Dr Catherine talks about social prescribing and lymphoedema

[LymphSuppNetwork]

In the next in our series of "Ask the Experts" Dr Catherine talks about social prescribing and lymphoedema.

youtu.be/mYMp8XBEVgY(Not working as expected?)

[Maggymo]

Thank you

It is sad that we cannot get MLD on perscribed as I for one cannot afford to pay for treatment. Patient’s get to see physiotherapists and counsellors for other conditions

I have Lymphoedema, lipodema , fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis so I suffer with acute debilitating pain that I am sure hydrotherapy would help too but again it isn’t available on the NHS

I am very grateful that I was finally referred to my local cancer clinic to see their lymphoedema nurse and was perscribed 2 sets of compression tights which have really helped me but I suffered for about 4 years complaining of symptoms to my GPS and it was a newly trained young GP that recognised Lymphoedema and Lipodema. I hope student doctors are made aware of the conditions and how they affect our lives as part of their training and every practice has information on hand for staff and patients in their waiting rooms, reception area. I try to raise awareness of this amazing website.

Keep up the good work

Kind Regards

[Perido]

I have had a few private MLD sessions which I enjoyed and felt better for. However, to be honest I don't think there was an lasting effect on my swelling.

In my experience a daily first thing SLD/exercise session of around 20 minutes to reduce my swelling, just prior to donning my made to measure flat knit stocking, has been beneficial. I use a Physiopod deep oscillation therapy device to facilitate my SLD.

If I were to become unable to perform SLD I think I would invest in a compression pump.