Health & Wellness Magazine HealthQuest Spring 2018 | Page 28

LIVING WITH LYMPHEDEMA
Living with
Lymphedema:
WE CAN HELP
BY: DEANNA SKINNER, RN, CERTIFIED
LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST, HEALTHQUEST
LYMPHEDEMA IS an abnormal
collection of protein-rich fluid that
causes swelling, most commonly in the
arms, legs, hands, and feet, though it
can be present in any part of the body.
According to two recognised Canadian
experts in lymphedema, Dr. David Keast
and Dr. Anna Towers, it impacted roughly
one million Canadians in 2017. • Feeling of heaviness, achiness, or
Lymphedema can result when there is a
blockage in, or damage to, the lymphatic
system, or when the lymph nodes are
removed, causing lymph fluid to become
stagnant. When the fluid is unable to
drain properly, a buildup occurs, known
as secondary lymphedema. Edema can
also be present when lymphatic vessels
are missing or impaired because of a
hereditary condition; this is known as
primary lymphedema. • Pain or discomfort in the affected
Lymphedema, while a lifelong condition,
can be managed well with an early
diagnosis and a regime of Complete
Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is
generally completed in two phases.
Phase 1 is an intensive phase carried out
by a certified lymphedema therapist.
Phase 2 is the maintenance phase in
which the client continues therapy at
home, which consists of manual lymph
drainage, meticulous skin and nail care,
gentle exercises, and regular compression
therapy.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
LYMPHEDEMA
• Swelling in any body part that can be
sudden, gradual, or occasional
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SPRING 2018
heat in the affected body part
• Feeling that skin is tight or being
stretched
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Recurrent infections
area
• Thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
STAGES OF LYMPHEDEMA
STAGE 0—LATENT/EARLY STAGE
There are either no visible signs or there
are very subtle signs at this stage, but
clients may describe feelings of heaviness
or achiness in the affected area. This
stage may occur for months or years
before visible swelling is noticeable.
STAGE 1—MILD
Edema is visible at this stage and can
still be reversed if treatment is initiated.
The swelling is soft and will indent with
pressure (also known as pitting). Clients
may notice their swelling will reduce if
they elevate the affected area at night.
STAGE 2—MODERATE
Swelling cannot be reversed at this stage,
so elevating the affected area will no
longer be effective. In the latter part of
Stage 2, indentation is no longer possible
as skin changes are beginning to occur,
such as hardening of the skin and buildup
of fatty tissue.
STAGE 3—SEVERE/ADVANCED
Swelling is extreme and uncontrolled.
The skin is hardened and pitting is no
longer possible. Other skin changes may
include excessive dryness and thickness.
We currently employ certified
lymphedema therapists at our St. John’s
location and experienced compression
garment fitters at both our St. John’s and
Grand Falls-Windsor locations. We are
experts in the measurement and fitting
of custom compression garments to
provide our clients with a full range of
lymphedema services.
We work closely with several reputable
compression garment manufacturers
to ensure every client gets the exact
compression and support they need.
We also work with the provincial
lymphedema association—Lymphedema
Association of Newfoundland and
Labrador (lymphnl.com)—to bring
education and awareness of lymphedema
to both clients and health professionals
alike.
For more information, visit HealthQuest’s
website at www.healthquestnl.ca or
visit one of our two locations at 300
Kenmount Rd. in St. John’s, (709) 754-
5944, or 28 Cromer Ave. in Grand Falls-
Windsor, [phone]. You can also
visit canadalymph.ca to learn more about
lymphedema.