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Pam Myers
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Other Modalities:
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Affordable Care for Lymphedema

Following are tips to reduce the cost of managing lymphedema. Most women with secondary lymphedema post cancer therapy do not look after their condition. This is NOT the most economical route because as the condition progresses, it becomes more difficult and costly to treat, not to mention the discomfort and potential health risk. With care, the condition can be successfully managed saving expensive treatments and personal hardship.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Less mass takes a load off the lymphatic system.

• Observe the guidelines for those at risk of developing lymphedema. These guidelines are also important to help control lymphedema. Most books on lymphedema will list these guidelines or download them from http://www.lymphnet.org/ (under Position Papers in the right hand column.)
  
  
• Learn how to look after yourself as much as possible. Self-care videos are available at: http://jovipak.com/video.shtml. Also see the Links page for other suppliers of educational materials.
  
  
• Compression garments are essential to control swelling and to assist lymph circulation. The off-the-shelf daytime garments cost about $50 but the custom sleeves are much more expensive. Avoid having to pay for a custom sleeve by getting treatment at the first sign of swelling. When the limb becomes large and irregular in shape, then custom garments are required.
  
  
• If you qualify, apply for the Marilyn Westbrook Fund to help with the cost of lymphedema garments. Details are found at: http://www.lymphnet.org/patients/westbrookFund.htm
  
  
• Cultivate an activity that promotes relaxation such as prayer, meditation, gentle yoga, swimming, Reiki, or mindfulness training. Fibrosis, that can impede lymph flow, is less likely to develop when stress in controlled. Also, activities involving gentle exercise will tone muscles promoting lymph circulation.
  
  
• Use night time compression to help control lymphedema. Your therapist can teach you and/or a member of your household to bandage properly. Although more expensive than bandaging, night time garments that are easy to take on and off are also available. Applying good night time compression will save on therapy visits.
  
  
• Avoid costly hospital stays to treat cellulitis by working with a therapist trained in the management of lymphedema.
  

Pam sees clients at her home office located in Columbia, Missouri. Please schedule an appointment or make inquiries by E-mail (see below). Your questions are welcome! (The E-mail is not a link, it must be typed into your E-mail program.)