lymphodemia

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swellings usually in the arms or leg and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (this is called primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary lymphedema). If this condition is not treated, protein-rich fluid causes tissue channels to increase in size and number and reduces oxygen availability in the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lymphangitis. The possible treatments are: manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise and patient education.

Hello I read your post about Lymphodemia. I just wanted to caution you and your aunt. My grandmother was misdiagnosed with Lymphodemia for years. Her right leg had more then doubled in size and she was treated for years for Lymphodemia. One doctor told us she had elephantitus in her leg. I'm sad to say that my grandmother has passed away recently. She had a pace maker put in a few years ago and ever since her health began to decline. It was not until she was placed in ICU that we learned her true condition and by then it was too late. She suffered from leaky valves in her heart. When the doctors gave her the pace maker they failed to notify us about the leaky valves. Most likely because of her age and the risk of surgery. In the ICU we were informed that the leaky heart valves were the direct cause of the swelling in her leg and we told that had this doctor seen her years ago he could have fixed both her heart and her leg.

Thank You

Richard Kemp

I have had lymphodemia all my life. I have had a regular life except that I cannot do certain things. I am 13 years old right now. I live a normal life. It is not that bad. :-D

My sister has lymphodemia and heart problems and also she is a diabetic
She currently weighs 385pounds .
can any one help me understand if alll these things are related

Hello, would you like to talk some more? I ask because I was born with Lymphomedia and there are not many of us. Which limb has it mostly affected? Do you have massage? Do you have any support stockings? Do you go to any Lymphodema clinics?

Michelle

Did she ever get checked out for Hypothyroidism,? because it could have something to do with her Weight and the Diebeties. I Have Congenital Hypothyroidism and my Weight would go up & down and I'm also borderlines for Dietbeties & I also have some fluid in my right leg but its more near my Ankle though I get a lot of pain in my upper Calf. Please talk to your Sisters Doctors about this it could most likely solve some of her Illness. Good luck