Decongestive lymphatic therapy requires commitment, patience and motivation. If you’re not lucky enough to be treated in a hospital, you’ll have to pay for this therapy, which may be partially covered by private insurance. It can easily cost $1,000 for treatments in the intensive phase, which lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

During the intensive phase, you’ll wear multi-layer bandages that are rather uncomfortable (hot, heavy, stiff). These bandages must be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to reduce the volume of the affected limb and maintain the gains made. You’ll also need to perform the curative exercises taught by your therapist and adopt strict skin hygiene. Take advantage of bandage changes to cleanse and moisturize your skin. If you are reluctant to use multi-layer bandages, your therapist may suggest a Velcro garment or self-adhesive bandages.

The maintenance phase of lymphatic therapy is when you visit your orthotist to have your measurements taken. Until your compression garment is delivered (10 to 14 days), you’ll need to continue wearing the bandages. Then you’ll learn how to put on your new compression garment. Follow your therapist’s advice on when and how to resume regular physical activity. At the start of the maintenance phase, you’ll learn to observe yourself and acquire the basics of self-management. 

A decongested limb can easily take 2 years to stabilize. If you experience significant discomfort, fever, redness, heat or pain, consult your therapist or doctor immediately.

To find out more about Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy, consult the LAQ Lymphedema Guide.

A broken lymphatic system cannot regenerate. That’s why 99.99% of people with chronic swelling diagnosed as lymphedema will need to wear 100% compression as prescribed. Some people will be prescribed daytime compression only. Others will need daytime AND nighttime compression to achieve good edema control. For a small minority of people, lymphedema will be so mild that they can afford to remove their compression occasionally, or wear it only in certain circumstances (sports, hot and humid weather, etc.). If you remove your compression and the volume of your limb increases, put on your compression without further delay. If you don’t, your garment will become too small and uncomfortable, exposing you to the risk of infection and complications.

As the lymphatic system of your affected limb is a little less efficient, you need to ensure that your skin remains free of undesirable elements such as bacteria and fungi. To do this, simply use a pH-neutral, unscented soap every day, and moisturize your skin with an emollient lotion containing mineral oils. Don’t forget to wash your compression garment every day.

Self-management is the best way to manage lymphedema independently, control the volume of chronic swelling, and optimize your day-to-day care. To achieve such good results, a person who has not mastered all the elements of self-management would have to receive daily care from his or her therapist. Imagine the bill and your life schedule! Self-management means cleansing and moisturizing your skin on a daily basis, wearing a well-fitting compression garment everyday, renewing it every 4 months, doing your self-massage – learn the technique in a LAQ support group – self-bandaging as required, and taking your own measurements. Control your lymphedema before it takes over your life. Adopt self-management.

The less fat you have in your affected limb, the better the lymph can circulate in what’s left of your lymphatic system. In the case of leg lymphedema, excess weight combined with gravity will overload your lymphatic system, which is already struggling to do its job. A healthy weight also reduces the inflammatory process associated with lymphedema. To reach your weight goals, adopt a healthy diet as recommended by Canada’s Food Guide, but above all… burn calories through daily physical activity. Even a light, accessible activity like walking is more beneficial than immobility and a sedentary lifestyle. Start your dietary changes and activity challenges gradually. Reward your efforts with a pleasure that means something to you. Seek the support of a dietician or kinesiology trainer. Motivate yourself by keeping a diary of your choices or by sharing your successes with friends. Be proud of yourself and persevere.

It can be difficult to adapt to a chronic illness, especially as it can diminish your abilities to varying degrees. But knowing that lymphedema can be controlled, you have the opportunity to lead a full and rewarding life. The key is to place enough importance on managing lymphedema while looking for solutions to adapt your environment and integrate your new habits with things you already enjoy. Learn more.

Don’t remain isolated. Get in touch with a community that understands your situation. Take part in the LAQ’s education and support meetings. Read our newsletters and magazines featuring patient testimonials. Comment on our Facebook posts to connect with people living with lymphedema who are ready to share their rich experience.