Susan – What a great resource you are for those living with arthritis and other physical challenges. Gret blog. Thanks.
While I work with you, and know that you are an amazing, caring, knowledgable therapist, it really hit home when my Mom went misdiagnosed for a long time until she came to you for therapy. You knew what was hurting her and you knew how to make her feel better. It was like a miracle. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, experience, and compassion with your patients and their families. It means a lot to all of us!!
christine bubb
I always try and avoid working in the heat of the day. No matter how in shape a person is they can always be overtaken by heat stroke. I have noticed as I put the years on I seem to work a bit smarter. Great tips!
I’m not in denial, but I believe my doctor is. We’ve been searching for the cause of swelling in my leg for 3+ months. He referred me to a cardiologist, who eliminated any heart-related causes via electro- and echo-cardiograms, stress test, and a Nuclear scan; I’ve seen a vascular specialist and had venous and arterial dopplers which indicate no vascular obstructions; an abdominal CT scan revealed nothing out of the ordinary; bloodwork has ruled out liver, kidney, and thyroid disorders as well as diabetes. In the meantime, one leg is swelled, red, itchy and tender and I’ve developed permanent creases around my ankle/heel. After doing my own research, I suggested lymphedema to my doctor. His response was that since I’ve never had any surgery on or near my lymph nodes and I’ve never had cancer, that the likelihood of my having lymphedema is practically nil.
What kind of specialist do I need to see to get this condition diagnosed/treated? As of right now, the only treatment I’m getting is 160 mg/day of Furosemide, and a potassium supplement to prevent depletion. I’m on a low-salt diet, and I elevate the affected leg whenever possible (which really does help).
Can you recommend a specific facility in (central) North Carolina that can diagnose/treat this condition? I’m at my wit’s end.
It is good that your physician is being thorough with ruling out other causes for your leg swelling, but unfortunately many are misinformed or just do not have a good understanding of Lymphedema. Just because you have not had surgery or radiation on or near your lymph nodes does not rule out Lymphedema.
Lymphedema is classified as Primary (having no known cause) or Secondary (due to surgery / trauma / radiation / tumor). Primary Lymphedema occurring before the age of 35 is known as Lymphedema Praecox (accounts for 83% of all cases). Primary Lymphedema occurring after the age of 35 is called Lymphedema Tardum (accounts for 17% of all cases). Lymphedema present at birth, or within the first 1-2 years, is called Congenital Lymphedema.
Primary Lymphedema may be due to having less than the normal expected number of lymph collectors in the affected region, or the lymph vessels are of an excessively dilated caliber, which renders them less functional due to valvular dysfunction.
I would say that more than half of the patients I treat have no history of surgery/radiation, and of those 99.8% have it in the legs.
Approximately 90% of all lymphedema cases are diagnosed on the basis of observations, measurements, and symptoms. Lymphoscintigraphy is an imaging technique used to diagnose lymphedema. The water-based contrast medium, which does not damage lymphatic tissues, makes it possible for a gamma camera to trace the flow of lymph. A computer generates images based on the data gathered by the gamma camera.
Do seek a referral to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). And be aware the redness, itching, pain….can be a sign of infection and should not go untreated. Any physician can refer you (Family practitioner/Cardiologist/PCP…) . I do not personally know a person or facility in your area, but I did search the web and found many in NC (see below).
Good luck and best wishes, Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA
[...] Lymphedema: Exercise Guidelines Exercise is a vital part of a Lymphedema Treatment program. The lymphatic system and circulatory systems are greatly affected by active muscle contraction, which helps assist transport of lymph and blood supplies to tissues and organs. [...]
Hi ,
I like to share my views on lymphedema and its treatment..
My grand mother was suffered from lymphedema. I know how a person suffered from the lymphedema feels. After a long search on the treatment on lymphedema and swelling in the body, I found a book which is written by Peter Hodge. The book is based on his experience and 6 years of research on the lymphedema and its treatment. I make you sure that you will be benefit by this book. Go through the web-link lymphedema advice to get a proper treatment for the lymphedema.
My partner in life Joe, has had dibiltating urinary frequecy and urgency for many years now. He has been see by at least 5 different urologists and treatment has only exaserbated his condition. I have read “A headache in the Pelvis” and his condition is described perfectly. I was told by a PT about Andrea Goldberger and wondered if she works with men with Pelvic pain. Thanks
You really make good articles I would say. This is the first time I visited your site and so far I am impressed with the research you made to make this article awesome. Good Job!
Awesome info, Susan!
Great job Susan. This should start some good conversation.
Susan – What a great resource you are for those living with arthritis and other physical challenges. Gret blog. Thanks.
While I work with you, and know that you are an amazing, caring, knowledgable therapist, it really hit home when my Mom went misdiagnosed for a long time until she came to you for therapy. You knew what was hurting her and you knew how to make her feel better. It was like a miracle. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, experience, and compassion with your patients and their families. It means a lot to all of us!!
christine bubb
Ahh, the answers to all my friz questions are now just a click away… hey, cool! They also have a uv level and a dog walking index. Great site. Thanks!
