Lymphoedema is the term given to swelling resulting from malfunction fo the lymphatic system. It can affect people of all ages. It can be primary lymphoedema (congenital, occurring when the lymph system is underdeveloped) or secondary lymphoedema (occurring when the lymphatic system has been damaged by cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, burns, or a range of medical conditions). Lymphoedema caused by cancer treatments can be as a result of surgery, removal of lymph nodes and/or from radiation.

The lymphatic system transports excess fluid around the body. When the lymphatic system is damaged, the injured area can no longer drain the fluid. The limb becomes swollen and the tissue becomes dense. This makes the limb uncomfortable, less mobile and can even lead to cellulitis (infection of the skin), requiring antibiotics and often, hospitalization. Effective management of lymphoedema involves good skin care, suitable exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy (initially in the form of compression bandaging, followed by lifelong compression garments/sleeves).

The Lymphoedema Support Group of NSW (LSGNSW) is a charity run by volunteers. Its aims are to provide support, education and information for people living with lymphoedema and their families, to increase awareness of lymphoedema and management strategies to health care professionals and the community and to improve access and equity for people living with lymphoedema.

At present, finding treatment for lymphoedema is difficult. There are very few public treatment facilities available, making effective treatment of lymphoedema unobtainable for some. Compression therapy is also expensive; garments cost over $1,000 per year for many, and this is lifelong. At present, only those with private health insurance can get rebates, and these rebates are only a small percentage at best.

As part of our campaign to create community awareness and receive support from the government, we will be taking part in this year’s Relay For Life. We will have a stand on the day, as well as several teams participating in the relay. We need your help to assist in running the stand, participating in a relay team and/or make a donation to the cancer council under our teams name.  The stand will be operating from 3pm on the 24th of March, and we will be fielding relay teams throughout the day. An hour or two is all that is needed to help. Anyone can join a team. So join up via our webpage now, or contact Carolyn 0438 773 978 for more information.

Come find the Lymphomaniacs on the day! We will be the ones with fancy stockings on our arms and legs!