Lymphoedema information, assistance and treatment.

lymphoedema is a swelling that occours when your body's lymphatic drainage system has insufficient function. It causes long term chronic swelling and oedema.

This LYMPHOEDEMA website is here to assist you to reduce and control your lymphoedema swelling. It provides information and resources for patients and doctors useful for this purpose.

• What is lymphoedema?

• Diet for lymphoedema  NEW BOOK

• Laser therapy

• Lymphoedema Courses

• The cause of lymphoedema

• Diagnosis of lymphoedema

• Practitioner list

• Lymphoedema Clinic

Please use the links above or in the sidebar to find more lymphoedema control information. The information provided shows ways to manage your lymphoedema swelling and make your treatment a more pleasant and easier experience.  

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Information about LYMPHEDEMA swelling reduction treatment and other support resources. 

Details can assist and help control your oedema and swelling starting right now ...

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NEW
BOOK
Diet for
Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a swelling
resources

The website sponsor Poppy Lane Skin Care & Lymphedema Clinic provides educational resources, reference materials, teaching of specific skills, training, assessment and treatment of lymphoedema. Research information and treatment methods are based on the Casley-Smith Complex Physical (Lymphatic) Therapy protocols (CPT). Resources including Laser and dietary advice are also incorporated into treatment. Self help information and advice for homecare is available by direct consultation, email and phone. All information and treatments are designed to reduce the swelling of your lymphoedema or lipoedema condition. 

The information provided at this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and is provided for educational explanation and information purpose only. It is advised you always consult with your medical practitioner with any medical condition prior to commencing any treatment.

What is the cause of Lymphoedema?  
Is lymphoedema reversible? A cure for lymphoedema?  
How to reduce lymphoedema at home.  
Lymphoedema and laser therapy.  
What foods to eat with lymphoedema.  
Lymphoedema and infection. 
Drugs for lymphoedema.  
Compression bandages for lymphoedema.  
Cancer and Lymphoedema.

Frequently asked questions about lymphoedema.  

What is the cause of Lymphoedema?
Research information indicates all lymphoedema is caused from a failure of the lymphatic system to collect and remove proteins from the fluids of your body tissues. These fluids are medically termed 'interstitial fluids' and they are contained in the spaces between the cells of your body tissues. 

When proteins remain trapped in body tissues for a prolonged period of time they act, by their osmotic action, like a magnet for other watery body fluids. This causes oedema or lymphoedema swelling of the body tissues.

The swelling of lymphoedema causes the secondary conditions of tissue fibrosis, pain and general discomfort that most people suffering lymphoedema know only to well.  

What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Lymphoedema?
All lymphoedema has the underlying problem of reduced lymphatic transport capacity and inability to remove sufficient protein from interstitial fluids (body tissue fluids) located in between and bathing the cells of the body tissues.

Secondary Lymphoedema

Secondary lymphoedema is caused by trauma that causes damage to the lymphatic system. This trauma may be the result of an accident or surgery (surgical intervention). 

In all cases of trauma, should lymphatic transport become permanently compromised and unable to transport sufficient 'lymph' (lymphatic fluid) equal to that deposited into tissues from the blood circulation, then, unless remedial actions are taken, there is a distinct possibility/probability of lymphoedema. 

Lymphoedema should not to be confused with the fluid of post surgical swelling that may last from a few weeks to many months

The most promoted causes of lymphoedema are from Breast and Ovarian Cancer surgery that may affect patients arms/chest or legs respectively. This it must be remembered, is not the only cause of secondary lymphoedema.

Primary Lymphoedema

Primary Lymphoedema occours where lymphatic function is insufficient for no particular reason. 

This condition may be apparent at birth or with some it can become apparent later in life. The most common  times for noticing primary lymphoedema symptoms can be at birth, around puberty and in mid life.

Is lymphoedema reversible?  
Reversible lymphoedema is often explained in dictionaries as: 'lymphoedema that will reduce in size overnight with elevation of an affected limb' This description must be used with caution. 

Results of research trials indicate in most cases the action of limb elevation overnight alone is insufficient to control the gradual progression of lymphoedema swelling to a more permanent and worsening condition.

Lymphoedema swelling is normally long term reversible and controllable with regularly administered ongoing care by patients themselves, and where available, the help of carers. 

