Lymphedema In Legs

Would love to! Tips for managing lymphedema (mainly for lower-extremity, but can also apply to arms)

1. Learn Vodder (MLD) massage method to help move fluid. You stay stronger, healthier, and...It will save your mind!
2. Keep your body clean and dry always.
3. After a shower (I don't recommend a bath; dirty water) dry off using a blow-dryer -(with a heat-control switch) to dry hair around groin area. Don't let get too warm here. (Reason: bacteria loves moisture).
4. Pay particular attention to foot care. Keep toe nails clean and clipped.
5. I use Sea Breeze on my toe nails, and moisturize with Clinique (yellow) Dramatically Different Moisturinzing lotion (it has salicytic acid in it-normally for face break-outs, it does something to keep the nails healthy.
(This advice is only if your feet are in general good health to begin with)
Otherwise, start with plain, non-scented soap and water and moisturizer. Moisturizers are different than water. After cleansing, they provide a "barrier" to the skin.
These steps are hugely important when wearing "compression garments". You don't need to put garments on over a dirty body. Skin infections are hard to heal on an affected limb. Prevention is key here.
6. Keep compression garments clean. Since they are right next to your skin, when clean, they can absorb sweat, and if dirty they will promote infection.
7. Keeping the legs or arm elevated when resting is a must. I sleep with a foam wedge under my legs. Do whatever you can to help stop the pull of gravity on them- the limb(s) need to be at a level above your heart.
8. If you work, take breaks every 30 min. to hour if you can. Moving around is good. When sitting, move your ankles in circular motions. Ask your boss for special privilege. Explain your issue with your manager.
9. Stay calm. The more fretful you get about things, the worse your lymphatic system will act. Talk it out, pray or meditate-whatever it takes.
10. Eat pure, fresh, whole foods as much as is within your means. Processed foods, and salt additives wreak havoc on lymphedema.
Would love to! Tips for managing lymphedema (mainly for lower-extremity, but can also apply to arms)

1. Learn Vodder (MLD) massage method to help move fluid. You stay stronger, healthier, and...It will save your mind!
2. Keep your body clean and dry always.
3. After a shower (I don't recommend a bath; dirty water) dry off using a blow-dryer -(with a heat-control switch) to dry hair around groin area. Don't let get too warm here. (Reason: bacteria loves moisture).
4. Pay particular attention to foot care. Keep toe nails clean and clipped.
5. I use Sea Breeze on my toe nails, and moisturize with Clinique (yellow) Dramatically Different Moisturinzing lotion (it has salicytic acid in it-normally for face break-outs, it does something to keep the nails healthy.
(This advice is only if your feet are in general good health to begin with)
Otherwise, start with plain, non-scented soap and water and moisturizer. Moisturizers are different than water. After cleansing, they provide a "barrier" to the skin.
These steps are hugely important when wearing "compression garments". You don't need to put garments on over a dirty body. Skin infections are hard to heal on an affected limb. Prevention is key here.
6. Keep compression garments clean. Since they are right next to your skin, when clean, they can absorb sweat, and if dirty they will promote infection.
7. Keeping the legs or arm elevated when resting is a must. I sleep with a foam wedge under my legs. Do whatever you can to help stop the pull of gravity on them- the limb(s) need to be at a level above your heart.
8. If you work, take breaks every 30 min. to hour if you can. Moving around is good. When sitting, move your ankles in circular motions. Ask your boss for special privilege. Explain your issue with your manager.
9. Stay calm. The more fretful you get about things, the worse your lymphatic system will act. Talk it out, pray or meditate-whatever it takes.
10. Eat pure, fresh, whole foods as much as is within your means. Processed foods, and salt additives wreak havoc on lymphedema.