by Swarna K

Created on: June 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 05, 2009

How to cope with Lymphedema

Lymphedema are of two types- primary and secondary. Primary Lymphedema is a lymphatic system deficiency which can occur by birth or any time during the life. Secondary Lymphedema is basically a side effect caused by the radiation of breast cancer. It generally occurs after the treatment of breast cancer may be some months or even years after the surgery. The secondary Lymphedema is most common these days. With the number of women suffering from breast cancer, there are chances that they get Lymphedema. There is no cure for this. There is no effective treatment for this and patients have to learn to live with it. The symptoms of Lymphedema are:

You feel that your body isn't functioning normally like before. Your body part where Lymphedema has affected swells abnormally Your interaction with others would change and your self confidence will deteriorate. You wouldn't feel like doing any activity which you liked to do earlier or you would find simple activities difficult to do or manage. You feel emotionally sick or challenged. You would feel as if someone has dropped you in the middle of a minefield.

There is no special treatment for Lymphedema; the only thing is to take precautions to reduce the effect of the same. After breast cancer surgery doctors generally suggest light arm exercises which can reduce the chances of Lymphedema. Apart from this, it can be reduced by physical therapy, compression therapy, exercise, self care and medication and a combination of all.

There are many physical exercises which can reduce the swelling:

1. Stretch your arms high, linking fingers together.

2. Place your hands on the shoulders and move up and down towards the sides of the body

Lymphedema can also cause psychological and social problems. In order to cope with this, many psychological and social groups have been established especially for these people. They help them cope with Lymphedema. These people need full support of their family members as they become emotionally challenged. The swelling that occurs due to Lymphedema can be diagnosed by a therapist. It can be managed by specialized massage including regular exercise.

Support the people suffering from this; they need your love, affection and support, as they feel they emotionally depressed and abandoned from the society. This is the time they need their near and dear once. Medical sciences are coming up with latest technologies for the treatment of Lymphedema which would bring a ray of hope for the suffering people.

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