Lymphodema

Has anyone dealt with lymphodema issues?  My left leg is about a third larger than my right and is gettting increasing harder to walk.  I wear a Jobst elastic stocking during the day but can't say that it's helping very much.  Are there services out there that would help, such as massage therapist schooled in this area?  My doctor seemed a bit clueless so I'm turning to you.  It's also needs to be noted that this leg had a large blood clot that we've been treating with Coumadin but that has been several months ago and should be resolving.  Any thoughts?

Christa

[coogeegirl]

I recently went through radiation as well as chemo for ovarian cancer and one of the things that they were worried with me in regards to the radiation is that my right leg would swell due to Lymphodemma.

My doctor referred me on to the phsiotherapist at my hospital that is trained in lymphatic drainage massage, so see if one is available at your medical facility. My phsiotherapist also taught me massage techniques that I could do for myself at home which could help with prevention and also managing lymphodema.

If there is no phsiotherapist readily available to you what I would be doing is looking for a massage therapist that specialises in lymphatic drainage.

Some basic things that I was told are always keep your legs moisturised when you apply your moisturiser massage your legs upwards to aid in lymphatic drainage, watch television with your legs up and above your hips.

If you would like me to scan and email the exercises that were supplied to me let me know and I would be happy to send them on.

[Geec]

I also have lymphedema and I found a web sight that is very helpful. Its the National Lymphedema Network. There web sight is www.lymphnet.org. There E-mail address is ***@****. They have a newsletter that is very interesting. I was able to order a viedo from them that is a step by step, comprehensive maintence program for lymphedema patients. Good luck!