Refer
DonateDiane's Story
Diane was referred to Compton’s Lymphoedema Clinic in 2023 after a diagnosis of lipoedema, a chronic medical condition that causes an abnormal, uneven build-up of fatty tissue in the legs and sometimes arms.
She said: “My legs were very swollen, I was suffering and in a lot of pain, and initially the doctors thought it might be fluid and lymphoedema, but then my GP recognised the fatty lumps as lipoedema and referred me to Compton.
“When I first came to Compton, the staff were really nice and straight away I felt I was in the right place, and that I was going to be well supported.”
Compton’s Lymphoedema Clinic provides specialist advice, support and treatment empowering patients to take control and manage their condition for both lymphoedema and lipoedema. The treatment plan includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a form of massage which focuses on the lymphatic system and Compression Therapy which helps to relieve symptoms.
Diane said: “The staff are lovely and made me feel so welcome and looked after. The nurses provided me with compression stockings, and later tights, and also put me forward for compression therapy which I’ve been completing over the last few months.”
The team of staff at the Clinic are all highly skilled not only in lymphoedema and lipoedema management but also in how to advise, educate and offer emotional and practical support, guiding patients affected by this chronic condition.
Diane said: “Aside from the physical side and treatment of the lipoedema, I’ve really reflected on the emotional side of the condition because it can be quite isolating. I would see pictures on the internet and social media and start to panic about how bad my legs could get.”
“With Compton it was not just the physical side of getting my legs measured and reducing the swelling, I was given lots of emotional support as the condition can leave you in quite a vulnerable mindset with your mental health. When I was having my compression therapy, the nurses were always talking to me and asking me how I was, they always took the time to listen to me and answer any questions I had.”
“When I came out of my appointments at Compton I felt uplifted and I had hope. The nurses were absolutely incredible and the grounds are amazing as well, as soon as I walked through the gates I felt more relaxed.”
Diane has now completed her planned course of treatment and follow up and has been discharged from the Clinic with ongoing advice to support self-management.
For more information about Compton’s Lymphoedema Clinic, or advise on lymphoedema or lipoedema click here.