, you can benefit by exploring in an organized manner by working your way through the table of contents, or by simply explore the content as it catches you attention.  <more...>

Fatigue Happens

For some individuals with lymphedema, fatigue is a major problem; however, there are ways in which you can learn how to prevent, overcome, or work around this problem. <more...>

Komen for the Cure

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, which is a fund raising organization, that awards grants for research and treatment relating to breast cancer. A frequently asked question about this organization is, “Does this foundation support lymphedema research or treatment? The answers to these questions are “NO” and “YES.” <more...>

Lymph Notes Search Function

The LYMPHEDEMA SEARCH FUNCTION enables you to search the Lymph Notes forums and to use Google for an Internet search. The link for these search functions is located in the footer of each page. <more...>

Lymphedema and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist such as typing or working on a computer keyboard. This includes people with lymphedema. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most often in people ranging in age from 30 to 60 years of age, and is more common in women than in men.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it runs through the bones of the wrist. This conditionthat leads to:

• pain,
• numbness,
• tingling,
• weakness, or
• muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

Lymphedema can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and it can influence the choices of treatment options. It can also complicate the chances of recovery.

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Lymphedema and Healthy Nutrition

Healthy eating is neither a fad diet, nor is it a quick fix! Instead, it is an eating pattern that you can stay with as you enjoy better health thanks to the foods you select to eat.

• These dietary changes can be made gradually, and even the modest changes will show healthy benefits within a few weeks.
• It is easy to follow because you will not be hungry between meals. Also, unlike other "diets" you are not restricted to tiny portions.
• Eating more greens and beans, and less fat, will reduce the risk of developing a lymphedema related infection.
• If you have already developed lymphedema, this eating plan will minimize the swelling, discomfort, and risk of infection associated with it.

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Lymphedema Identification Resources

 HOW TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE LYMPHEDEMA

If you have lymphedema, or are at risk of developing lymphedema, you should wear (or carry) some form of this information to alert emergency personnel in the event that you are in an accident. The following are sources for obtaining several different types of these resources.

• Lymphedema Alert Wallet cards are available without charge from Lymph Notes. To request your card, e-mail Ann at ann@lymphnotes.com. Be certain to include your name and mailing address so we can send your card as quickly as possible!
• Free plastic lymphedema identification bracelet are available from Peninsula Medical. To request one, visit their website at at www.noblemed.com You might put a "Thank You" in with your request since the company employees prepare these bracelets on a volunteer basis.
• A special sleeve, or legging, designed by a nurse to protect a lymphedema affected limb when a patient with lymphedema requires surgery. Most hospitals do not provide these sleeves; however you can purchase your own g-sleeve by visiting their website at www.g-sleeve.com
• The National Lymphedema Network has a special shop where Bracelets and necklaces are available tto identify that you have lymphedemaThe National Lymphedema Network (NLN) has a special store where you can select from a variety of bracelets or necklaces to identify that you have lymphedema. To see the selection, visit this website www.lymphnet.org

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National Lymphedema Network

Saskia R.J. Thiaden, the Executive Director of the National Lymphedema Network, has introduced a new service for professionals, NLN members, and others who are interested in the latest position papers about Lymphedema.

This is current, and important information, that you do not want to miss.

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Native Americans and the Treatment of Lymphedema

The healing ceremonies of Native American’s can require modifications in order to protect those with lymphedema from the danger of infection. The Native American Cancer Research website includes excellent lymphedema information and detailed instructions on how these necessary modifications are made. <more...>

New Sunscreen Labels

This is important information of things to come. It can help you better protect skin that is delicate or already delicate risk due to lymphedema damage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on June 14, 2011, that it will implement new rules for sunscreen products, in order to help Americans reduce their risk of skin cancer and early aging. This is important news and you should pay attention to the announcements as they are made.

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Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking, which had its origin in Finland in 1997, and is becoming popular all over the world. This sport has special benefits for those with lymphedema and is a very enjoyable activity to share with a group. <more...>

Pain Management and Lymphedema

Pain is often a lingering aftermath of breast cancer treatment and it can also be an early warning sign of the onset of lymphedema. Once lymphedema develops, pain can be a chronic problem and drug-free methods of controlling this pain are helpful. <more...>

Pets and Lymphedema

Having a pet, or pets, can be a great joy; however, when you have lymphedema there are some risks that you should be aware of, and precautions, that you should take. <more...>

Pregnancy and Primary Lymphedema

Doris Laing, CLT-LANA is an experienced lymphedema therapist, and a contributor to the Lymph Notes book “Voices of Lymphema.” With special permission Doris has shared her experience in helping patients with primary lymphedema have a successful pregnancy despite having the lymphedema. <more...>

Proper Care of Finger and Toe Nails

Appropriate nail care is an extremely important for those who have lymphedema that affects their extremities. This is essential because any damage to the nails, or the skin surrounding them, can cause painful problems and potentially serious infections. <more...>

Protecting Lymphedema Patients During Surgery

As a surgery patient, it is your responsibility to make certain that those involved in your treatment understand your specialized needs. To aid you, LymphNotes.com invites you to copy this article and use it to help in raising the awareness of your surgical team. <more...>

Recommendations for Air Travel

 

 

 

Traveling by air can be a happy experience even if you have lymphedema, or if you are at risk of developing it.

No matter your status, if you have reason to believe that you are at risk of developing the importance is important to follow the guidelines listed here that will help to prevent this problem from developing. 

   

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Safely Removing Unwanted Hair

Many Lymphedema therapists recommend that women with lower extremity lymphedema do not use leg waxing.  This article answers the question, ”Why not?” It also addresses other unwanted hair removal systems. <more...>

Salt and Lymphedema

The terms salt and sodium are frequently used interchangeably when discussing the amount of salt in our diet. Although there are no official guidelines stating that a low-salt diet is beneficial in controlling the swelling of lymphedema, questions often arise as to whether or not being cautions, and limiting daily salt intake, might help. <more...>

Stay Out of HOT WATER!

For those with lymphedema, water is an excellent setting in which to enjoy healthy exercise; however as with all things, caution is important because too much heat produces vasodilation that increases the flow of fluid from the blood vessels and into the tissues.

For those with lymphedema, exposure to extreme heat for long periods of hot water is not recommended. However, there are many way to enjoy swimming and water exercises with appropriate cautions.

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Surgery Precautions

If you have lymphedema, or are at risk for lymphedema, you should take basic precautions to protect your self from having the "at risk" limb used for taking blood pressure, blood draw, or injections. This is the story of Emily P. Bees' adventure in protecting her at risk arm during surgery. We appreciate Emily's permission to share her story here. 

We also want to say THANK Peninsula Medical Company, and their staff who make these Lymphedema Alert wrist or ankle bands available without charge. Their work on this project is appreciated

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Tattoos and Lymphedema

There are some situation, such as recreating the illusion of a nipple being present on a breast after cancer surgery, in which tattooing may be considered to be medically necessary. 

In contrast, when a patient wants to add a tattoo as a body decoration affected by lymphedema, this may be creating an unnecessary risk of developing an infection. 

When a decision of this seriousness must be made, great caution should be taken into consideration about the potential side effects.

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WAYS TO BE MORE COMFORTABLE DURING SUMMER HEAT

Hot weather can make life miserable for those with lymphedema. However, there are ways to reduce this discomfort.  Cassie, of StepupSpeakout.org  website, has generously shared some excellent cooling ideas with us.(www.stepupspeakout.org)Many thanks to Cassie for sharing! <more...>

Got a question or comment? Post in the 'Living With Lymphedema' forum.