Tag: lymphedema
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Many of you have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer, so when I heard about C4YW, I knew I… Read more.
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Happy Thanksgiving, lymphies! I’ve got so much to be thankful for, and you all are definitely a big part of… Read more.
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Hey, Lymphies! Hair removal is an annoying enough process as it is, but when you’ve got lymphedema, it’s important to… Read more.
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As the colder weather approaches, your skin can become dry and chapped. Chapped skin causes breaks that can invite bacteria… Read more.
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A few days ago, this popped up on my Twitter feed: (For those of you who may not know, “cankles”… Read more.
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Smoking can have a huge affect on our health, including our lymphedema. Read more.
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For a lot of us, having lymphedema feels like a crutch. It’s a burden on so many aspects of our… Read more.
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Yesterday afternoon my girlfriend and I got massages. I had never had one before, so the experience was a new… Read more.
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As some of you already know, I receive newsletters from a couple lymphedema product suppliers – mainly Lymphedema Products and… 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.