FAQs
What is Chronic Oedema?
Chronic oedema is persistent swelling in soft tissue which has been present for more than 3 months and which does not completely reduce overnight or with elevation. This includes lymphoedema. Chronic oedema is most common due to problems with the venous and lymphatic systems, and it is a progressive and debilitating condition that requires long-term management.
Professor Christine J. Moffatt CBE.
Click here for more information.
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is the presence of chronic swelling (oedema) that occurs because of a failure of the lymphatic system to drain fluid from the spaces in-between the cells in our body. It may develop in someone with a previously healthy lymphatic system that has been damaged (for example, by cancer treatment) and this is called ‘secondary lymphoedema’. This is the most common type of lymphoedema.
Dr Kristiana Gordon.
Click here for more information.
What is Primary lymphoedema?
‘Primary lymphoedema’ occurs when someone is born with an abnormal lymphatic system. There are many different types of primary lymphoedema, and it should not be considered as one single condition.
Dr Kristiana Gordon.
Click here for more information.
What is Secondary lymphoedema?
Secondary lymphoedema is usually thought of as damage to an otherwise normal lymphatic system by some external factor, such as surgery, radiotherapy and infection. Secondary lymphoedema has, therefore, often been considered to be largely due to cancer treatment in temperate climates and due to the parasitic infection, filariasis, in tropical climates.
Prof Vaughan Keeley.
Click here for more information.
How do I get a referral to a lymphoedema specialist?
Although it is not your role to educate professionals, having a good relationship and engaging with your GP or other professionals in the practice will undoubtedly enhance their understanding of the condition, your needs and how they can help. Even if you have access to a lymphoedema specialist, maintaining contact with your GP service is helpful. You have access to a wide range of professional help through your GP service. Make the most of whatever support is available to help you manage your lymphoedema and prevent any problems.
Margaret Sneddon – BLS
Click here for more information.
How do I find a local MLD therapist?
Any person who is seeking treatment for lymphoedema must be sure that a therapist is trained to provide Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT), also known as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Some Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapists prefer not to treat lymphoedema, instead providing supportive treatment for other chronic health problems or post-operative care.
Carol Ellis – MLD UK
Click here for more information.
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues under the skin, which is a common complication of lymphoedema. In the recent International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) LIMPRINT study, 36% of people who had lymphoedema of the leg had experienced at least one episode of cellulitis since they had had lymphoedema. It can occur in all types of lymphoedema and in both adults and children.
Prof Vaughan Keeley
Click here for more information.
What should I do if I have Cellulitis symptoms?
The NHS advice is that if you experience the early signs of cellulitis, you react with urgency and get help, as the condition could be serious if it’s not treated quickly. For the NHS advice click here.
What products are available to help my lymphoedema?
There is a full range of compression garments, products and aids from the leading specialist suppliers in the lymphoedema sector on the ‘Meet the Suppliers’ page. Please click here.
Where can I go to buy suitable clothes that fit?
There is a full range of clothes and shoes, (including made-to-measure) all suitable for people living with lymphoedema from leading suppliers on the ‘Meet the Suppliers’ page. Please click here.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
All material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regime and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Reliance on any information provided on this website, by our employees and others appearing on the website is solely at your own risk.
For the avoidance of any doubt, Matt Hazledine has lymphoedema and is not a medical professional.