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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. |
