L-W-O Community supports primary and secondary lymphoedema by promoting emotional wellness, lymphatic health, self-care, patient empowerment, online and in the community.
Medical Compression
Your next step will be to see a lymphedema therapist as you have now been diagnosed with the condition. You will be measured for a compression garment if your lymphedema affects your arm or leg. This garment will help to maintain and minimise the swelling and relieve pain. By applying pressure to the tissues, this prevents fluid accumulation and aids in the fluid's drainage from the affected location.
By using your prescribed compression, you are controlling lymphoedema and taking charge of your own self-care
Compression Garments
It is important to be fitted by someone experienced in selecting, measuring, and fitting compression garments.
Your lymphoedema specialist will do this for you. Compression garments are available in different grades of pressure depending on the degree of your lymphoedema. The specialist will request a prescription from your GP for an appropriate garment.
Compression works through:
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compressing the swollen tissues and stopping fluid from building up therefore, reduces the size of your limb
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helping to move fluid to an area that's draining well
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providing support
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allows the muscles to pump fluid away more effectively
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improves the shape of your limb
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improves your skin condition
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improves the function of your limb
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helps to improve your symptoms
Understanding Compression
Compression can be challenging to understand. Compression can be purchased off the shelf or manufactured to order; however, I do strongly advise that you be measured by a lymphoedema specialist because compression comes in a variety of classes, sizes, strengths, and styles.
There are two main types of compression garments: Flat-knit or Circular-knit.
Flat-knit compression garments conform to each wearer's shape. Because their material is firmer, it exerts enough pressure on the tissue to reduce the swelling. Flat knit compression garments are made on a flatbed computerised knitting machine which is programmed to your exact measurements and these garments may have a seam.
Circular knit garments are seamless and are knitted on a computerised cylinder machine. They are now made in assorted colours and patterns and are often in a thinner material. Suitable for limbs that are more regular in shape and where the skin is supple and hasn't broken down. Available on prescription or off the shelf. L-W-O members like the fact they can choose their own colour.
Unique to you
Compression garments should be made for you, using your precise measurements, taken by a lymphoedema specialist. If your limb needs firmer support or has lost its shape due to your swelling, then you should receive a made to measure garment.
There is a tendency these days to discharge lymphoedema patients with a repeat prescription. If this happens and you feel your compression garment is not doing its job, then please ask to be remeasured.
Please be aware
As you can see from the above image this compression has wrinkled and slips down.
If your compression garment is too loose, it won't control the swelling and needs to be refitted. If it is too tight, it will restrict blood flow. If you get pins and needles, pain, or your toes change colour, maybe it's too tight. However, give your compression 5-10 minutes to see if your limbs settle down, if not remove straight away and contact your lymphoedema specialist for advice.
Other reasons why compression might not fit or becomes loose:
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Poor measurement
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Weight loss
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Limb becomes firmer after exercise
Whatever the reason this compression is not doing its job. You need to be remeasured.
Wear your compression daily
It is important to wear your compression garment all day, but it can usually be taken off at night when you are lying down and resting.
If you are travelling a long distance, especially by air, make sure you wear it for the full length of your journey and for some hours afterwards.
You should be given two garments so that you can have one in the wash while you wear the other. The manufacturer will supply washing instructions. With wash and wear, compression is estimated to last 4-6 months.
Exceptions to wearing compression daily
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you have an infection (cellulitis)
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the limb is large and irregular in shape
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the skin is fragile or damaged
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the skin is pitted or folded
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leaking lymph fluid
Compression garments used incorrectly can be harmful, and won't help the swelling go down. The material can form tight bands across the skin and even damage it. If you are in doubt, ask your lymphoedema specialist for advice. Please remember the above are generalisations and you should be discussing these with your lymphoedema specialist.
Comfiwave Breast Band
This product was shown for the first time at the 8th National Lymphoedema (virtual) Conference, presented by Sue Lawrence, Clinical Nurse Specialist within the topic ‘Management of Breast Oedema’. (Sponsored by Haddenham).
As a patient and patient advocate, I rarely get excited when manufacturers introduce a new compression garment. This is because as a breast cancer patient, I have felt that my type of breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) has not been catered for.
Putting on Compression
One of the main areas that our members struggle with is putting on compression but it need not be that way. Ordered on prescription by her clinic our Facebook Moderator Jackie demonstrated how much easier this is. This is suitable for both arm and leg compression garments.
Source
Please note the photographs used in this web page were supplied by L-W-O Community Members and belong to L-W-O Community
You will find details on the Comfiwave Breast Band in Lymph Shop
Big thank you to Adam Withey from Juzo UK for reading this and making suggestions on how I could improve some elements.