Healthy Living Newsletter
When Swelling Won’t Go Away
Chronic swelling of the limbs may require more than putting your feet up. You may be suffering from Lymphedema.
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| Mary Ann Herrmann, MPT, CLT, (pictured left), shares a moment with Lymphedema Therapy patient Eugene Zick of Port Huron. Eugene has been successfully receiving therapy since November 2007 to alleviate the swelling in both his legs. As a result of his improved quality of life, Eugene refers to Mary Ann as his “miracle worker”. |
Chronic swelling of the limbs might mean more than spending too much time on your feet. If you’ve received cancer treatment or have circulatory or vascular problems, you may be experiencing lymphedema.
Lymphedema is the build up of lymph fluid in tissue that results in swelling usually of the legs and arms. It can result in the ballooning of your limbs causing skin breakdown, pain and discomfort, and even disability.
Eugene Zick of Port Huron has been battling lymphedema since 2000 after receiving cancer surgery that included the removal of lymph nodes from his groin area. The removal of lymph nodes can interrupt the flow of lymph fluid in the region of surgery.
“The body has a network of lymph nodes and vessels that carry and remove lymph fluid from the tissues and back to the circulatory system,” explains Mary Ann Herrmann, MPT, a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). “Often a result of surgical or radiation therapy treatment for cancer, lymphedema can also occur as a result of genetics, and in older adults as a result of vascular and circulation conditions.
In addition to battling lymphedema, Eugene also has the complication of congestive heart failure which results in the build up of fluid in his chest cavity.
“Early on, lymphedema may be relieved by elevating the affected limb,” continues Mary Ann. “But, when this isn’t effective any longer, more advanced treatments are available. These are generally prescribed by a physician to help reduce the swelling, prevent it from getting worse, and limit the risk of infection caused by injury and skin breakdown.”
Although therapy generally lasts two to four weeks, Eugene began seeing Mary Ann in November 2007.
“Eugene’s care plan is complicated,” says Mary Ann. “Although his left leg was mainly effected, lymphedema was effecting his right leg as well. When Eugene arrived his left upper-leg was extremely swollen, the tissue was very hard and he was experiencing wounds that wouldn’t heal properly. Through the course of therapy, Eugene has seen nearly a 14 percent reduction in the volume of fluid in his leg. He’s experiencing much less pain and discomfort and his wounds are healing.”
The overall goal for lymphedema patients is to reduce the swelling caused by fluid volume in arms by 5 to 10 percent; and swelling in legs from 10 to 15 percent.
Similar to Eugene’s care plan, patients involved in lymphedema therapy receive:
- skin care, to avoid infection as a result of injury or skin break down;
- lymph drainage massage;
- special bandaging;
- exercise therapy;
- fitting for a compression garment.
“Eugene has done extremely well with treatment,” continues Mary Ann. “As a matter of fact, he’s been fitted for a compression garment for his left leg and will be done with therapy by the end of February.”
“When I started coming to see Mary Ann, I could hardly walk and even sitting was difficult,” explains Eugene. “It was hard climbing stairs and I had constant wounds on my leg. Now, I could walk around the mall and my breathing is even better. I don’t get short of breath as easily as I used to.”
His successful therapy comes at a welcome time for Eugene. He is planning his wedding this weekend. “I hope my compression garment arrives in time,” he says. “I want to be able to stand at my wedding ceremony in comfort.”
Since Mercy FITRAC Center in Marysville began providing lymphedema therapy nearly two years ago, Mary Ann has helped 50 patients reach their goals.
One of only a few certified lymphedema therapists in the region, Mary Ann, who has been a practicing physical therapist for 20 years, will soon become a Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certified lymphedema therapist.
“To become a LANA-certified therapist is the wave of the future,” explains Mary Ann.
“In addition to having successfully completed training, LANA therapists also have to sit for a very specific exam and will have had to provide more than one year of lymphedema therapy.”
For more information regarding lymphedema therapy services at Mercy FITRAC Center in Marysville, please visit the Cancer Care Section of this website; talk to your doctor, or call Mary Ann Herrmann, MPT, CLT, directly at (810) 364-9801.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
If not treated properly lymphedema can be debilitating and can even lead to hospitalization. Symptoms of lymphedema include:
- a full or heavy feeling in an arm or leg;
- a tight feeling in the skin on the arm or leg;
- less movement or flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle;
- difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area such as a sleeve or sock; and
- a tight feeling around rings, watches or bracelets without having gained any weight.
If you have received surgery or radiation cancer treatment, or suffer from circulatory problems that result in chronic swollen limbs, talk to your doctor today about a referral for lymphedema therapy services.
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