Most people treated for Breast Cancer will have had Lymph Nodes removed from their armpit, or Lymph Nodes Radiated in their armpit. Both of these treatment techniques put you at risk of a condition known as Lymphoedema. Lymphoedema can become a chronic condition which involves permanent swelling of the arm.
It can impact the affected person on a psychological, psychosocial, financial, physical and emotional level. So the best thing we can do is work really hard on preventing it. So one of the most important things we can do as Lymphoedema Therapists is educate our patients who are at risk on the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoedema. But what if you have Lymphoedema and you're not even aware you have it?
When Lymphoedema is at it's earliest stage, it is possible you won't even feel the cardinal signs and symptoms of the condition. (I cover the classic signs and symptoms in one of my earlier videos see link below). This is a big problem considering that the best time to diagnose Lymphoedema is at it's EARLIEST point of developing. Early diagnosis and Early INTERVENTION means much significantly less progression to a severe condition. In most of the cases in my clinic, I am even able to reverse EARLY ONSET Lymphoedema.
So how do we diagnose Lymphoedema if you can't even feel or see it?? Let me introduce the device I use every single day in my clinic the Impedimed SOZO. The SOZO utilizes Bioimpedance Spectroscopy which allows us to obtain an LDEX Score, otherwise known as a Lymphoedema Index Score. In 30 seconds this device can allow Lymphoedema Therapists to assess whether there is any early onset Lymphoedema present, or not, for the patient.
In this video I explain why I don't use Circumferential Measurements from a Tape Measure, and instead use a combination of clinical history and LDEX Readings from the SOZO. I also discuss which patients are contraindicated to use the SOZO.
I hope you enjoy this video! Please remember to SUBSCRIBE, give the video a THUMBS UP if you like it, and leave a COMMENT in the section below if you have any questions about Lymphoedema, early diagnosis, the SOZO or any other questions related to Breast Cancer.
Jen x
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