Your lymphatic system is like a delicate web of drains and filters in your body. It circulates lymph fluid, which is a very vital substance that has cells that fight infections, across your body. When this system gets blocked, this fluid full of nutrients piles up and makes an arm or leg swell. This is known as lymphoedema. The swelling could happen all at once or over the course of many months.
Why does this fluid build up? A Look at the Causes
There are several causes that might induce lymphoedema, however it is often associated to having cancer.
The Tumour Itself
A tumour that is becoming bigger can get so huge that it blocks lymph arteries.
Surgery
When you have cancer surgery, physicians often have to take out veins or lymph nodes, which disrupts the regular flow of lymph fluid.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can damage or scar the delicate lymph veins, which makes it harder for them to drain properly.
Signs of Lymphoedema
Finding problems early is the most crucial part of excellent management. If you’ve received cancer treatment, look for these indicators in any region of your body:
- A limb that feels full, weighty, or tight.
- Swelling that starts off little and gets greater over time.
- A tingling or painful sensation all over the body.
- Suddenly feeling like your clothes, jewellery, or watches are too tight.
- Skin that feels thick or leathery.
Call your doctor right away if you see any new or ongoing swelling. This will rule out other probable causes, including a blood clot, and get you started on the correct treatment.
Other Possible Problems to Watch Out for Besides Swelling
Lymphoedema isn’t just a change in your appearance; it can also be very bad for your health:
- More Likely to Get an Infection: The fluid that isn’t moving makes it easier for bacteria to develop, and your immune cells have a hard time getting to the area.
- It may take longer for wounds to heal: Cuts or scrapes on the limb that is hurt may take longer to heal.
- Emotional Effects: When your body changes, it’s normal to feel angry, frustrated, or self-conscious.
- Joint Stiffness: The swelling could make it hard to move and hurt.
How Doctors Tell If You Have Lymphoedema
Your doctor will first check out your physique and talk to you about your health history. A difference of 2 cm (about 4/5 of an inch) between your arms and legs is a common symptom that something is wrong. They might say:
Lymphoscintigraphy
A small amount of harmless radioactive tracer is injected to see where lymph fluid is going and locate any blockages.
CT Scans
CT scans can offer detailed photos of the area and help determine the exact cause of a blockage, such as a tumour.
Lymphoedema Management
There is no cure yet, but very effective treatments can let the swelling go down a lot, alleviate the discomfort, and stop the disease from becoming worse. Your care plan is made just for you and may include:
Exercises
Gentle, targeted movements can assist lymph fluid drain.
Compression Garments for Lymphoedema
Putting on a sleeve or stocking that fits you precisely puts pressure on the limb to help get fluid out.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
A trained therapist employs Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to transport fluid to healthy lymph nodes by giving a gentle massage.
Pneumatic Compression Pumps
Pneumatic compression pumps work by attaching an inflated sleeve to a pump that squeezes the limb in a regular pattern to assist it drain.
Weight Management
Managing your weight: If you’re overweight, getting to a healthy weight will often assist with symptoms, especially after breast cancer.
Surgery for Lymphoedema
In more serious cases, different kinds of surgery might help remove excess tissue or build new drainage channels.
Helpful Tips for Managing Your Daily Life and Taking Control
To control lymphoedema, you need to protect the affected area and help the flow.
Stop the spread of illness carefully:
- Wash and moisturise your skin every day to keep it from cracking.
- Put antiseptic and a bandage on any cuts, scrapes, or bug bites right away.
- Don’t have immunisations, have blood drawn, or check your blood pressure on the side that aches.
Help fluids flow in a healthy way:
- Don’t wear clothes, jewellery, or anything else that makes your limb feel tight.
- When you lie down, keep your swollen arm or leg above your heart level.
- Eat a balanced diet with little salt and drink a lot of water.
You don’t have to travel through your journey by yourself; it’s not the same for everyone. Have you found a specific product or way of managing your lymphoedema that has helped you? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and any tips you have. Someone else might benefit from your story.
