does the NHS have such a thing as a Lymphoedema practitioner? my local area health authority obviously havnt heard of it if they do!!

[firteen80]

one of the problems i have is my GP has prescribed made to measure compression Stockings at my request but cannot provide any facilities for taking the measurements

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Firteen - there are lots of NHS lymphoedema practitioners but they are not distributed evenly across the country. If you give the LSN a ring on 020 7352 4480 they can check out where the most local practitioner for your type of lymphoedema is.

[linda6]

Hi Firteen, Is a lymphoedema practictioner the same as a lymphdoedema nurse. I see a nurse specialist who measures my arm gives me advice and generally keeps a eye on the condition. There are not very many of these specialist nurses but my doctor was very good and sent me to one on Pershore Worcs. As for a consultant specialising in this field, I don't know of any,

[heretohelp]

One of the biggest problems facing sufferers of lymphoedema is the widespread ignorance of how best to treat it, even within the medical profession. That's been our experience over the last 14 months. There are some doctors with a vague idea, but haven't a clue when it comes to MLD. I'm assuming if you're reading this you will know what MLD is. I could be wrong.

One of the largest teaching hospitals in the country has a lymphoedema clinic but stops short of providing MLD. Instead, they'll refer you to a hospice which is already stretched to breaking point as they have 2 'therapist'and 400 plus patients. Being referred to a hospice! Can you believe that?

My wife has lymphoedema and as we couldn't get MLD locally we have been forced to pay for it privately. MLD UK has a list of practitioners and you should be able to find one in your area.

Good luck,

[georgia2]

The nhs choose to ignore lymphodema as not important enough to provide. Funding its very disapointing.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Firteen - a typo on the telephone number in my previous post - should be 020 7351 4480.

Please do ring and we will see if we can help you find a local NHS provider

[andor42]

MY doctors were useless and never sent me to any one.5 had seen my legs and feet.

My leg skin deterated and i asked to see a tissue viability nurse who took one look and said I had lymphoedema and she refered me on to the clinic. But it was lucky becuse she use to be a lymphodema nurse before and a week later they phoned me to make an appointment. Its lucky seeing the right person. But reading how so many people who like my self did not know what to do or who to ask.

We trust Doctors but they arent god they dont know every thing so we have to trust in each other and keep asking for help becuse sooner or later you will find the person who can help you. The helps out there its just finding it

[nicolams]

I've been taking the weblink to the BMJ doctor training module that LSN did to all my appointments and giving it to the doctors and saying guys you need to get batter at this ...you will save money in the long run...

could you post the link again LSN please as I'm away from home and not able to get it ..ta

I'm happy to educate as I go ...my breast surgeon said to me - oh no thats only a little bit of lymphodema , no worries. So i got a referral via GP to specialist nurse who has treated me and its much better instead of gradually getting worse.....and he was a breast surgeon !! So he's had the link now..

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Will do nicolams - the module is free to all doctors so please do encourage them - over 2600 have completed it so far!

learning.bmj.com/learning/m...

[clown]

LymphSuppNetwork: The above link does not work.

[Bluedolffin]

Hi folks, to answer yur question , I just figured out they don't!

A Lymphedema practitioner title does not exist for the simple reason that every practitioner are hiding like an Ostridge!

I thought I had one but yesterday I was asking to prescribe me some MLD and she answered that she only diagnoses LE but she does not treat!

I only have a nurse that loves to take my money !

[Hpmt1]

Hi, I am a fully qualified MLD practitioner in Worcs, can treat lymphoedema, and had a number of clients unhappy about their NHS treatment. I have tried to take up some of their issues and been sent very nice, comprehensive leaflets but unfortunately this isn't the service people receive. I have to charge for my services but am a great supporter of the NHS, however people shouldn't have to suffer due to the kinds of inadequate treatment my clients had previously received.