Tag: awareness
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March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, however you can advocate for awareness no matter the time of year. Read more.
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In honor of Lymphedema Awareness Day, we’ll be spending the month of March getting to know some of the people… Read more.
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We’re not only explaining lymphedema and the lymphatic system, but doing so within the context of our own personal experiences… Read more.
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Life with a rare disease is one often fraught with a lack of answers — but it’s also one of… Read more.
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Although Lymphedema Day has been celebrated in various communities since 1994, today is significant as it is the first time… Read more.
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One of the first things we learn when diagnosed with lymphedema is that there’s no cure. There are, however, a… Read more.
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With your support, we can get this recognized on a global level and bring much-needed attention to the fight against… Read more.
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Social media holds the potential to connect and empower people, but it can just as easily tear down and dehumanize… Read more.
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Last week a stranger asked me a thought-provoking question: “If you could define your life in one word, what would… Read more.
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F.A.Q.s
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, usually in an arm or leg, when the lymphatic system can’t drain properly. It’s a chronic condition, but with the right care, it can be managed well.
What causes lymphedema?
It can be primary (something you’re born with, due to how your lymph vessels developed) or secondary (caused by something else, like surgery involving lymph node removal, radiation, infection, or trauma).
Is there a cure for lymphedema?
There’s currently no cure, but you can help ease symptoms through compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and skin care. Some patients may also be candidates for surgical options.
How do I know if I have lymphedema, or if it’s something else?
The telltale sign is persistent swelling in a limb (or another area) that doesn’t go away with rest or elevation. You may have a feeling of heaviness, tightness, or “fullness” in the affected area, as well as hardening or thickening of the skin.
Lymphedema can sometimes develop slowly, even months or years after surgery or cancer treatment, so any new or unexplained swelling is worth mentioning to your doctor.