Manual drainage

[Loramay]

I was diagnosed with lipoedema and lymphoedema. I went to a clinic where we had a talk and then I was given an appointment to be measured for compression bandages. Then at the end I was taken aside and given a leaflet about lipoedema and told that by looking at my legs I had lipoedema and lymphoedema. I was duly given my compression bandages but nothing more. I wondered would manual drainage help me and how I go about getting it done and what is involved

Many thanks

[Lynora]

Does the clinic you attend offer MLD? Some do, some don't. You may need to look into having it done by an independent therapist - there is a list here - mlduk.org.uk/therapists/

Some people benefit from the therapy, others don't, but it may be worth a try.

It is a very gentle skin movement technique - not really a 'massage' - very relaxing, and does relieve tissue pain.

If you have lipolymphoedema, do check out lipoedema.co.uk/ - lots of information and advice on their website. There are also a couple of support groups in the UK - Talk Lipoedema and Lipoedema Ladies - many lipoedema patients also have lymphoedema

[Loramay in reply to Lynora]

I only attended the clinic twice first time for a talk about lymphoedema which was when I was told that I probably have lipoedema and the second time was to be measured for compression bandages and that it when I need new bandages I go to my GP

[veriterc]

Try and see if there are any European trained nurses at accessible Lymphoedema clinics near you. After many visits to different clinics in London, I came across a Hungarian nurse at Guys Hospital. They are far better trained in Europe on Lymphoedema, and she told me immediately WHY compression bandaging wouldn't work on me - I had polio and didn't have enough strength to pull on or wrap around compression socks. She said I would need MLD. So I went to LSN and they recommended excellent therapist. I have to pay, but she keeps my L. under control!