Better life with lymphoedema
Better life with lymphoedema
We collected tricks, strategies and advice from many patients. They know how you can get through your everyday routine more easily despite lymphoedema. Here is a list of their top ten tips.
Do it yourself: Ask your therapist to teach you manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). This is a special form of massage that you can use at home.
You’re alive – and changing: So don’t forget to check your measurements regularly.
This not only helps you identify any oedema at an early stage, but also ensures that
you always have the right bras. Nothing is more unpleasant than spending the whole
day in clothes that pinch! PS: Many medical supply stores also offer free measurement and advice on the topic of lymphoedema.
Non-irritating: regular care with non-irritating and fast-absorbing moisturisers protects skin that is stressed by oedema and compression.
Comfortable and better without an elastic band! To avoid lacing up, you should wear comfortable clothing. In other words: socks without elastic bands, a bra with
sufficiently wide straps, shoes with heels that are at most medium high. And if possible, you should not wear tight rings or a watch on the affected arm.
Get going: active muscle movements activate diaphragmatic breathing and the muscular pump. This promotes the removal of lymphatic fluid from the arms and legs. Endurance sports are recommended, such as walking, swimming, walking or aqua jogging. In addition to improving your general performance and condition, this also improves the oxygen supply to all organs.
Shade is better: choose a cool, shady spot outdoors rather than direct sunshine.
With gloves: when gardening or washing the dishes, gloves offer protection against injuries. You should also protect yourself against insect bites.
Easy going: relax! Avoid physical and psychological overload!
Page selection: always remember to have blood pressure measurements and blood
samples taken from the healthy part of your body.
Sleep well – if possible, avoid lying on the affected part of the body at night
