New Beginning 2, Let's Talk

Welcome to a place you can talk or ask questions. We are all learning so much about lymphedema. I hope we can teach and learn more, Or just be a family that know what it feels like to deal with Lymphedema. So please feel free to ask question. We can work together! Take care, Debbie

Hiya Debbie, thank you so much for opening up this thread and inviting everybody wanting to have a point where friendly people understand, support and advise each other a place to come to.

I have a question for Hansa or anyone can help Hansa. What is one the main cause of lymphedema?

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/05/28 06:20

Debbie, the Mayo clinic says as follows:

Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid from your arm or leg. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. This means it can occur on its own (primary lymphedema) or it can be caused by another disease or condition (secondary lymphedema).

Causes of primary lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Primary lymphedema occurs most frequently in women and usually affects the legs, rather than the arms. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:

* Milroy disease (congenital lymphedema). This is an inherited disorder that begins in infancy and causes a malformation of your lymph nodes, leading to lymphedema.
* Meige disease (lymphedema praecox). This hereditary disorder causes lymphedema in childhood or around puberty. It causes your lymph vessels to form without the valves that keep lymph fluid from flowing backwards, making it difficult for your body to properly drain the lymph fluid from your limbs.
* Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda). This occurs rarely and usually begins after age 35.

Causes of secondary lymphedema
Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. Causes include:

* Surgery can cause lymphedema to develop if your lymph nodes and lymph vessels are removed or severed. For instance, surgery for breast cancer may include the removal of one or more lymph nodes in your armpit to look for evidence that cancer has spread. If your remaining lymph nodes and lymph vessels can't compensate for those that have been removed, lymphedema may result in your arm.
* Radiation treatment for cancer can cause scarring and inflammation of your lymph nodes or lymph vessels, restricting flow of the lymph.
* Cancer cells can cause lymphedema if they block lymphatic vessels. For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could become large enough to obstruct the flow of the lymph fluid.
* Infection can infiltrate your lymph vessels and lymph nodes, restricting the flow of lymph fluid and causing lymphedema. Parasites also can block lymph vessels. Infection-related lymphedema is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe and is more likely to occur in undeveloped countries.
* Injury that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels also can cause lymphedema.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lymphedema/DS00609/ DSECTION=3


What is your intake on that?

Hansa, Very Good Job! I think I will give you an A+, I found a new Email for everyone to look at and I will put it on the other line. Its Answers.com Lymphedema
Sending gentle hugs, Debbie

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/09 05:27

Hi Friends, I have another question of the week for whoever can answer it.
Who was the person that found out about lymphedema?
Everbody see if you can find the answer before Hansa, Good luck everyone. Debbie

Hello Friends, Lymphedema is not very known to alot of people, This week as I was out walking to an appointment with my dr. Someone said if I lost weight I wont hurt so bad.I couldnt believe it! I go in to get my new garments the 17 or get measured for they. I would like to know how they would feel if they were in our shoes. Take care and let me know what you would answer them with. SIS of Lymphedema, Debbie

Today I am feeling greatful, I know that all of us have so kind of challenge with our health. But when I went in and had some tests this week at the hospital and saw other there. I came out feeling greatful. I hope everyone can see even though we have pain and other things go wrong we are very blessed. Hugs to all that need it. Debbie

Thank you for the contact footprintsangel its easier knowing that out there - others are having ways to help with this 'problem' feel should have asked more at the onset of this illness but was 'astounded' and feel could have done more for myself if had woken up a bit more

Hi,Gillian, You are very welcome. Please feel free to ask any questions and I will help you if I can. If it is not about lymphedema or lymphodema just put OT and I will know(Off Topic) I am very happy just to know how you are going. So please keep in touch so we can help each other. Good luck and I will be praying for you. Gentle Hugs, Debbie

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/08 19:29

Dear Debbie have you the problem of lympedema or are you a person in the know and is here to help us ?

