100 Questions & Answers About Lymphedema

Title......Page 2
Copyright......Page 3
Contents......Page 6
Foreword......Page 8
Acknowledgments......Page 10
Part One: The Basics......Page 12
1. What is lymphedema?......Page 13
2. What are lymphatics and lymphatic vessels?......Page 14
3. Are there different types of lymphedema?......Page 17
4. What are the common causes of lymphedema?......Page 18
5. Why do they have to remove lymph nodes? And am I at a greater risk if more are removed?......Page 23
6. What if I have never had lymph node surgery? Can I still get lymphedema?......Page 24
7. Is lymphedema painful?......Page 25
8. Can the swelling spread throughout my body?......Page 27
9. Can lymphedema run in my family?......Page 30
10. How do I get lymphedema treated or cured?......Page 31
11. What if I don’t treat the lymphedema?......Page 32
13. What medical providers can I see for the treatment of lymphedema?......Page 35
14. Where can I locate a clinic to be treated?......Page 36
Part Two: Risk Factors for Lymphedema......Page 38
15. If I have lymph nodes taken out, what is my risk for developing lymphedema?......Page 39
16. What if my surgery was several years ago? Am I still at risk?......Page 40
17. Will air travel cause lymphedema?......Page 41
18. If I have had lymph nodes removed, should I avoid blood pressures being taken on that arm?......Page 43
19. Are there exercises and activities I should avoid that may cause lymphedema?......Page 44
20. Will needlesticks cause lymphedema?......Page 46
21. Does extreme heat or cold cause lymphedema?......Page 47
22. Is it true that tight clothing could cause lymphedema?......Page 48
23. Is it true that cutting my nails can cause lymphedema?......Page 49
Part Three: Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis......Page 50
24. About the early signs and symptoms of lymphedema—are there warning signs?......Page 51
25. What if there is only a little bit of swelling in my limb? Should I do anything about it?......Page 52
26. What if the swelling is only in the chest or the abdomen? Is this still lymphedema?......Page 54
27. If my legs are swollen, is there a risk I may get swelling in my abdomen or genitals?......Page 55
29. If lymph nodes were removed from my neck, can I get swelling in my face and neck?......Page 56
30. How do I know if I just have swelling or if it is lymphedema?......Page 58
31. Sometimes the color of my limb changes. What does this mean?......Page 59
32. What tests should I have done to diagnose lymphedema?......Page 60
33. How can I find a doctor who knows about lymphedema?......Page 61
34. I have never had lymph nodes taken out and have never been treated for cancer, but since a traumatic injury, my legs have been swollen. Can this be lymphedema?......Page 62
35. What if I have had wounds for a long time? Can they cause lymphedema?......Page 64
37. What is lipedema?......Page 65
Part Four: Treatment of Lymphedema......Page 68
39. What is complete decongestive therapy?......Page 69
40. When does complete decongestive therapy not work?......Page 74
41. How are pneumatic pumps used to treat lymphedema?......Page 76
42. Is there a surgery I can have to treat my lymphedema?......Page 78
43. Is infrared light effective in treating lymphedema?......Page 80
45. Is electrical stimulation useful for treating lymphedema?......Page 81
46. What questions should I ask when I am seeking a therapist?......Page 82
47. What if I can’t find someone to treat lymphedema?......Page 83
49. What will the evaluation session with the therapist involve?......Page 84
50. What will the therapy sessions consist of?......Page 86
51. How long will I have to go to therapy?......Page 89
53. What are compression garments, and when should they be used?......Page 90
54. How difficult are the garments to put on?......Page 92
55. Should my compression garments be custom-made?......Page 94
56. Are there special garment styles or colors?......Page 95
57. What if I don’t bandage every night?......Page 97
58. Are there alternatives to wearing compression bandages and garments?......Page 98
59. Can I use a pump in addition to my prescribed treatment?......Page 100
60. Will treatment for lymphedema cause my cancer to return or to worsen?......Page 101
61. What if I have decided to forgo further treatment for my cancer? How will this affect my lymphedema?......Page 102
62. Will lymphedema ever go away?......Page 104
63. What if I notice a sudden increase in the size of my limb?......Page 105
Part Five: Lifelong Commitment to Managing Lymphedema......Page 108
65. How frequently do I need to get new garments?......Page 109
66. How frequently do I need to see my therapist?......Page 110
67. Will my lymphedema get worse as I grow older?......Page 111
68. Should I have surgery if the lymphedema keeps coming back?......Page 112
69. What are the signs and symptoms of infection?......Page 113
70. Should I have antibiotics with me if I get infections? And what antibiotics should I have?......Page 115
71. What should I look for to know if something is wrong with my limb?......Page 116
73. What if the skin breaks out or a rash forms?......Page 117
74. If I have lymphedema, can I …......Page 119
75. Should I have surgery on my affected limb for another condition?......Page 124
77. Is there a special diet for people who have lymphedema?......Page 126
78. How will my weight affect my lymphedema?......Page 128
Part Six: Psychosocial Issues......Page 130
79. How can I deal with people who constantly ask me about my swollen limb?......Page 131
80. Sometimes I hate to bandage or to wear the garment; can I take a break for my mental well-being?......Page 132
81. There are times I am so angry and frustrated that I have this condition—is it normal to feel this way?......Page 135
82. How can I find clothing that will fit when one limb is so much larger?......Page 136
83. I don’t want to burden my family with having to help me manage this condition. How can I get help?......Page 137
85. Are there support groups for people with lymphedema?......Page 139
Part Seven: Genetics and Lymphedema......Page 142
86. Is lymphedema a genetic condition?......Page 143
87. Is lymphedema in infants treated differently than in adults?......Page 145
89. If I have lymphedema, is it safe to become pregnant?......Page 147
90. Are there genetic tests to identify if my child will have lymphedema?......Page 148
92. Are there support groups for families with primary lymphedema?......Page 149
93. Where is genetic research done, and how can I participate?......Page 150
Part Eight: Legislative and Reimbursement Issues......Page 152
95. How can I get involved with legislation to support lymphedema?......Page 153
96. What is advocacy, and are there advocacy groups for lymphedema?......Page 154
97. Will my insurance pay for lymphedema treatment?......Page 156
98. Does Medicare pay for lymphedema treatment or garments?......Page 157
99. If my insurance does not pay, is there a way for me to appeal their decision?......Page 158
100. Is there alternative funding for people with lymphedema and limited resources?......Page 159
Appendix......Page 162
Glossary......Page 176
Index......Page 182