5 Things I Wish Doctors Knew About Lymphedema- From a Lymphedema Physical Therapist

Doctors and Practitioners don’t get a lot of training on lymphedema in medical school. Physical therapists also don't go very in-depth on lymphedema treatment. Lymphedema is complex and not all swelling in the legs and body are diagnosed or defined as lymphedema. I am a certified lymphedema therapist, and I see a lot of patients come through who have been told various things about their lymphedema and swelling that aren't always correct or helpful. So in this video, I share the 5 things that I wish all Doctors, practitioners, and physical therapists knew about Lymphedema.
Access my 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 here: bit.ly/45aFH7E
𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗟𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲?
Check out my e-guides for Lymphatic Drainage to the Head, Neck, and Face
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩-𝐛𝐲-𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: bit.ly/Neck-Face-Images
𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: bit.ly/Healthy-Face-Drainage
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨
Use code KELLY10 for 10%
My Favorite Circular-Knit Stockings:
Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg: bit.ly/3uBc6Tu medical grade
Or check out All Brands and Options: bit.ly/3udwb1t
Popular off-the-shelf, flat knit stockings:
Exo Strong Below Knee Stocking 20-30mmHg: bit.ly/3vXuZ30
Custom, flat-knit garments *unable to use code for this*: www.jobst.com/products/medica...
Arm Sleeves:
Circular knit
-JOBST Bella Lite 20-30mmHg Sleeve - bit.ly/301QEJE
-Juzo 20-30mmHg Soft - bit.ly/306D47S
-JOBST Bella Strong 20-30mmHg Sleeve - bit.ly/3b88m4s
Flat knit, off the shelf:
-L&R Solaris ExoSoft 20-30mmHg Sleeve - bit.ly/37Z6yIT
Custom, flat-knit garments *unable to use code for this*: www.jobst.com/products/medica...
*Velcro Wraps, as a different option than compression stockings:
Sigvaris CompreFLEX (*Note CompreFLEX vs CompreFIT) - bit.ly/3bSVSNp
Circaid Juxtafit Collection (37 options - note various styles within)- bit.ly/3834Pm3
L&R Solaris ReadyWrap - bit.ly/3qafOA8
*Bandaging supplies:
Rosidal Soft: bit.ly/3o2LaJQ
Comprilan Short Stretch Bandages: bit.ly/3o6ogkT
**Again, use code KELLY10 for 10% of your purchase at all of the above links**
Disclosure: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finding my channel and content helpful and want to support my channel? Your donations are greatly appreciated and can be made here: buymeacoffee.com/cancerrehabpt
Join us on Instagram: @cancerrehabpt
/ cancerrehabpt
Check out my website for more information
cancerrehabpt.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use code KELLY10 for 10% off the BEST, medical-quality lymphedema products at BrightLife Direct: bit.ly/3udwb1t
For my favorite, go-to products related to management and wellness for lymphatic health and oncology, checkout my storefront!: amazon.com/shop/cancerrehabpt
00:00 Intro
01:17 Item #1
02:34 Item #2
03:58 Item #3
05:49 Item #4
06:55 Item #5
08:02 It takes a Village
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*I am a physical therapist, but not your physical therapist. Although I do monitor comments, I cannot respond to personal medical questions. Please know that these are questions for your own doctor or provider as this is general information only. Thanks!
DISCLAIMER
THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO DOES NOT REPLACE THE CARE OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. THIS VIDEO CONTENT IS IN NO WAY TO BE CONSTRUED OR SUBSTITUTED AS PHYSICAL THERAPY OR ANY OTHER TYPE MEDICAL ADVICE, BUT IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION aND DEMONSTRATION ONLY. THESE MOVES MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION, SO GET APPROVAL AND GUIDANCE FROM YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE BEGINNING. PERFORM AT YOUR OWN RISK. DON'T USE THIS CONTENT TO SELF-DIAGNOSE OR SELF-TREAT ANY HEALTH, MEDICAL, OR PHYSICAL CONDITION. YOU AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY CANCER REHAB PT LLC FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES INJURIES, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS THAT ARISE FROM YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF THIS CONTENT.ALL CONTENT OR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, BLOG, OR EMAIL SERIES AND CANCER REHAB PT LLC's COMMENTS ARE EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION ONLY.

[@judithlane8235]

I wish doctors knew more about lymphedema! I have been struggling with it for years. I get different diagnosis from different doctors. Now I’m experiencing itching and draining. I try to learn on my own.

