What do you need to know?

Can anything be done?

Although lymphoedema cannot be cured, much can be done to manage the condition. Treatment is more successful if commenced early on.

What happens following a referral?

All patients are seen for an initial assessment by a nurse who has undergone specialist training in lymphoedema management. This appointment lasts approximately one hour during which advice is given and a treatment plan is agreed. Clinic appointments are available Monday to Friday, and in certain circumstances patients may be seen at home or in hospital.

What does treatment consist of?

Each patient's treatment plan is individual to their needs and is usually based on the following general principles of treatment:

• Advice on skin care
  Includes the importance of keeping the skin soft and supple to prevent infections and other problems.
• Advice on exercise
  May be of specific or a more general nature.
• Massage to aid lymphatic drainage
  The patient and/or their carers can be taught simple (self) massage to do at home.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  A more specialised massage technique that may be carried out in conjunction with multi-layer bandaging. This may be necessary if more severe oedema is present, and usually takes place over two or three weeks.
• Containment hosiery may be fitted once the swelling is reduced, or straight away if the lymphoedema is mild.

What next?

Supporting patients with this condition is seen as an essential component of the lymphoedema service. Once the treatment is completed patients are monitored at regular intervals. Patients have lymphoedema for life so skin care, massage, and containment hosiery need to become part of their daily routine. This requires a real commitment and, from time to time, patients may need extra support and encouragement. Patients are encouraged to contact the service between appointments if any problems arise or they have concerns.

A support group is available for patients to attend, with meetings held regurlarly at Cedar Barn. More information is available from the Lymphoedema Support Network and the British Lymphology Society.