Living Well with Lymphedema

by Ann B Ehrlich, Alma Vinji-Harrewijn, Elizabeth J McMahon

Overview

Lymphedema is swelling caused by the abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the skin. Lymphedema can be caused by burns, injury, surgery, radiation therapy, obesity, or circulatory problems. Many breast- and prostate-cancer survivors have, or risk developing, lymphedema. There is also an inherited form. If not treated, lymphedema can be painful and lead to life-threatening infections. This book will help you live well with lymphedema through treatment, self-management, and helpful tips for daily living. It will also help you understand how the lymphatic system works, how lymphedema is diagnosed, how to cope with the emotional challenges of lymphedema, how to find treatment, and deal with insurance issues. Living Well is for those with, or at risk for, lymphedema as well as healthcare professionals, caregivers, and friends and family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780976480617
Publisher:	Lymph Notes
Publication date:	05/05/2005
Pages:	264
Sales rank:	267,479
Product dimensions:	6.04(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Ann Ehrlich is a professional medical writer who also has secondary lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Ann brings to this book her personal "need to know" on living well with lymphedema.

Alma Vinjé-Harrewijn is a licensed physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience and postgraduate training in manual lymph drainage using the techniques of Vodder, Földi, Chikly, and others. Alma brings to this book many practical techniques, especially for self care, based on her years of experience helping people live well with lymphedema. She is a member of the International Society of Lymphology and the NVFL (the Dutch association for Physical Therapy specialists in Lymphology) and writes a regular column for Oedeminus, the NVFL journal.

Elizabeth McMahon, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who brings to this book over 25 years of experience helping patients, many of whom have chronic medical conditions. Elizabeth shares her expertise in helping these individuals learn new skills for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues that can be part of living well with a chronic condition like lymphedema.

Table of Contents

Contents in Brief
Preface
Section   I-How to Use This Book
Section  II-Understanding Lymphedema

  Chapter 1 What is Lymphedema?
  Chapter 2 The Diagnosis of Lymphedema
  Chapter 3 The Treatment of Lymphedema
  Chapter 4 Finding Quality  Lymphedema Treatment
  Chapter 5 Insurance and Reimbursement Issues
  Chapter 6 Complications of Lymphedema
  Chapter 7 Lymphedema and  Other Conditions
  Chapter 8 The Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema

Section III-Self-Management of Lymphedema
  Chapter  9 Skin, Nail, and Foot Care
  Chapter 10 Self-Massage
  Chapter 11 Self-Bandaging
  Chapter 12 Home Exercise Program
  Chapter 13 Aquatic Therapy
  Chapter 14 Nutrition Tips
  Chapter 15 Keeping a Health Journal
  Chapter 16 Having Fun

Section IV-Understanding the Lymphatic System
Index
About the Authors

What People are Saying About This

Dixie Lee Spiegel

"After two years of treatment with an outstanding therapist, I know a lot about my condition and my role in managing it. But I learned something new on every page of this book. It will be a wonderful reference for me as a periodic check of my self-management."
—Ph.D.

Doris Laing

"This book is a resource I can enthusiastically recommend to my patients. The content is up-to-date, comprehensive, and well illustrated. It reinforces what I teach my patients and answers the questions they forget to ask."
—CLT-LANA

John Giusto

"This book is very well organized and thought out, providing enough detail, explanation, and practical insight to enable someone with lymphedema to live safely and well. I definitely recommend it to anyone with, or at risk for, lymphedema."

Deborah G. Kelly

"This book is upbeat and positive while dealing with a condition that can be overwhelming."
—PT, MSEd, CLT-LANA, Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky and author of a textbook for lymphedema therapists

Preface

The Epidemic No One Talks About
Now that cancer has become a chronic condition, we face a stealth epidemic of lymphedema among cancer survivors. Many physicians don’t recognize lymphedema and some deny that it happens-but there it is in all of its swollen glory. That is the gloomy side of the picture.

The bright side of the picture is that the situation is changing! Physicians and other healthcare providers are becoming more aware of lymphedema and promising research on lymphedema prevention and treatment is underway. Most importantly there is a growing-but still not large enough-pool of specialized therapists who treat lymphedema and improve the quality of life for their patients.

Another change for the better is that patients are taking a more active role in the management of their own healthcare. These patients ask questions and search for answers. They want to know! Many also support each other by swapping tips on what works, or doesn’t work, or just by listening through the tough times that come from living with a chronic condition.

Our goal is to provide practical information in a format that is easy-to-understand for people with lymphedema, friends and family, and healthcare professionals. We hope that we will be able to help you live well with lymphedema.