[@greatpix]

This channel as become my main source for treatment of lymphedema and I have recommended it to many other sufferers of the condition.

[@lorraineniess116]

Much Appreciation Kelly!

[@vickilindberg6336]

I see a lot of doctors & no one ever explained any of this to me. This was an incredibly valuable presentation. Thank you.

[@MossyMozart]

@VickiLindberg - My oncologist is great at what he does, but smart enough to know that he knows little about treating lymphedema. He referred me to the Lymphedema Clinic at his hospital (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan). I had my 1st telemed evaluation visit yesterday, so fingers crossed!

[@mmbmbmbmb]

It is very comforting to see, how concerned you are to give this tedious subject of Lymphedema the attention it so urgently needs. As for me, I have decided to let it run it's course, since there is no real help for it. The incompetence spans from lack of knowledge to lack of empathy. I chose to no longer be humiliated by either. The various (expensive) stockings are tucked away for good. Needless to say they didn't do what they promised (and since they can hardly be worn on the face nor on my fingers, tolerance is my best bet. Acceptance has become my best friend. Had I had a chance to meet someone like you Kelly, at the early stages of this disorder, perhaps it could have been prevented or at least delayed. Well, it's much too late for that. Since I have to endure some other Chronic Illnesses and also am getting on in years I try to be content anyway and count my remaining blessings. LoL Thanks for all you do Kelly. May it give hope to those, who are still in the beginning stages and young enough, so that it still matters. All the best, Karin

[@CancerRehabPT]

Sending you lots of love!

[@mmbmbmbmb]

@@CancerRehabPT Thank you for that lovely 'remedy' ♡.

[@rogerhenderson54]

A diagnosis was made of me having stomach cancer as well as esophageal cancer in the year 2017. Im fighting it with my relatives and friends. I discovered were in a Facebook support group Truth about cancer

[@titamongubabilajacob9751]

I have found relief on swollen legs and feet. Thanks to your videos on this issue.

[@prettybird2588]

Wonderful information

[@paulmcwilliams1709]

I only wish that the Doctors that I've seen would know ANYTHING about Lymphedema! I want to ask them questions, but they have that "deer in the headlights" look, and they say, I don't know? One place I called asked me if I had cancer? I said that I don't think so, then the woman on the phone said, "then we can't do anything for your lymphedema because you have to have cancer too"! WTH? So yeah, I wished that the Doctors knew ANYTHING ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA!

[@greatpix]

Dealing with Lymphorrhea makes using compression a messy business. My left leg has recently started leaking like crazy and by crazy I mean in the amount of 16 oz a day or more.

[@melissamelissa2603]

Do you have a video on swollen and armpits and brownish mis-coloration + occasional, the same pain and swelling pain in the groin area?

[@ocarinaoftime4116]

I‘m neither overweight nor had I any surgery or illness. So the doctors just labelled my lymphedema as being genetic. But I had a very sedentary life and I could imagine it being the reason. I hate having this issue on my left foot. As soon as I stand or sit for longer than 30 mins I feel the fluid gathering in my foot.

[@tracy3812]

Thank-you for mentioning lipedema!

[@CancerRehabPT]

Yes, of course! More Lipedema-specific content coming soon 😊

[@naderaamini5928]

@@CancerRehabPT can’t wait for it

[@greatpix]

My Certified Lymhedema Therapist knows more about the condition than any doctor I've met in the past 10 years. I kept asking every doctor I saw 'What's going on with my legs?' and all I'd get was a shrug. It wasn't until I went to see a one particular vascular surgeon that I was diagnosed, and I've been to other vascular surgeons since who knew nothing. Anyways, I was sent to the local hospital's Lymphedema Clinic but by the time I got there the therapist said I was already at Stage 3.

[@yogamalajoseph1773]

How to take care of numbness in legs and hands after radiation treatment?

[@rgrgrg6273]

Hello Kelly I have problems with lymphoedema I still exercise but there is no change what should I do?is it ok to wear compression band while exercising?

[@shugar4847]

I am so frustrated 😒 there are no CLT in my general area. I’ve seen 3 vascular drs and they have not helped at all and have pretty much dismissed me. They say just wear compression stockings. After an hour they cut off m6 circulation then I can’t get them off. I have venous insufficiency. I’m not sure if in one leg or both. That dr referred me to a dr over 100 miles away. Where are you located?

