Today I answer a common question from my viewers and patients Is Lymphedema Reversible and if so in what cases is it reversible?

I break down how to understand if you might have lymphedema, what stage lymphedema you might have and which of the 4 stages are reversible with proper maintenance and self care.

To break down Lymphedema it can be VERY frustrating for patients who might have this lymphatic system dysfunction and are having a difficult time within their medical care communities to get answers, get a proper diagnosis and more importantly understand what to do and how to care for their own lymphedema. This becomes increasingly important with the fact that two of the four stages of lymphedema are reversible.

I break down the 4 stages:

1. Stage 0: Latent Stage a "prestage"
Latent stage includes some intermittent swelling, folks in the "risk factor" category cancer patients, surgical patients who have had any lymph node removal that might now have swelling fall also into this category.

2. Stage 1: Spontaneously Reversible
This stage includes puffy appearance of the hand or foot (farthest point on the limb). There may be impressions from pushing on the skin—referred to as “pitting” edema. Responds well to elevation and compression therapy.

3. Stage 2: Spontaneously Irreversible
In this stage the swelling takes on a spongy consistency and “pitting” is less present. At this stage, lymphedema does NOT respond to elevation.
This tissue consistency change is caused by the formation of fibrosis, or scar tissue, with gradual thickening of the tissues on the limb as it increases in size.

4. Stage 4: Lymphostatic Elephantiasis

At this stage, the skin typically becomes very dry and scaly and the limb or other affected body region becomes very large. There may be fluid leaking from the limb and skin infections are common. The weight of the limb can be debilitating. Excess skin projections (including blisters) can form to attempt to contain the fluid, and these projections pose an even greater infection risk.

While these stages are all different, they are continuous. When lymphedema remains untreated, it will progress.

Proper Lymphedema Treatment focuses on halting this progression while also improving the symptoms. Specifically, treatment focuses on reduction of fluid volume but also on softening tissue fibrosis, reducing risk of infection, and maintaining or enhancing the function of the limb.

As a Certified Lymphatic Therapist these are the recommendations for lymphedema management and lymphedema self care for patients:

1. Grab fresh ginger tea
2. Always Wear Compression Wraps and Stockings (depending on stage, eve wear is all you need)
3. Practice Good Skin Care
4. Implement Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques at Home
5. Dry Skin Brush

I have a few videos about this:
DIY Lymphatic Drainage Exercises for Swollen Legs: How to Reduce Swelling and Lymphedema in Ankles:    • DIY Lymphatic Drainage Exercises for ...  

Dry Skin Brushing: DIY Self Lymphatic Drainage Massage of the Breast and Upper Extremities:    • Dry Skin Brushing:  DIY Self Lymphati...  

Viewer Q & A: How Long Should I Wear My Compression Garments After Surgery for Maximum Healing:    • Viewer Q & A: How Long Should I Wear ...  


To watch more way to successfully reduce swelling in your body and move your lymphatics with lymphatic drainage therapy techniques watch my Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Play List:

   • Lymphatic Drainage Therapy ( For Lymp...  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the Natural Health Resources channel I focus on natural health and wellness oriented educational videos that help my viewers and subscribers achieve their most optimal health. I bring my Naturopathic training to each video focusing on addressing the root cause of various illnesses and diseases.

If you're feeling frustrated with your current health situation or seeking ways to look and feel better than you do now... I hope you will subscribe and my community!

SUBSCRIBE!
https://www.youtube.com/subscription_...

SIGN UP FOR MY MONTHLY HEALTH NEWS:
http://www.naturalhealthresources.com...

LET'S CONNECT!
Melissa @ Natural Health Resources.Com
  / yournaturalhealthresources  
  / naturalhealthresources  
  / mdnaturalhealth  

And if you want to connect with me personally:
Tweet Me:   / melgnaturopath  

If you are seeking any type of health counseling I now am available to help you virtually via text messaging/phone and soon video chatting on a Phone Ap called InstantGo.

My Profile Link is: http://www.instantgo.com/DrMelissaGal...