At the moment have an inflamation and am of antibiotics what a bore this is Gillian

Dear Gillian, I have the lymphedema and can help you. If not I will find out. It sound like you have cellutis, Has it gotten better or worse. If it gets worse please have it checked. Is your Temperature up or if its more red, Please get it checked. Please take care and I can give you more info, Let me know how you are doing later. My prayers are with you. Angel Hugs,Debbie
PS check info on New Beginnings. Thats where some information is too.

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/08 19:54

Dear Gillian, How are you doing? Have you been able to get something more started to help you? I wish you the best and hope that you will stay in there and fight for more help! Please stay strong , Cause lyphedema needs to be watched and taken care of. Soft Hugs, Debbie

Hansa, I have my new Lymphedema anklet on, I just got it. They send you ten and they are green with a snap. They say ALERT:LYMPHEDEMA No Blood tests, Blood Pressure, No I.V. or injections into this leg! It at www.lymphedema.com 1-800-29-EDEMA. They also send you a book for other lymphedema things. Take care, Debbie

What are some of the things people do to help lymphedema? Please add on! Thanks Debbie
1 Wear wraps
2 Massage
3 Avoid heat
4 No heavy lifting
5 Raise leg when swollen
6 When swollen dont overdo, Rest when needed
7.Less sodium

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/26 00:22

Debbie, perhaps this can add to treating Lympedemia?

Please have a look at the link and let me know what you think?

click here please

It is about: Manual lymphatic drainage.

Please have a look at the link and let me know what you think?

click here please

It is about: Manual lymphatic drainage.[/quote]

Hamsa and Friends,
I go on http www.thebreastcancersite.com and they have a place were you click everyday for a free breast exam for someone. I get a message everyday to click for them. I feel like I am giving back to someone. I hope you can help others too! Thanks, Debbie

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/22 17:39

That's a fabulous idea, Debbie. Hopefully many people will contribute to it -

Thank you so very, very much

Health care info on Medicare http://www.nytime.com/2008/6/20/health/policy/ 20drug.html?_r=1&ref=health&onef=slogin
I will check it again and change if it isnt right.
I went and filled in the blank Medicare and got it.
Good luck!

Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/22 18:57

Karma and Friends, I wanted to know if anyone is having trouble with lymphedema cause of the heat? Washington is having 90's and I am very swollen all over. We dont usually get this hot. Thanks for listening, Take care, Debbie

Long Trem and late effects:The impact of cancer-killing therapies puts survivors at risk for future health problems
Pain
Fatigue
Neuropathy
Lymphedema
Bone loss
Sexual dysfunction

Dear Friends Breathe, Let go and remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know for sure.

Dont let lymphedema control you, You control lymphedema!

Hi Friends, Lymphedema is no fun! I wish people would understand the differents between gaining weight and lymphedema. Even when I go over and workout with my therapist 3 days a week, Only 1 friend says I can tell your lymphedema is bad. Alot say your gaining weight in that wheelchair. But I know I can win. I do a grateful journal. 10 good things in life a day and the back bad things And when you write bad down, You leave it there.
We Can Win! Keep Fighting, Debbie

Hi Lymphedema Friends, Please be strong and fight! I have seen the way the medical field puts lymphedema on the side and waits or says lose weight. Please stay with it and fight cause we are important people! Good luck and if you have any question please ask. Take care, Debbie

Hi Hansa and Friends, I was on TV today cause it was so hot in Washington, We had to go to places to cool down. The News came and ask me about why I was there and I told them about my lymphedema. Then they ask what causes and health coverage. I might have hit the right ear to let people know we need to here more about and cover it better. I was turn down for may garmets I need. Take care, Debbie

Hansa and Friends, What is to come with our new people that are getting voted in in America. It is scarey cause we already are getting cuts in some medical coverage for lymphedema. I know cause I am calling around to find some to help cover my lymphedema still cause alot of people still think its just fat. That makes me mad, So please be strong when people ask you about lymphedema. My prays are with you all, Debbie

Help yourself win

Take care of ourself

Do not let lymphedema control you, You control it!

Use wraps or garments most of the time even when not so swollen.(keeps it down)

Never lay all day unless Dr says. Moving helps.

Remember to be good to yourself.

Find others that know how you feel living with lymphedema. Talk with them.