Lymphedema
These images bear testimony of the discomfort and pain suffers of lymphedema have to endure.
This affliction is not something widely discussed and needs more national attention.
250 million people worldwide suffer from lymphedema. One in one 1,000 Americans has been affected by this disease at it's varying stages.
What is lymphedema? This diagnosis is present when there is swelling caused where extra fluids build up in your tissue when your lymphatic system isn't working well. Some reasons given are, damage or removal of your of your lymph nodes. It's often a side effect of cancer treatment and can show up years later.
The lymphatic system is part of our immune system It moves fluids through our bodies, picking up waste, bacteria, and viruses. Our lymph nodes filter out waste and flush it from our bodies. When something goes wrong, the fluids backs up in our tissue. Most often, our lymph nodes get damaged. In s few cases vessels get blocked without a clear reason.
Symptoms of lymphedema can occur anywhere in our bodies, including our chest, head, and genitals. but it's usually in one arm or one leg. The swelling might be so minor that you barely notice it, or so severe it make it hard to move that part of your body well. A limb that feels full or heavy, skin that seems tight, and jewelry and clothes that suddenly snug can be from lymphedema.
After surgery or radiation involving your lymph nodes, keep the affected arm or leg above your heart. Don't apply ice or heat to it. Skip tight clothing and jewelry. Don't cross your legs while sitting. If swelling starts and you get other symptoms, let your doctor know. Early treatment of lymphedema makes a difference.
Gentle movements that squeeze the muscle in the affected limb can help fluid drain and make it easier to do everyday activities.
Compression garments can help with this condition. They put pressure on the leg or arm to help fluids move through and out of the swollen limb.
Take care to prevent cuts, scratches, and burns to the affected area. Those tiny injuries can be entry points for infections. The trapped fluid in tissue will allow bacteria to grow, and can quickly become serious. Call your doctor if you get red skin or a rash, you have flu-like symptoms, or the pain or swelling gets worse.
Credit: WebMD
This affliction is not something widely discussed and needs more national attention.
250 million people worldwide suffer from lymphedema. One in one 1,000 Americans has been affected by this disease at it's varying stages.
What is lymphedema? This diagnosis is present when there is swelling caused where extra fluids build up in your tissue when your lymphatic system isn't working well. Some reasons given are, damage or removal of your of your lymph nodes. It's often a side effect of cancer treatment and can show up years later.
The lymphatic system is part of our immune system It moves fluids through our bodies, picking up waste, bacteria, and viruses. Our lymph nodes filter out waste and flush it from our bodies. When something goes wrong, the fluids backs up in our tissue. Most often, our lymph nodes get damaged. In s few cases vessels get blocked without a clear reason.
Symptoms of lymphedema can occur anywhere in our bodies, including our chest, head, and genitals. but it's usually in one arm or one leg. The swelling might be so minor that you barely notice it, or so severe it make it hard to move that part of your body well. A limb that feels full or heavy, skin that seems tight, and jewelry and clothes that suddenly snug can be from lymphedema.
After surgery or radiation involving your lymph nodes, keep the affected arm or leg above your heart. Don't apply ice or heat to it. Skip tight clothing and jewelry. Don't cross your legs while sitting. If swelling starts and you get other symptoms, let your doctor know. Early treatment of lymphedema makes a difference.
Gentle movements that squeeze the muscle in the affected limb can help fluid drain and make it easier to do everyday activities.
Compression garments can help with this condition. They put pressure on the leg or arm to help fluids move through and out of the swollen limb.
Take care to prevent cuts, scratches, and burns to the affected area. Those tiny injuries can be entry points for infections. The trapped fluid in tissue will allow bacteria to grow, and can quickly become serious. Call your doctor if you get red skin or a rash, you have flu-like symptoms, or the pain or swelling gets worse.
Credit: WebMD