Tag: lymphedema
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In our daily lives, we lymphies need to make a lot of accommodations for our lymphedema. One such accommodation is… Read more.
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Some Things to Remember While Practicing Yoga Be gentle. Creating strain within your muscles will make it harder for the… Read more.
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A pilot study of 10 women with post breast cancer lymphedema reported concern over the betrayal of their body, abandonment… Read more.
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There are many misconceptions concerning which foods to eat and which to avoid when you have lymphedema. Some people recommend… Read more.
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Today kicks off this year’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and I thought it would be a perfect time to… Read more.
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The New York Times just published an excellent article (read it here!) about a new study which shows that lymph… Read more.
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Today I got an email from a fantastic reader (hi, Aria!) who asked me a lot of questions. They were… Read more.
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Hey, everyone! There are a lot of do’s and don’ts that come along with lymphedema, but probably one of the… Read more.
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Hey, all. Living with this disease has not been easy. Growing up, I always knew one of my legs was… 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.