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What treatments do you find most effective for lymphedema?
I was diagnosed with lower extremity lymphedema earlier this year. First I was wearing compression, and then was treated by a lymphedema therapist who did manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and wrapping with short-stretch bandages. The therapist gave me some exercises (including belly breathing) to do and told me to stay hydrated and wear my circular-knit compression stockings except when sleeping at night. Then a pneumatic pump was ordered and I use it.
I know there are other possible treatments - dry brushing, flat-knit garments, night-time garments, pool exercises, diet, weight loss, re-bounder (trampoline), vibration plate, kinesiology tape, red light therapy, surgery and more.
As we know, daily at home treatments take time, so I want to know what people find most effective to minimize the swelling? Are there other treatments that may be more effective? Which ones do people find less effective (and not worth the time)?
Thank you.
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I wear a compression wrap on n my head at night. Following my surgery, once incisions were healed, I wore it day and night. My favorite is from Design Veronique made in California. They make a variety of compression garments. I buy directly from them. I use it with a "chip bag" from my OT. Its a, little bag of irregular foam chips that helps with swelling, lymph flow, and scar healing.
http://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/facial
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1 ReactionCompression wraps and pump. I also go to a lymphedema massage therapist.
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2 ReactionsI need answers. I had a total knee replacement on December 4th. I have since developed lymphdema in my left leg. I am going to therapy and it doesn't seem to be working. It is extremely painful and I am having problems doing my therapy for the knee replacement. Is this something I am going to have forever now and what type of exercises are there to do for this? I am at my wits end trying to deal with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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1 Reaction@sandy5684 I use a lymphatic pump made by Tactile Medical. It was prescribed by my surgeon and approved by insurance.
https://tactilemedical.com/our-lymphedema-solutions/
@sandy8043
Thanks so much for the info.
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1 Reaction@kobe2026 you sound like me. I have CVI, and lymphadema from having had a blood clot. I also have CLL/SLL. I tried the manual massage, and it didn’t work, but the lady wasn’t very good. She talked a lot, and every time she talked, she stopped the massage. I wear compression hose, and they help me more than anything. I also have peripheral neuropathy and I use a cane.
I have Lymphedema and I was prescribed antibiotics and prednisone for another illness and it took nearly all of my Lymphedema away. The swelling and pitting was none existent but after a while on being off the medications it's trying to come back. I think the doctors need to do more research on this. The beds worked.
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1 Reaction@rere801 What beds are you referring to? Yes they do need to do more research. I find that doctors seem to know very little about this.
My lymphedema is due to surgery from head and neck cancer and radiation. So the Tactile pump works great for me. But arm and leg lymphedema sufferers have other options. There are less expensive pumps available on the internet. They really seem to be getting more common. I know my vibration plate also works to,get the lymph moving. Also I'm on my 4th OT for dealing with lymphedema. Each one very knowledgeable.