b'Resources About Cancer-Related Lymphedema (LE) | 6 Resources About Cancer-Related Lymphedema (LE) | 710 THINGS MY CERTIFIEDLE&RN398/4R2022 10 THINGS YOU WANT TO LE&RN400/3R2022LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST TAUGHTKNOW WHEN YOU LEARN YOU ME ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA (LE) HAVE LYMPHEDEMA (LE)01 0601 06 WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA (LE)?WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DONTS OF LE? Lymphedema is chronic swelling, most commonly in arms or legs, but itDo live normally, but take some extra precautions. Dedicate time each SELF MANAGEMENT HYDRATION AND NUTRITION day to managing your LE. Avoid activities that can increase swelling or can affect other areas of the body, such as the trunk, head, or neck. LErisk of infection such as extreme heat (hot tubs, saunas); avoid excess I can learn to manage my LE with the guidance of my CertifiedI can manage my diet by eating healthy foods, avoiding can be very serious as the affected area can increase inLymphedema Therapist (CLT). I can do manual lymph drainage sugars and salt, if indicated, and drinking adequate amounts size over time if the swelling is not controlled, and you are morealcohol intake; avoid needle stick or blood pressure cuff on the affected (MLD), use a pneumatic compression device (pump), wrap theof water daily. susceptible to infections because lymph fluid drains waste productslimb. Look after your skin, and seek medical advice at the first sign of affected limb, and put on garments. from your tissues; trapped lymph fluid is not healthy fluid. infection, such as cellulitis, in the LE limb/area.02 07 02 07GARMENTS ADJUSTING TREATMENT PLANS HOW DO I TREAT LE? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CELLULITIS?I can tweak my treatment program from time to time. I shouldFind a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) to help you with aSymptoms of cellulitis include flu-like feelings, fever, or redness/I can learn how to don and doff (put on and take off)see my CLT every 6 to 12 months to get advice about new ideasmanagement program. The Lymphedema Association of North Americapain that spreads. Cellulitis causes additional damage to a struggling compression garments and, while it is often difficult to adjust and review of my compression garments. My goal is to reach(LANA) has a network of CLTs who are dedicated to supporting peoplelymphatic systemearly treatment is essential. Seek medical advice to wearing them, it will get easier over time and with practice. the point where I have the best control with the least effort,with LE. The Lymphatic Research and Education Network (LE&RN)immediately even if youre not sure its cellulitis.03 knowing that differs for each person with LE. (lymphaticnetwork.org). 08provides a link to Finding a Lymphedema Therapist on its website INFECTION PREVENTION 08 03 ARE THERE SPECIAL DIETS, LOTIONS OR MEDICINES FOR LE? I can reduce the risk of infections by using skin products with ELEVATION Visit a dietitian if you have specific questions about your dietary needs. the appropriate pH (acidic 7.0), treating any cuts, scrapes, HOW DO I STOP LE FROM GETTING WORSE?Ask your CLT about skin care as many lotions can dry your skin. If you or scratches immediately, avoiding routine injections or I can keep my feet elevated during the day as much as possibleA CLT will design a treatment program which includes education,find something that works for you, it may not work for someone elseand overnight too by elevating the end of the bed, using areduction in swelling (bandaging, massage, special exercises), andbut information sharing is a good thing. Just find what works for you.blood pressure readings in the affected area, and seekingwedge, or placing pillows under my legs. If the LE is in my arm,prescription of compression garments/aids (if required) to help you medical care as soon as symptoms of cellulitis (redness, fever,I can sleep with my arm on a pillow. manage your LE. See a CLT every six to twelve months to make sure you09pain) appear. are doing everything you can to stay healthy and to learn new ways to 09 manage your disease.CAN LE BE CURED?04 There is no known cure for LE at present. Surgical approaches are EDUCATION EMOTIONS AND ATTITUDE 04 available, but not everyone is a suitable candidate for surgery.I know that LE is overwhelming at first but will get easier overDrug trials are underway to find medication to improve the functionI can educate myself about lymphedema and also educate time. I can get support from online groups of individuals withARE THERE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR LE?of lymphatic vessels. In the meantime, practice vigilant LE care the physicians and other healthcare professionals I come intoLE, from my CLT, friends and family, and mental healthcareFacebook has several LE support groups. The National Lymphedemaprotect and nourish your skin, avoid infections, wear compression,contact with. The CLT will teach me and can advocate for me if professionals to help me cope with this lifelong disease. Network (NLN) sponsors an online support group on www.inspire.com.and exercise regularly.I need assistance. LE&RN provides a service, Ask the Experts, so you can contact physicians and therapists directly. Your CLT is likely to know about1005 10 support groups in your area.HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT LE? EXERCISE AND ACTIVITY ONGOING ASSISTANCE 05 Physicians and healthcare practitioners often have little training in I can exercise anywhere and often to keep the lymph flowing.I know if I ever have a question or concern, I can contact my CLTdiagnosing and treating LE. Seek out trusted sources for informationfor advice. I also know if the CLT is not listening to or helping me,WHY DID LE HAPPEN TO ME? on the Internet. LE&RN (LymphaticNetwork.org) has many LEI can stay active, taking care not to sit or stand still for longI have the right to find another CLT. Everyone has a lymphatic systemsome people have a system educational programs and links to a variety of resource organizations. periods of time. that is more prone to developing LE. LE can be triggered by cancerNLN (lymphnet.org/) has position papers on key issues affectingtreatment, lymph node removal during surgery, trauma or infectionpeople with LE. LE is different for each individual. Check with your(secondary lymphedema), or you can be born with an imperfectCLT about what might work for you.lymphatic system (primary lymphedema).is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located at 154 West 14th Street, For more information: www.10ThingsLE.info is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located at 154 West 14th Street, For more information: www.10ThingsLE.info2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011. For more information: www.LymphaticNetwork.org 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011. For more information: www.LymphaticNetwork.org'