This Meeting’s Guest Speaker:
Our guest speaker was Rosie Callcott, lead lymphedema nurse. She gave a very thorough and informative talk about lymphedema. She explained there are two sets of vessels in the body, blood and lymphatic. Rosie talked about the treatments available.
- Exercises. Gentle contraction of the muscles in the arm or leg can help move the excess fluid out of the swollen limb.
- Manual lymph drainage. Therapists trained in this massage-like technique use very light pressure to move the trapped fluid in the swollen limb toward an area with working lymph vessels. People should avoid manual lymph drainage if they have a skin infection, blood clots or active cancer in the affected limb.
- Compression bandages. Using low-stretch bandages to wrap the entire limb encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of the body.
- Compression garments. Close-fitting elastic sleeves or stockings can compress the arm or leg to encourage lymph fluid drainage. These garments often require a prescription to ensure that the proper amount of compression is used. You may need to be measured by a professional to ensure proper fit.
- LED light therapy
November (our next) Meeting:
Munashe Munyukwi who is the MacMillan Engagement Lead for Beds, Cambs and Herts will be coming to speak to us in November about services available and what support can be offered to support groups like ours in relation to funding etc.
Breast Care Nurse: Clare Hall
As many of you know Clare (breast care nurse) is retiring in November. She is coming to our November meeting so it will be lovely if as many as possible can attend the meeting to wish Clare all the best and to see her on her way into a very happy and well deserved retirement.
Read more in-depth from the meeting here: October Newsletter
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