What is MLD

[moltob2]

[Lynora]

Manual Lymphatic Drainage. It is a gentle hands-on technique, used as one of the four cornerstones of the treatment of lymphoedema.

There is an explanation here - mlduk.org.uk/therapy/

[heretohelp]

There are numerous MLD qualified therapists in the UK. My wife has had a lot of benefit and success from Kate John who is a member of MLD UK. I don't know where you're located but if it's anywhere in the Cambridge region you might like to contact her for advice. Her website is: katejohnmld.vpweb.co.uk/

[deniseelliott30]

But who can afford it?

[Lynora in reply to deniseelliott30]

That's a very good question, Denise - and one that might start an active debate!

Some health authorities offer MLD as part of treatment provided in an NHS Lymphoedema Clinic. Others don't - either due to staff shortages, or lack of training or simply through time constraints. Some PCT's used to fund treatment through independent lymphoedema therapists, but following the move to localised GP commissioning, many of these therapists have lost clients as funding has been dropped, or they are having to apply to register as a service with various groups.

What should be taken into account, is that independent therapists are sole-traders, and have to fund their own training, insurance, overheads etc etc etc. Many therapists, knowing that lymphoedema is a condition that must be managed and maintained, do try and keep their charges reasonable - although this can be affected by geography - some parts of the country are more expensive to operate in than others.

[deniseelliott30 in reply to Lynora]

I am sure you think you are being helpful but how? I have had secondary Lymphoedema for 10 years in my right arm and it has slowly got worse and more painful. It has also spread from my arm to my hand. I am an artist so imagine my fears for the future. I get cellulitis regularly and it is increasing in frequency. I live in the far north of England. I am an OAP and unemployable because of my health. I get measured every year or so at a hospice (which cheers me immensely) and wear a sleeve when I can get it on. The hospice is being paid by the NHS but clearly rations its services and gives priority to the dying. It is staffed by part timers, out for pin money, who think they are doing you a favour seeing you at all. I had breast cancer on the left side in 2012 (a second primary) so am now in danger of getting lymphoedema in that arm too. I have never seen a consultant about this. They do not seem to exist up here. I am reacting badly to the anti cancer drug and, either as a side affect from that, or maybe that I have suddenly developed arthritis, have constant bone pain everywhere. I am dosed up on pain killers, which make me feel sick.

I am in despair. Let me ask again, how am I supposed to pay £45 an hour for treatment?

[nan2high in reply to deniseelliott30]

Dear Denise

So sorry you are having a hard time and I do have sympathy for everyone with this awful ailment. I really didn't know what was wrong with me when after the cancer op. and the radiation burns, my breast swelled up, very hot and painful while I had a wide range of side effects, both physical and mental, from the anti estrogen drugs. The joint pain was crippling and continued for the 18 months I was on these drugs - glad to say that since I stopped that medication almost all the effects are fading and I feel so much better. I have my life back and can think clearly again.The cure was worse than the disease.

I now know I have breast & truncal lymphodema but I can deal with that. I am fortunate that here in Ayrshire N.H.S. there is a lovely lymph. therapist who gives me MLD and has taught me SLD to help manage this condition. But I had to find out about her myself, no referrals from the cancer clinic. I have also found a local support group of fellow sufferers as well as this excellent site which is full of well informed, helpful people.

Could you speak to the Macmillan help line about your problems, they are very helpful and discreet and might be able to refer you to somone who can help, they also have grants to which you could be entitled. or look at macmillan.org.uk

Sorry I can't be more help, Good luck.

[Sundance in reply to deniseelliott30]

I have been taught a Simple form of this massage that I perform on myself before I get out of bed and before I go to sleep. It is not as good, but combined with the exercise that I do I feel that is does really help. I have an excellent Lymphodema support clinic that is part of the NHS and Cancer Support but also pay for private sessions with a therapist every couple of months. For the past eight or nine months I have had an hours session on a Lymph Assist Hydro Machine. This has cost me nothing because it is in the Lymphodema Clinic. Private sessions cost me £45 for an hours MLD.

[moltob2]

Thanks I'm new to this & luckily am not suffering,only really have fluid in legs for which I take water pills I have very little leg pain

[Rebec in reply to moltob2]

Are you sure that the fluid in your legs is not of lymphatic origin?

[Lynora in reply to moltob2]

Do you have high blood pressure? Why have you been prescribed diuretics (water pills)?

[moltob2 in reply to Lynora]

Given water pills by doctor they have taken fluid away have also got Doublebase gel to massage into legs from toes to knee in upward motion.I wear support knee highs. I don't have high blood pressure. Lymphoedema nurse says I am doing all right things