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Lyphedema is a condition in which damage to the lymphatic
system causes the arms or legs to swell to several times
their normal size. It also presents the potential for
massive infections from even the smallest cuts or inflamation
of the skin.
Lymphedema is not as rare a condition
as it was once thought to be. Recent estimations place
the figure at 1 to 2 million Americans, plus another 250
million worldwide.
For some, lymphedema is genetic. Others
acquire it following treatment for other diseases, predominantly
cancer. Roughly half a million breast cancer survivors
acquire it from surgery or radiation that destroys lymph
nodes in the armpit region. Others acquire lymphedema
in the legs after lymph nodes in the groin area are destroyed
by surgery or radiation for treatment of melanoma and
prostate cancer.
The lymphatic system (specialized vessels
through which a clear protein-rich fluid flows) is an
under-recognized, but crucial part of our circulatory
and disease-fighting system.
Some physicians have called it the "garbage
hauling system" of the body. In the bloodstream,
much of what we call blood is actually plasma, a clear
fluid. When one sprains one's ankle, much of the swelling
is actually plasma that seeps out of micro capillaries
into tissues around the injury. Most of this fluid is
then reabsorbed into the bloodstream through small blood
vessels. A small part of the fluid called "lymph"
is picked up by lymphatic vessels instead, which carry
it to a duct in the chest region which dumps it back into
the primary bloodstream circulation. The lymph often contains
bacteria, dead white cells which fight infection, fats
and sometimes cancer cells that have been shed from a
cancerous tumor. If one has normal lymph nodes, this debris
would be filtered out. When lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels
are damaged, there is no longer an area for lymph to flow.
As fluid builds up, any cut or opening in the skin can
ultimately result in infection or inflammatory processes
such as cellulitis.
Lymphedema provides a veritable feast
for resultant bacteria invading the system. Each infection
can lead to scar tissue further damaging the lymph vessels
which ultimately results in chronic recurring lymphedema
and/or cellulitis.
Normal lymph nodes assist the lymph in
moving throughout our body. A damaged lymphatic system
loses it's ability to pump or move lymph fluid, thus resulting
in a lymph build-up.
So, the question is, how does one get
this stagnant fluid in a limb past the damaged vessels,
back into the primary circulation? Elevating the swollen
arm or leg can help, but at times is impractical.
Most experts recommend using Sequential
Pneumatic Compression Pump therapy.
The Bio Compression Pump and arm or leg garments mimic
the lymphatic system. It's "milking" effect
promotes lymphatic flow by moving fluid in a distal to
proximal (physiologically correct) direction.
The physician would write a prescription
that would include the pressure setting, duration and
frequency of treatments, and would normally recommend
a local dealer to supply and instruct the patient as to
proper use and care of the equipment. The Bio Compression
Pump is intended for use in practically all settings,
especially the home, due to it's small size and light
weight. The pump is easy to operate and can be used while
reading, watching TV, or just resting. The pump delivers
gentle compression and massage which tends to also be
very relaxing. The doctor would evaluate the patient at
each visit and discuss the progress made. The doctor may
change the pressure settings, frequency and/or duration
of treatments as one's condition improves.
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