The object of all ongoing care is to remove excess protein trapped in a lymphoedema affected limb and return it back into the blood circulatory system. By doing this protein equilibrium in body tissues can be returned and the oedema/swelling will reduce.  

A low cost starting point: Excellent results are being achieved by eating more foods to assist swelling reduction and less foods that exacerbate the problem. More information is available here  

What is a cure for lymphoedema?  
A fully permanent cure for lymphoedema does not seem possible until a way to regenerate an insufficient or permanently damaged lymphatic system is found. Ongoing regular treatment is required for lymphoedema to be contained. 

All lymphoedema related oedema, fibrosis and other associated conditions are reversible and maintainable to differing degrees with properly administered treatments. Many of these treatments can be performed a patient at home in conjunction with professional clinic therapy. 

We find the results of new therapy using food and/or laser therapy to help stimulate lymphatic function is proving to be most beneficial in reducing oedema and swelling. These are therapies you can easily do yourself from home to assist your swelling reduction. Information is available here now. 

For more detailed resource information go to the products page or diet page.  

How can I control Lymphoedema?   

The best treatment and place to start making swelling reduction:

• How a positive attitude can help.
  Having a positive attitude helps with lymphoedema control.  
  
  A more relaxed mindset achieved from a positive outlook to life promotes better muscle contraction and relaxation. This in turn increases varying tissue pressure which in turn stimulates lymphatic function and increases lymphatic flow to help control and reduce lymphoedema. 
  
  The flow on effect from a positive attitude is a real low cost option to assist swelling reduction.
  
  When you are feeling 'uptight' muscles become and stay contracted. This causes restricted movement and subsequently lowered varying tissue pressure. In turn this restricts lymphatic function and worsens your condition. 
  
  A smile and a happy face cost nothing to implement.  The results of a smile and positive attitude helps you to be more relaxed. This simple action, when combined with other lymphoedema therapy can provide amazing and ten fold results. 
  
  A combination approach to lymphoedma control works best.
  
  

• Eat the most beneficial foods. 
  The next effective low cost option you have to assist lymphoedema reduction is to eat foods to help prevent and improve the conditions causing your lymphoedema. 

  After you begin eating the best choice foods, combine this with other beneficial therapy at home, at a clinic or a hospital. We recommend using the Principals of Complex Physical (Lymphatic) Therapy (CPT)- Casley-Smith Method. 
  
  See the diet page for more information about diet and read on for more about CPT.
  
  

• Perform CPT (Complex Physical (Lymphatic) Therapy). 
  Simply explained, CPT consists of specialised lymphatic drainage massage, laser therapy and multi-layered compressive bandaging to reduce the size of an affected limb. Compressive bandaging therapy normally takes between 1-3 weeks to administer.  
  
  As compressive bandaging therapy does somewhat restrict your movement, it is wise be prepared for this situation. Have meals pre-prepared so you spend less time in the kitchen. It is also good to have friends available to drive you to and from the clinic if having clinic treatment. Bandages will affect your driving ability. 
  
  CPT Bandaging can also be performed by yourself and a helper at home. You will also need in conjunction with bandaging, to perform at minimum, self massage prior to each time you bandage.  
  
  Books explaining and showing the bandaging process are shown at this website on the products page. Always remember, if you are going to bandage, always check with your doctor that bandaging is suitable for you. If it is not, then do not proceed.  
  
  

• Laser Therapy. 
  Low level laser therapy (LLLT) performed at home is another low cost therapy you can do for yourself. Low level lasers provide long term assistance to help with the control of swelling and pain. 
  
  Read the separate section about low level laser therapy at this website for more information. Lasers are available to purchase and hire for home use. Many clinics may also provide this service. 
  
  

• Compression Garments.
  To maintain reduced sizes and increased mobility from CPT therapy, on completion of compressive bandaging, fitted compression garment/s must be worn indefinitely to maintain the extremely fast reduction of an affected limb. 
  
  Well fitted compression garments are comfortable to wear. The feeling of compression with the knowledge you are more in control of swelling in a limb can be very reassuring.       
  
  Without wearing compression garments after full CPT therapy the limb will quickly regain its former larger size. 
  

• Dietary supplements to assist lymphoedema control.
  Supplements that assist swelling reduction often are beneficial for blood and lymphatic circulation too. 
  
