People suffering from Lipoedema have often been mistaken as suffering from Lymphoedema or obese. My earlier blog entry “What is Lipoedema?” describes the condition briefly.

Please read a summary Bertsch 2020-Lipoedema – myths and facts, Part 5 (2020) by the European Lipoedema Forum consensus for more information. Here are some videos on patients with Lipoedema by Lipoedema UK (2019) and Channel Nine news 30 March 2021.

This is the first paper of my research in lymphoedema conducted at one of Western Australia’s hospital with the help of a grant.

I feel privileged that the participants have taken the time to speak to me about their experience and the challenges they face. They are a group of 6 patients that have been disengaged or for several reasons refrained from management of their chronic swelling for over a decade. Basically, at this stage of research, I feel that their quality of life is abysmal and nearing disability. However, I am continuing with the analysis of the data. For those interested, please click on the following link.

Khong, LAM, Buckley A, Johnson W, Cavalheri, V. (2019).  Lower limb chronic edema management program: Perspectives of disengaged patients on challenges, enablers and barriers to program attendance and adherence. PLoS ONE 14(11): e0219875. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219875

Chronic oedema is a serious progressive medical disorder that should be treated promptly. This photo represents a typical case of of chronic swelling in the ankles and legs that have been  left untreated for more than 10 years. It is probably due to longstanding incompetent leaky veins in the legs and repeated infections over time. Do you notice the discolouration, brown staining, change in skin condition (thick and dry) and overall enlargement of the legs and feet that developed? These changes makes day-to-day living challenging such as finding footwear that fits, walking and balance can become an issue.

The ‘after’ photo is the same patient’s leg after only 2 sessions within 6-weeks. There is reduced swelling and the skin looks better. The patient reported that her legs feel lighter so exercises and overall mobility has improved. Importantly, diuretics (water tablet) was not used to achieve this effect. Reach out to LK Lymphoedema Centre for a bespoke management approach suitable for you. Book an appointment online.

This is a report from one of my client regarding use of her compression pump:

“I’ve had my compression pump for 12 months now and feel it is the best purchase I have made to self manage my lymphoedema. I didn’t get a health fund rebate on the actual pump but got 85% back on the leg sleeve. I am happy with what I spent when I compare that to the cost of having MLD done or even hiring the pump – it paid for itself in less than 6 months (compared to hiring).

I keep it next to my bed (with the leg sleeve and cables in a large basket) plugged in ready to go  – no excuses! I do the  half hour (per leg) massage 5-6 times a week wearing either a Mobiderm or Caresia garment for added benefit although it still does a good job without these. The massage it gives is quite firm but also relaxing and I either read or watch tv while its going on. I can feel it working down then up my leg similar to MLD and it works the back of my leg really well, which is a hard area to do yourself. I put my compression stockings on as soon as it is done.

As lymphoedema is a lifelong condition I accept that self management is the way to go (along with the guidance of a good therapist of course!) and this pump makes that easy to do. With continued regular use I feel my leg is a lot softer than it was and I see a marked improvement in the ankle and calf areas.”

This is a report by Dr Linda Khong as a follow-up to her participation (Australian) with the International Lymphoedema Framework- Chronic Oedema Outcome Measures (ILF-COM) project. Twelve frameworks involving 8014 people took part in the survey conducted December 2018 to end of March 2019. Each framework reported their respective ILF-COM findings via posters at the ILF Conference in Chicago 13-15 June 2019.

Overall, the survey’s international respondents demonstrated that patients and healthcare professionals viewed limb volume, quality of life status and mobility status as three most important outcome measures as well deemed successful outcomes.

There are many causes of leg swelling that is NOT due to Lymphoedema. Click here to read more about it from Mayo Clinic. Reasons for such swelling may arise from medications, being wheelchair bound, renal/cardiac issues and other reasons.

For example, this client (see photos included with permission) had persistent swelling in both legs, skin discolouration and repeated infections with skin tears a few years ago. The chronic swelling arose from several causes.

What do you think are the factors to successful effective oedema management in you case?

I have Type I diabetes and a history of renal failure with renal transplant in 2001. I have had vascular oedema of both legs for about 6 years or so. It has been exacerbated by antihypertensive (blood pressure) medications, in particular, calcium channel blockers.

The most important factor in managing my oedema has been the regular and consistent wearing of elastic stockings. Keeping on top of the swelling. This helps the swelling at bay and has improved the condition of my skin of lower limbs and no longer at risk of skin lesions and cellulitis.

Before photo was taken 1 year after regular treatment of CDT , stockings and more at the clinic.

After photo was taken 4 years later (2019). No more episodes of infections since treatment started, markedly reduced swelling and improved appearance.  From the therapist’s perspective, the positive outcome can be attributed to thorough assessment cum management and the client’s positive attitude with sustained regular follow-up over time to manage the chronic condition.

It is important that you seek medical clearance first especially if you have swelling in both legs before booking an appointment with the clinic.