The role of the Gynae-oncology Lymphoedema Clinic is to assess the extent of your lower limb swelling, and support you to self-manage your symptoms. You will be seen in the clinic by either a nurse or physiotherapist who have undergone lymphoedema training. Lymphoedema is a condition that can occur when there has been damage to the lymph nodes following cancer treatment. Currently there is no cure for lymphoedema but, with appropriate information and support, there is much that you can do to help manage and control your condition. Successful management depends upon your sustained commitment and compliance with the treatments that you are recommended to follow by your lymphoedema practitioners.
Following your assessment, your practitioner will discuss the different treatment options and start your management programme with you.
The four main treatments include:
- Skin care – It is very important to keep the skin and tissues in good condition and to prevent/reduce the risk of developing cellulitis, which is a serious skin infection.
- Compression – Compression garments can help to prevent swelling from building up in your leg and support the muscles in your leg. If a compression garment is recommended for you, the physiotherapist will take measurements of your legs and specifically order and fit the compression garment for you.
- Exercise – A specific programme of gentle exercise and movement may be recommended for you. This can help to maximise your lymph drainage and help the muscles pump the extra fluid away from your leg. Over exertion may increase swelling so if you have compression stockings, these should be worn when doing your exercises.
- Massage – You may be taught a gentle massage technique called Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD). This involves the use of simple hand movements in a specific pattern to move the swelling out of the affected area. It is designed to be carried out by yourself or a relative/carer, and should be done daily.
Further information will be given to you by your practitioner as your treatment progresses. Follow up appointments will be required to evaluate and progress treatments.
The treatments offered within the clinic here at the Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust are for the management of mild to moderate lymphoedema. If after completing your assessment, your practitioner feels your swelling requires a more specialised assessment, appropriate referral onwards to a suitable service will be discussed with you.
What happens if I have any problems?
If you have any questions about your lymphoedema or its management, please contact the physiotherapy department which is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Tel: 0191 445 2320.
Outside office hours you may leave a message on the answer phone on 0191 445 2320 and your call will be returned the next working day.
If you have any urgent concerns regards your lymphoedema such as sudden change in symptoms, and you feel you require urgent assistance, please contact your GP, out of hours service or your local walk in centre. Call 111 for over the phone advice.
Further information
For more information, go to www.lymphoedema.org/lsn or www.cancerbackup.org.uk