  Information about the supplement named 'Lympaction' containing Rutin is shown in the Products page. This product is endorsed by the Lymphoedema Association of Australia (LAA).
  
  

• Skin care for lymphoedema:
  Skin is best kept supple and smooth to prevent entry of germs into the body tissues. 

  Well formulated anti bacterial skincare creams to help maintain skin integrity are shown on the Products page where they are available for purchase.

   

Many patients say 'the time put aside for full CPT treatment is worth any short term inconvenience for the long term gain achieved'

What is Complex Physical (Lymphatic) Therapy?

• Lymphatic Drainage Massage 
  Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
  Gradient Compressive Bandaging 
  Skincare 
  Diet 
  Food Supplements
  Exercise 
  Self Massage 
  Compression garments 

All the above form part of CPT Lymphoedema Therapy.  

Contact Juliet at julietgeorge@lymph.com.au for more information about home care plans and clinic treatment using CPT therapy.

More FAQ about lymphoedema:

What causes infections with Lymphoedema?
Due to a build up and stagnation of fluid in your body tissues, infection of a lymphoedema affected limb is a constant threat. The infections are often bacterial and/or fungal infections. 

Worst case scenarios to control infections require hospitalisation for a course of intravenous antibiotics. 

Infection can be caused by common bacterial agents and fungi. Staphylococcal infections are quite common. These infections are usually well controlled by oral administration of penicillin based drugs when administered promptly at the onset of infection. 

Cellulites infections, if not treated soon enough often require a course of intravenous drugs. Hospitalisation is required for their administration. 

Fungal infections are difficult to diagnose and detrimentally affect a lymphoedema affected limb. 

From experience noted in this clinic, spider bites often appear to be the source of fungal infection and in combination with lymphoedema will reduce the health of lymphoedema affected limbs.

The most effective options for controlling affected or at risk limbs from infection is (a) take preventative measures to keep your skin, unbroken smooth and supple, (b) if the skin get quickly hot and/or red streaky, see your doctor or hospital outpatients unit to obtain and take oral antibiotics straight away.

It is important to obtain professional treatment from your doctor quickly to control situations where infection is suspected.  

Which drugs are used for lymphoedema?
The most effective prescription drug found for reducing lymphoedema had possible adverse side effects with a percentage of people and was deregistered and withdrawn from the market.

When swelling is excessive, diuretic drugs may be prescribed by your doctor. These drugs may provide a short term solution to reduce swelling. 

As diuretic drugs do not remove excess protein from the interstitial fluids they are not a long term solution for lymphoedema swelling reduction.

In most cases without other therapy, diuretic drugs as the primary therapy for lymphoedema exacerbate the situation. 

We advise people to talk with their doctor about the suitability of their medications.  

Research has shown there are many safe and naturally occurring beneficial  molecular substances to be found by eating best choice foods. These foods have a beneficial action in maintaining the integrity of your lymphatic system, vascular system and overall wellbeing. The page Lymphoedema and diet provides more information on this subject.

Cancer and Lymphoedema:
After cancer surgery and radiotherapy the possibility of secondary lymphoedema developing increases over time, especially in radiotherapy treated areas.

Lymphoedema awareness is often an afterthought of cancer treatment and only comes to a patients attention due to the onset of symptoms and confirmed diagnosis once lymphoedema is apparent.

Research from trial and observation lead me to believe there is real benefit to be made by eating the best choice foods as a preventative measure not only for lymphoedema control, but the general overall wellness of us all. Go to diet for lymphoedma for more information.

The information provided at this website is not a substitute for professional medical care and is provided for educational explanation and information purpose only. It is advised you always consult with your medical practitioner and gain their approval for treatment with any medical condition prior to commencing any treatment.

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NEW
BOOK
Diet for
Lymphoedema

This book will help you be successful in controlling your lymphoedema, lipoedema, cellulite, pain, swelling and oedema.

Patients have been asking for new breakthrough therapy

Diet for lymphoedema is NEW
and 
BREAKTHROUGH

Over ten years of research now provides the first real option that you can easily do yourself from home without changing your routines.

All the foods you want or need in a diet for lymphoedema are available at your local supermarket.

There are no special foods to buy.

Diet for lymphoedema 
is proving to be an excellent precursor for the best lymphoedema reduction with the least amount of effort ever!