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Speak to a specialistYou might be tempted to ignore signs of Lymphedema thinking it’s “not a big deal”. Here are 7 reasons to take action now.
Lymphedema is the build-up of fluid (called ‘lymph’) in a part of the body as a result of a damaged or compromised lymphatic system. As the build-up of lymph continues, not only does swelling increase but other complications can set in.
Here are 7 things you need to know about leaving lymphedema untreated:
1. Lymphedema Progresses in Stages
Lymphedema is graded in stages from early to advanced. There are a few staging models but they all paint the same picture: Lymphedema only gets worse if left untreated.
Below is the ISL Staging model:
| STAGE | PRESENTATION | EDEMA (Swelling) |
|---|---|---|
| STAGE 0 | No visible sign of swelling. Subtle changes in the tissue, skin, and how the limb feels. | Mild Reversible |
| STAGE 1 | Mild pitting edema* that subsides with limb elevation. Tissue is soft. | Moderate Reversible with Effort |
| STAGE 2 | Swelling does not reduce with elevation. Less evidence of pitting as tissue fibrosis more evident. | Moderate to Severe Minimally Reversible or Irreversible |
| STAGE 3 | Non-pitting and tissue is hard (fibrotic). Skin changes such as thickening, hyperpigmentation, increased skin folds, fat deposits, and warty over-growths develop. | Severe Irreversible |
From the staging chart, you can see that the earlier you treat lymphedema the greater your chance of reducing swelling (and even reversing when caught early enough).
Start Your Lymphedema Tracking Today
We’ve created a printable Lymphedema Tracker for you to track measurements of your arms each month. Let us know which email address to send it to:
Your information is kept private and secure in compliance with PHIPA
2. Untreated Lymphedema Can Lead to Serious Complications
Lymphedema can often be downplayed or even ignored by patients and healthcare professionals alike. Believe it or not, a deep understanding of lymphedema is lacking in the medical profession. You need to educate and advocate for yourself.
Here are some complications of untreated lymphedema:
- Chronic Inflammation and Infections
Left untreated, swelling increases until the skin can’t stretch fast enough to accommodate the lymph. That is when lymph starts to leak onto the skin (called Lymphorrhea).
Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that bacteria love to consume, leaving the breaks in your skin susceptible to infections like Cellulitis, Lymphangitis, and Erysipelas.
- Lymphostatic Fibrosis
Lymphostatic Fibrosis is the progressive hardening of the skin. It starts off as stagnant liquid lymph that eventually hardens to a gel-like consistency or even a solid hard mass. Fibrosis can even lead to elephantiasis.
- Other complications include:
– local immune disturbances,
– fat deposition, and
– detrimental effects on ligaments and tendons.
3. There Are Social, Emotional & Financial Consequences
Lymphedema starts to impact your daily life not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially.
- Less work productivity as physical performance is impaired
- Loss of self-esteem as a result of self-consciousness
- Social withdrawal
- Depression and anxiety
- Financial strain* especially from reduced work hours and bills not covered by OHIP
* ADAPT Home Health Care is an ADP Approved Vendor. Speak to one of our specialists if you’re in the GTA for more information.
Speak to a Specialist4. Lymphedema Needs to Be Treated and Managed
As you saw with the stages of progression, early intervention is critical. There are a few ways in which lymphedema can be treated and managed.
The gold standard of care is called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT uses various techniques to help the lymphatic system pump the stagnant lymph out of the area where it’s pooling.
Swelling then reduces and multi-layer bandaging is applied to preserve the effects and prevent further swelling.
CDT is effective for nearly all forms of swelling and is comprised of:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression Therapy & Multi-Layer Bandaging
- Skin Care to Prevent Infections
- Exercises to Stimulate Flow of Lymph
Once CDT is completed, most will need to wear compression garments for the rest of their lives.
There are other interventions such as medications, lymphatic microsurgery, pneumatic compression, and kinesiotherapy.
5. Compression Garments Alone Won’t ‘Fix’ Lymphedema
Compression garments such as sleeves, gloves, vests, socks, and the like, do not reduce lymphedema on their own. Instead, they help control it in conjunction with treatment.
Treatment like manual lymphatic drainage massages lymph out of the area to reduce pain and swelling. Compression wraps and garments help maintain the benefits of the treatment.
Compression garments may prevent the onset of lymphedema if worn prophylactically.
A WORD OF WARNING: An improperly fitted sleeve can make lymphedema worse by placing too much or too little pressure on certain areas of the limb.
Please ensure that you consult with a Lymphedema Specialist who can advise on the correct compression for your needs, and have a Certified Compression Fitter fit your sleeve for you.
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you can book an online consultation with our Certified Lymphedema Specialist who is also one of the few Certified Compression Fitters in the GTA.
Speak to Our Lymphedema SpecialistStart Your Lymphedema Tracking Today
We’ve created a printable Lymphedema Tracker for you to track measurements of your arms each month. Let us know which email address to send it to:
Your information is kept private and secure in compliance with PHIPA
6. Familiarize Yourself with the Early Symptoms of Lymphedema
Lymphedema usually develops gradually, and you may feel an unusual sensation — such as tingling or numbness — that comes and goes before any visible swelling occurs.
Common symptoms you may feel in the limb include:
- Heaviness / Tightness
- Numbness / Tingling
- Achiness / Fullness
- Puffiness / Swelling
- Decreased Flexibility
- Pain / No Pain (Pain is not necessarily an indicator)
7. Start Measuring and Monitoring for Signs of Lymphedema
Keep a measurement journal where you compare your arms, hands, and elbows on a weekly (or monthly) basis.
Measure yourself before you start cancer treatment as baseline. If you notice any pockets of swelling, consult with your doctor and advocate for an investigation into possible lymphedema.
Note that some swelling after treatment, especially if you’ve had surgery, is normal and will dissipate.
Are you in the GTA?
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you can book an online consultation with our Certified Lymphedema Specialist. Maria will be able to answer your questions, such as:
- What is the process for diagnosis and treatment in Ontario?
- What preventative measures can I take?
- How do I know this is lymphedema and not another kind of swelling?
- How do I apply for government (ADP) funding and what does it cover?
- What type of compression sleeves do I need?
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