The Lymphoedema Clinic at St. Clare’s was set up in April 1997 to provide assessment and treatment of primary and secondary lymphoedema to adults over the age of 18. The service is available to the people of South Tyneside although under certain circumstances out of area referrals can be accepted.
The clinic is a nurse led service headed by Linda Brown. The Hospice team provides medical advice and input.
At assessment, patients can be divided into 4 main catergories:
* Patients at risk of developing Lymphoedema
* Patients with mild Lymphoedema
* Patients with complicated Lymphoedema
* Patients with oedema in advanced disease
The treatment plan depends upon:-
* The level of measurable oedema
* Limb shape
* Whether or not digit swelling is present
* The degree of tissue fibrosis
* The ability of the patient to cope with treatment
At assessment, an individual treatment plan, with realistic outcomes is agreed between the Lymphoedema Nurse and patient. Treatment falls into two phases:-
Intensive Phase: (for patients with complicated Lymphoedema)
* 2 – 3 weeks of daily bandaging
* Simple Lymphatic drainage
* Exercise
* Daily skin care
Maintenance Phase:(for patients with mild or reduced Lymphoedema)
* Compression Garment
* Skin care
* Exercise
* Self administered lymphatic drainage
Staff at the Clinic aim to rehabilitate the patients to manage their chronic condition themselves. The patients are re-assessed and re-measured on a 3 monthly basis. This enables on-going education, advice and renewal of compression garments. For patients with advanced disease, the Clinic not only provides access to Lymphoedema treatment, but also access to the full range of Hospice facilities should they wish it.
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is the swelling of the limbs and body due to the accumulation of lymph.
Why does lymphoedema occur?
If the draining routes through the lymphatic system become blocked or damaged, lymph accumulates in the tissues and swelling (oedema) occurs. Unlike other oedemas, lymphoedema can lead to changes in the tissues such as fibrosis (hardness) and increased risk of infection. The swelling becomes more difficult to control.
Primary Lymphoedema
is usually determined from birth and may be due to underdevelopment of the lymphatic system. It can affect infants or children and men or women at any age.
Secondary Lymphoedema
can occur in the treatment of cancer following surgery or radiotherapy it can also occur as a result of infection, severe injury, burns or any other trauma.
For more information please contact, Linda Brown 0191 451 6391