Wife has it in 1leg mostly water ? will she wear stocking for life? is this long term?
2006-12-19 01:19:26 · 4 answers · asked by pepper 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Lymphedema is not cureable at this time. It can, however, be managed. If your wife has lymphedema in her leg, her lymphatic system is inefficient either due to lymphnode removal, injury to the lymphatic system, or perhaps she was genetically pre-disposed. Her leg is not filled with just water, but also proteins which give the leg a hard, fibrotic feel to it and make her more suseptible to infection.
When one has lymphedema, a comprehensive program of manual lymph drainage and multilayer bandaging is needed to bring down the size of the leg in order to get a proper fit for a compression garment which needs to be worn on a daily basis. She will also need to follow precautions in order to avoid triggering a reaction. It is imperitive to go through the manual lymph drainage prior to being fit for the stockings in order to ensure drainage of stagnant proteins and to ensure proper fit of the garment. Once she is fit with the proper garment, the garment substitutes for the lymphatic system. Most people need to wear it during waking hours, but some need to wear them 23 hours a day.
2006-12-19 01:50:58 · answer #1 · answered by mistify 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1988 to provide education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. The NLN is supported by tax-deductible donations and is a driving force behind the movement in the U.S. to standardize quality treatment for lymphedema patients nationwide. In addition, the NLN supports research into the causes and possible alternative treatments for this often incapacitating, long-neglected condition.
Stages of Lymphedema
q Mild – edema is still pitting limb size is normal or almost normal size in the morning
q Moderate – tissue is spongy consistency, non-pitting
q Sever – irreversible swelling, hardening of tissue (fibroses). This is a perfect medium for bacteria and recurrent infection. Lymphedema (infection) may result in the following symptoms: rash, red blotchy skin, itchy, discoloration occurs, discontinue all MLD and bandaging, contact physician and begin antibiotics.
Treatment for Lymphedema (without infection)
q Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
q Bandaging
q Proper skin care and diet
q Compression garments
q Exercises
q Self-MLD and bandaging
Medication Contraindications include: Persons who experience sudden marked increase in swelling, lymphangitis, CHF, pain
2006-12-19 01:28:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lymphedema is due to obstruction to out flow of lymph from lymph vessels into veins.It might be due to being overweight,filariasis etc.If its long standing,its better to debulk by a plastic surgeon
2006-12-19 01:23:39 · answer #3 · answered by chanukyagv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is usually a life-lasting condition. Check out the site below for all the info about it:
2006-12-19 01:23:14 · answer #4 · answered by bcdma@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