To mark Lymphoedema Awareness Week, which took place at the start of March, Sue, one of our Clinical Nurse Specialists, shared details of a day in her life at Compton’s Lymphoedema Clinic…

Each day in the Lymphoedema Clinic is different. Days involve seeing patients either in the clinic or out in the community, for those unable to leave their homes.

Every day is very different, providing a mixture of seeing new patients for assessment, reviews, hosiery fits or for treatments. We also receive phone calls and emails directly from patients and other healthcare professionals.

People are referred to us with swelling, most commonly to their legs, ankles, or arms, but it can be anywhere on the body. Lymphoedema can have many causes, and our primary focus is to determine why it has developed and how best to manage it.

Lymphoedema is often most effectively treated with compression therapy, which may involve measuring the affected limb for a compression stocking, tights, sleeve, or glove. After a patient is seen for an initial assessment, we see them again a few weeks later to fit the garments and, if appropriate, perform a circulation test.

We offer general lifestyle advice as part of this process. Once patients have been shown how to apply and remove the garments, we book for them to have a review three months later, anticipating that there is likely to be a reduction in the swelling.

Not all lymphoedema can be treated with a compression garment. We also teach lymphatic drainage (SLD) to those patients who have lymphoedema to their breast or face, meaning they can help keep their swelling under control themselves at home. But we are always on hand if they have any questions and need further support.

If appropriate we provide a course of treatment for patients. This can be a stand-alone treatment or a mixture and varies depending on where the lymphoedema is and the problems the patient is experiencing. We offer various treatments, and the courses are intensive over several weeks. I enjoy getting to know the patients during this time.

I get a sense of achievement, pride and satisfaction when patients have achieved a reduction in their lymphoedema or their symptoms have improved. It’s really rewarding to see the positive effect this has on not only their physical but also their mental health.

Sue

Our leading Lymphoedema Clinic provides tailored, specialist advice, support and treatment to help empower patients to take control and manage their condition. If you’d like support, please contact our Advice and Referral Line on 01902 774570.