Excellent information! Thanks!
I always try and avoid working in the heat of the day. No matter how in shape a person is they can always be overtaken by heat stroke. I have noticed as I put the years on I seem to work a bit smarter. Great tips!
I’m not in denial, but I believe my doctor is. We’ve been searching for the cause of swelling in my leg for 3+ months. He referred me to a cardiologist, who eliminated any heart-related causes via electro- and echo-cardiograms, stress test, and a Nuclear scan; I’ve seen a vascular specialist and had venous and arterial dopplers which indicate no vascular obstructions; an abdominal CT scan revealed nothing out of the ordinary; bloodwork has ruled out liver, kidney, and thyroid disorders as well as diabetes. In the meantime, one leg is swelled, red, itchy and tender and I’ve developed permanent creases around my ankle/heel. After doing my own research, I suggested lymphedema to my doctor. His response was that since I’ve never had any surgery on or near my lymph nodes and I’ve never had cancer, that the likelihood of my having lymphedema is practically nil.
What kind of specialist do I need to see to get this condition diagnosed/treated? As of right now, the only treatment I’m getting is 160 mg/day of Furosemide, and a potassium supplement to prevent depletion. I’m on a low-salt diet, and I elevate the affected leg whenever possible (which really does help).
Can you recommend a specific facility in (central) North Carolina that can diagnose/treat this condition? I’m at my wit’s end.
It is good that your physician is being thorough with ruling out other causes for your leg swelling, but unfortunately many are misinformed or just do not have a good understanding of Lymphedema. Just because you have not had surgery or radiation on or near your lymph nodes does not rule out Lymphedema.
Lymphedema is classified as Primary (having no known cause) or Secondary (due to surgery / trauma / radiation / tumor). Primary Lymphedema occurring before the age of 35 is known as Lymphedema Praecox (accounts for 83% of all cases). Primary Lymphedema occurring after the age of 35 is called Lymphedema Tardum (accounts for 17% of all cases). Lymphedema present at birth, or within the first 1-2 years, is called Congenital Lymphedema.
Primary Lymphedema may be due to having less than the normal expected number of lymph collectors in the affected region, or the lymph vessels are of an excessively dilated caliber, which renders them less functional due to valvular dysfunction.
I would say that more than half of the patients I treat have no history of surgery/radiation, and of those 99.8% have it in the legs.
Approximately 90% of all lymphedema cases are diagnosed on the basis of observations, measurements, and symptoms. Lymphoscintigraphy is an imaging technique used to diagnose lymphedema. The water-based contrast medium, which does not damage lymphatic tissues, makes it possible for a gamma camera to trace the flow of lymph. A computer generates images based on the data gathered by the gamma camera.
Do seek a referral to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). And be aware the redness, itching, pain….can be a sign of infection and should not go untreated. Any physician can refer you (Family practitioner/Cardiologist/PCP…) . I do not personally know a person or facility in your area, but I did search the web and found many in NC (see below).
Good luck and best wishes, Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA
Wellness One
2418 Blue Ridge Road Suite 100
Raleigh NC, 27607
PH: (919) 782-5954
FAX: (919) 782-6444
http://www.wellnessone.com/lymphedema_therapy
Balanced Physical Therapy and Movement Studios
304 West Weaver Street
Carrboro, NC 27510 US
Tel: 1-919-942-0240
WWW: http://www.balancedpt.com
Desperado?
Dave -er- ado?
Can’t even hear him! Step up!
Is that Rocky from Hannahs In Boise???
in Desperado Dave’s defense, the karaoke machine was broken. but he may revive his performance at Hannah’s so keep on the look out
Very nice!!
[...] Lymphedema: Exercise Guidelines Exercise is a vital part of a Lymphedema Treatment program. The lymphatic system and circulatory systems are greatly affected by active muscle contraction, which helps assist transport of lymph and blood supplies to tissues and organs. [...]
Hi ,
I like to share my views on lymphedema and its treatment..
My grand mother was suffered from lymphedema. I know how a person suffered from the lymphedema feels. After a long search on the treatment on lymphedema and swelling in the body, I found a book which is written by Peter Hodge. The book is based on his experience and 6 years of research on the lymphedema and its treatment. I make you sure that you will be benefit by this book. Go through the web-link lymphedema advice to get a proper treatment for the lymphedema.
Thanks and regards,
Avril
Hi ,
Very Nice information.. thanks..
Also check this
lymphedema advice to get a better treatment.
Thanks and regards,
Avril
great!!!! a simple and effective way to reduce the swelling..
a good blog for women
thanks
My partner in life Joe, has had dibiltating urinary frequecy and urgency for many years now. He has been see by at least 5 different urologists and treatment has only exaserbated his condition. I have read “A headache in the Pelvis” and his condition is described perfectly. I was told by a PT about Andrea Goldberger and wondered if she works with men with Pelvic pain. Thanks
You really make good articles I would say. This is the first time I visited your site and so far I am impressed with the research you made to make this article awesome. Good Job!
Andrea does work with men! You can reach her at either 706-5775 or 489-4040. Hope she can help him. She is a truly great therapist.