reduce lymphedema

cristinaPT

is it possible to reduce it?

for how long can it last???

Binney4

Cristina, hello and welcome to bc.org,

Is it possible to reduce the swelling of lymphedema? Yes. For how long can the reduction last? That depends. We're all different. But the bottom line is that lymphedema is a chronic condition for which there is presently no cure, so we deal with it, to one degree or another, for the rest of our lives.

Here's a website with information about breast cancer-related lymphedema that might give you a better idea of treatment options and how to find qualified help.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org

Not sure if your screen name indicates you're a PT yourself, but if so, you might be interested in researching further education necessary to treat lymphedema:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

If you have other questions, please feel free to ask here, as there are lots of knowledgeable women ready to offer information and support.

Be well!
Binney

Kicks

Are you a PT who has never had LymphEdema Therapist education but wants to TX LE? If you have had education then why ask the questions you did? (My LET guy has his Masters in OT.)

Once LE presents it's ugly head, it is something we deal with forever. While there certainly are protocohols that are 'general' for handling it - we are each unique and different 'things' work for different ones of us. I deal with it daily (day garments, night garment and FlexiTouch MLD machine) to keep it under control.

What works for me is not what works for some/most others but it does for me.