Main description:

What is lymphoedema? How does it start? Can it be cured? Will it go away by itself? Can anything be done to reduce the swelling? All too often people with lymphoedema are told that nothing can be done and that they must learn to live with it. The purpose of this booklet is to help you become the expert in your own treatment. It shows you how to manage the condition yourself with good skin care, an appropriate pressure garment, exercise, and massage. By making the advice given here a part of your daily activity you will be able to control the swelling and its effects.

Contents:

THE LYMPH SYSTEM AND LYMPHOMA What is the lymph system? What is lymphoedema? Lipoedema - often confused with lymphoedema How many people have lymphoedema? HOW TREATMENT CAN HELP What is the treatment? How to recognise lymphoedema What to do if you think you have lymphoedema Your feelings THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF TREATMENT (1) SKIN CARE Cellulitis Caring for your skin THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF TREATMENT (2)COMPRESSION Compression garments Guidelines for garments Checklist for the day when using a compression sleeve or stocking Using clothes to support the swelling THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF TREATMENT (3) EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT Exercise How to use daily activities to reduce the swelling How to use recreational exercise to reduce the swelling Breathing exercise Arm exercises Leg exercises Using posture and position to help THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF TREATMENT (4) MASSAGE Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) Simple lymphatic drainage (SLD - 'self massage') Simple lymphatic drainage for one arm swelling Simple lymphatic drainage for when you have, or when there is a risk of, swelling in both arms Simple lymphatic drainage for one leg swelling Simple lymphatic drainage when you have, or when there is a risk of, swelling in both legs Skin brushing INTENSIVE TREATMENT Multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB) OTHER TREATMENTS Compression pumps The use of drugs to treat lymphoedema The use of surgery for lymphoedema LIVING WITH LYMPHOEDEMA My swollen limb feels heavy and uncomfortable. Is this usual? What should I wear? Is diet important? What can I do in hot weather? Should I make any special arrangements to travel? Does it matter what position I sleep in? SPECIAL NEEDS Lymphoedema in children Midline lymphoedema Breast lymphoedema Swelling in the shoulder or groin Lymphoedema of the face Lymphoedema of the genitals CONCLUSION: TAKING CONTROL Useful Sources of Information - UK Suppliers