HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE LYMPHOEDEMA? - Diagnosing Early Onset Lymphoedema After Breast Cancer
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- čas přidán 4. 04. 2021
- Most people treated for Breast Cancer will have had Lymph Nodes removed from their armpit, or Lymph Nodes Radiated in their armpit. Both of these treatment techniques put you at risk of a condition known as Lymphoedema. Lymphoedema can become a chronic condition which involves permanent swelling of the arm.
It can impact the affected person on a psychological, psychosocial, financial, physical and emotional level. So the best thing we can do is work really hard on preventing it. So one of the most important things we can do as Lymphoedema Therapists is educate our patients who are at risk on the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoedema. But what if you have Lymphoedema and you're not even aware you have it?
When Lymphoedema is at it's earliest stage, it is possible you won't even feel the cardinal signs and symptoms of the condition. (I cover the classic signs and symptoms in one of my earlier videos - see link below). This is a big problem considering that the best time to diagnose Lymphoedema is at it's EARLIEST point of developing. Early diagnosis and Early INTERVENTION means much significantly less progression to a severe condition. In most of the cases in my clinic, I am even able to reverse EARLY ONSET Lymphoedema.
So how do we diagnose Lymphoedema if you can't even feel or see it?? Let me introduce the device I use every single day in my clinic - the Impedimed SOZO. The SOZO utilizes Bio-impedance Spectroscopy which allows us to obtain an L-DEX Score, otherwise known as a Lymphoedema Index Score. In 30 seconds this device can allow Lymphoedema Therapists to assess whether there is any early onset Lymphoedema present, or not, for the patient.
In this video I explain why I don't use Circumferential Measurements from a Tape Measure, and instead use a combination of clinical history and LDEX Readings from the SOZO. I also discuss which patients are contraindicated to use the SOZO.
I hope you enjoy this video! Please remember to SUBSCRIBE, give the video a THUMBS UP if you like it, and leave a COMMENT in the section below if you have any questions about Lymphoedema, early diagnosis, the SOZO or any other questions related to Breast Cancer.
Jen x
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This is Julie - I just wanted to say how little there is about breast lymphadema anywhere - my oncologist said he thought it would just go away and I did have an infection and the heat went away with antibiotics, but the other signs of lymphadema in the breast remained and its 3 months since I finished radiation: orange peel, swelling, tightness, discomfort and I also had redness (from the radiation I guess). I wish I had been able to see a lymphadema specialist early on, since I developed fibrosis also. She has did electronic cupping the other day which was fantastic - really softened it up, and I've been using some forms in my bra to provide extra compression, as well as exercises and self massage. Anyway - you're awesome and I appreciate your videos, thank you.
Hi Julie, thanks for your comment and feedback. It is so frustrating that Radiation Clinics do no talk about breast lymphoedema or fibrosis. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be speaking on Breast Lymphoedema and Fibrosis on Compass soon. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful. I go to a prestigious academic medical center to get my breast cancer treatment and am extremely disappointed that they have never mentioned this technology to me. Thank you for sharing your expertise and best wishes for your good health! From North Carolina, USA.
Hi Mindy! So sorry for my slow reply. Thank you for your lovely feedback. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Just discovered and am enjoying your channel. Double mastectomy Sept 2020 with SGAP reconstruction.
Hi Mary! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! So pleased you're enjoying the Channel! Hope all is going well after your recon. Jen x
I'm so grateful for your videos, Jen. Do any of your followers know of any expert breast cancer physios in the UK, specifically North Wales or nearby?
I'll go on the hunt for you Ruth! I know someone I can ask. Back to you asap. xx
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio that's brilliant, thank you 🙏
Hi Ruth, still hunting a Physio for you. xx
Ruth ,Have you tried contacting the LSN UK, they are a bit closer and may be able to help direct you to some specialists. www.lymphoedema.org/
@@crispykmm9646 thanks. Will have a look 👍
I do have lymphedema but I dont know how to cure it and bring back the natural shape of my arm could you please help me because it hurts and theres heaviness on my left arm with my mastectomy part thank you and God bless!
I do have diagnosed lymphedema. One thing I’ve noticed in that arm is it is very sensitive, even just a jacket or sweatshirt resting on it hurts some days. I wasn’t sure if that was the lymphedema or something else causing that sensation
Thanks for your comment. It is possible that sensation is lymphoedema, as pain can be associated with lymphoedema. However, it potentially could be cording or recovering nerve tissue following surgery. It is just one part of your arm, or the whole arm? Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio it is just my wrist and hand area that is super sensitive to touch like that. It’s only been the last few months that my lymphedema has gone all the way down my arm to my wrist and hand. It was initially just in my forearm/elbow area
Can I ask it cording feeling mean it’s starting of lymphodemia
Thank you for your video, I am just wondering where I can buy this device from and how much does it cost? Thank you
Hi, I would get in touch with the team at Impedimed (the company that design the device) to find out information on pricing and stock. Jen