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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Lymphedema Information
    • Lymphedema
    • Therapists
    • Lymphie Connections Group
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Awareness
    • Press
    • March Awareness
    • 2021 Activities
    • 2020 Activities
    • 2019 Activities
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletters
  • Letters to MHAs

What is Lymphedema?

  

Lymphedema is a chronic disease caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. This happens when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged and cannot function as normal. It leads to chronic (long-lasting) swelling in the tissues where the lymph flow is blocked. Most often the swelling is in an arm or leg, but it can also be in the breast, trunk, genitals or head and neck.

  

Primary lymphedema occurs when a person is born with a faulty lymphatic system.  Signs may appear at birth, during puberty or later.

  

Secondary lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged by surgery, radiation treatment, or severe injury (e.g. burn or skin infection).  Secondary lymphedema can occur immediately after surgery or weeks, months or even years later. Persons who are treated for cancer have a lifelong risk for lymphedema if they have had lymph nodes or vessels removed or damaged during treatment.


Stages of Lymphedema

There are four stages of lymphedema. The earlier lymphedema is recognized and diagnosed, the easier it is to successful treat it and to avoid many of the potential complications.

  

STAGE 0: LATENT/EARLY 

Ability of the lymph system to transport lymph fluid is reduced. No visible/palpable swelling.

STAGE I

(Reversible Lymphedema) Accumulation of protein rich fluid – swelling. Reduces with elevation. 

STAGE II

(Spontaneously Irreversible Lymphedema) Accumulation of protein rich fluid. Swelling becomes progressively worse. 

STAGE III

(Lymphostatic elephantiasis) Accumulation of protein rich fluid. Scarring and skin changes can occur.

Risk Factors

  • Surgery (including biopsies), and the number, size and location of lymph nodes removed or damaged
  • Serious infections that may include cellulitis
  • Deep wounds that might tear, cut or damage the lymphatic system
  • Radiation treatment, especially in areas that might contain “clusters” of lymph nodes 
  • Having chronic venous disease
  • Serious burns, even intense sunburn 
  • For primary lymphedema, a family history of chronic swelling of a limb
  • Being overweight and/or inactive add to these risk factors

Self-Management tools

Gov’t of NL can help with Chronic Disease Self-Management!

Did you know that the Department of Health and Community Services has a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program?  From their website:


 “Improving Health: My Way is a provincially sponsored, free program designed to help people positively manage the daily challenges of living with a chronic condition. Workshops are co-led by trained Leaders who themselves have a chronic condition or have cared for someone living with a chronic condition. Workshops consist of six sessions that are offered for 2.5 hours once a week, over a six week period. A support person of your choice (friend or family) may accompany you to the training sessions. Workshops are offered throughout the province, in each of the four regional health authorities.” 


It looks useful and informative.  Check out the website:  https://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/chronicdisease/improving_health_my_way.html 


Contact numbers for program information are: 

Eastern Region: 709-752-3946 or 1-866-880-8998 

Central Health: 709-256-5690 

Labrador-Grenfell Health: 709-454-3333 Ext 7364 

Western Health: 709-637-5000 Ext 6689  

Scheduled Eastern Health workshops are listed here: http://www.easternhealth.ca/OurCommunity.aspx?d=2&id=1488&p=1487#ws



Check it out and let us know what you think!

  LANL’s mission is to support people living with lymphedema.  


Please note we are not able to provide medical advice. 



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