Treatments for Lymphoedema - Compression therapy

[Sarah_PRDA]

Hello everyone, I'm just re-posting a question from Colouredcob if any of you have any experience with compression therapy that you could share?

Colouredcob writes:

Hi sorry to moan but just needed to get it out,I had anal cancer 5 years ago all clear now but it’s left me with problems constipation so having to find foods and movicol to keep me soft but also have ulcerative colitis ,this last year I’ve been having bladder problems infections ,urgency and not being able to hold it ,I’m now fed up /and tired with doctors saying that everything is down to the menopause!!that the treatment put me through.I ve got other problems going on as well ,I have lower body lymphodema and was just wondering if anyone has bought a huntleigh lymph assist machine or a lymphatic press optimal machine with pants .I have tried the lymph assist for 4 weeks from clinic but was just leg sleeve which did help but before I buy one I wondered about the lymphatic press with pants as this does abdomen,genital,buttock’s,hips and legs which would be better for me.Has anyone tried it and if so what are your thoughts.Thanks xx

[Sarah_PRDA Partner]

Hi Colouredcob ,

There is also a group on HealthUnlocked for the Lympheodema Support Network which may have more information that is specific to compression pumps.

I did also wonder if you would be able to hire a machine to see if this helps before committing to purchasing one? If you attend a lympheodema service they may be able to advise where you can hire one from.

Best wishes

[Vailgirl in reply to Sarah_PRDA]

I struggled with Lymphedema for years without knowing that I had it and that it was the source of so much discomfort. Finally, after being stung by a bee while in Mexico and having my foot blow up to the size of a watermelon, did a doctor say that I had Lymphedema. I found a therapist who does Lymphatic and Visceral massage. She said I had more scar tissue in my abdomen than anyone she has ever seen. I went for weekly and then bi-monthly treatments for about two years and it really helped. I'm unable to afford that now but feel much of the Lymphedema is gone. I manage it now with slightly deflated exercise balls and I roll around on them I also went to a naturopath that prescribed some herbs (from Germany) that got my Lymph moving. I, unfortunately, do not have any experience with the machines. Good luck to you. Vailgirl

[Colouredcob in reply to Sarah_PRDA]

Thankyou will look into it .

[Perido]

Hi Colouredcob

I've had lymphoedema in one leg since cervical cancer treatment in 2017 and for me it is the worst outcome of my treatment.

Firstly I would say that imo the most effective way to manage the swelling is with a well fitting custom made flat knit stocking albeit it can take trial and error to get a good fit - but worth the effort.

I have trialled the Huntleigh LymphAssist compression pump but decided not to buy it mostly because it didn't have much effect on my swelling but then my swelling is well controlled with a custom made stocking as mentioned above.

I would also note that it's important to empty the lymph nodes with SLD and practise diaphragmatic breathing prior to and during using a pump so it's not just a question of sitting back whilst the pump does all the work.

I have looked into other pumps and concluded that if I were to get one then, subject to trial, it would probably be the trouser version of the Lympha Press - I still think there would be a need for SLD on the torso/armpits plus diaphragmatic breathing. If you sign up with lymphoedemaunited.com Lympha Press are offering a 14 day free trial this month.

Hope this helps?

P.S. Regarding your bladder problems/infections: I also have bladder problems which have been improved with topical oestrogen cream (Ovestin).

[Colouredcob in reply to Perido]

Thankyou very much for replying I really appreciate it,I do have the compression tights also do the manual lymph drain and breathing which do help .Was just interested if anyone had actually bought the lymph press and pants and their opinion on them,I think I’ll see if I can hire one and give it a go.Thanks again

[Fennecasie]

Hi,

I had severe seromas after the operation from stray lymphatic fluid and I could not walk for a few months. But after 5 embolisms & sclerotherapy and my life saving lymphatic tights I am almost as good as new after a few months. Mostly battling IBS and enteritis from the radiation.

Try to find a good pair of tights. They really helped me a lot and I still wear them 1-2 times per week.

Hope this helps!