[@greatpix]

A new Catch-22 in my battle with Lymphedema is that my lymphedema therapist won't work on me if I have an infection, unless i've been on antibiotics for a minium of 7 days. The only problem is I have chronic skin infections or sinus infections or lower respiratory infections so I'm almost always just started on antibiotics and scheduling an appointment 2 or 3 weeks out becomes impossible. To put icing on the cake so to speak, I have Restless Leg Syndrome so laying with my feet up is extremely painful and uncomfortable. I take medication for it but I have to limit it's use to night time because every time I've increased the dosage I've rapidly gained weight that is very hard to take off again. I have a device someone gave to me that has motors that shuffle my feet back and forth, like taking baby steps. It seems to help.

[@greatpix]

What catagories would Coban 2 and TubiGrip go into? I have sensitive legs and short stretch bandages feel good at first. They'll soon start to itch and then to hurt. Wraps like the Juxta Reduction Kit I can tollarate for longer periods but the one I tollarate best is two layers of Tubigrip. Even then I'll often get pain and they also cause my legs to heat up to unconfortable levels. I've put cooling packs on, which helps. Nothing too cold. Part of the problem is chronic lymphorrhea that started 6 years ago and now spreads 3/4 around my left lower leg and just started on my right leg after a case of what I think was cellulitis. A culture was taken I was put on an antibiotic for 14 days, but I don't think I'm out of the woods yet. In the past the combination of antibiotic and the TubiGrip made huge improvements in the edema and lymphorrhea, to the point of near 99% healing. My calf has measured a max of 32" and would go down to almost 19" in the two weeks of antibiotics. Then a month or two later I'd be back where I started no matter how careful I was. Anyways, in less than a day my leg wound will saturate two Kerramox 6x9 pads and the 3 8x10 ABD pads I put on top to get anything that makes it past the Kerramax. I go to the local Wound Clinic, which has worked great before but now nothing seems to offer improvement.

[@greatpix]

I'm in a small city in Utah, St. George. I've talked to a few doctors about getting fitted for a flat knit garment but they don't know where I can go to get one fitted. Any advice or maybe a website that lists where to get fitted by state?

[@madhulatha1688]

Can we get English subtitles pls

[@deborahkent3852]

I visit the lymphodema nurse every 3 months but I don't get any real knowledge from them . I have it in my breast which is a nightmare as they have no bras to help me keep the compression

[@pennyjayemartin6343]

I also have large venous stasis ulcers and a skin condition called epidermolysis pelosa. Wearing most compression garments literally tears up my skin and has caused new sores. If they settle behind my knees I can count on open sores that bleed and weep from the stockings. I have been seeing a wound clinic for a year now and have only gotten progressively worse. I also see pain management and just for the first time saw a lymphedema specialist. For the most part she was kind, but I could feel that she was very frustrated with my additional concerns and she told me that there was really nothing she could suggest for me. I have gotten to the point of having pretty much back-to-back infections and worry about becoming septic. Do you have any other suggestions for people I could see? I still work 40 to 60 hours a week in an emergency room / trauma center. I've been told that when people get to my level of infection they generally live 6 months to 2 years. I will have had the most predominant ulcer for 2 years in October.

[@MossyMozart]

@Penny Jaye Martin - I am so sorry for what you are suffering through. Some cancer centers have dedicated lymphedema clinics with actual MDs, etc. Have you looked into such a program? My oncologist referred me to the Lymphedema Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Even if you have to travel to find such medical help, it sounds like it's worth it in your case. If you can't find a lymphedema clinic, try a plastic surgery clinic (not a decorative one!). All the best to you.

[@Imsocoolthatilikeme]

Hi Kelly please help me. I have a lymphedema on my rigth leg, my problem is there is no lymphedema doctor here in our place cebu city Philippines in particular, there is also no good comprission garments available here. Please help me with g this.

[@greatpix]

Using a superabsorbant pad like Kerramax is VERY expensive $50 - $75 a day. I was told using a baby diaper is a cheaper way to cover a leaking wound, but my wound goes almost all the way around my lower left leg, 12+ inches. What sort or size of baby diaper would cover something that big?

[@alysonsmith8046]

When your reducing the volume where does it all go? Do you urinate it out? Is it temporary meaning only reduced when wearing bandage?

[@CancerRehabPT]

generally, yes, that's what the body is supposed to do. Lymph fluid comes from the blood, so you are constantly pumping more and new lymph fluid so an area will fill back up if not supported by compression. That's why it seems "temporary" sometimes

[@KatieManiaci]

I wish they understood how uncomfortable sleeves are