CLICK HERE For The Best Lymphedema Treatment Guide
CLICK HERE For The Best Lymphedema Treatment Guide
Choosing a Lymphedema Doctor
Even though lymphedema has no cure, it can be managed and so you need to talk with your primary doctor to formulate your treatment plan. In case of lymphedema, it is very essential to have a lymphedema doctor with whom you are comfortable with. The standard and most accepted form of treating lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). It involves a lymphatic massage for which you will need to visit a physical therapist specially trained in lymphedema massage. The other part of CDT is the compression bandaging and the exercises that the patient has to perform according to the instructions of the therapist.
Lymphedema is a complicated condition, basically involving the lymphatic system. And, since the lymphatic system is linked to all the other body functions, the slightest malfunctioning of the lymphatic system has a profound effect on all other systems, especially the immune system. Hence, lymphedema patients additionally suffer from various other ailments like bacterial infections and cellulitis. Weeping wounds may be an issue for severe lymphedema cases. Treatment is not only a single surgery or medication that can be prescribed by one doctor alone. Therefore, while selecting a doctor for treating lymphedema, all the other ailments need to be considered as well. You may actually need to choose a number of doctors depending on what your immediate treatment need is.
Secondary lymphedema is usually acquired by most patients who have been treated for cancer. In such cases, they already have an oncologist treating them. Other doctors who would be in a position to help are vascular surgeons, doctors treating infectious diseases, doctors treating wounds dermatologists, plastic surgeons and physiatrists. For example, a dermatologist can help with skin problems while the doctor for infectious diseases can treat a severe bout of cellulitis. A patient of lymphedema may require to select a ‘team of doctors’ comprising of various specialists. This team should ideally consist of the primary care doctor, a doctor to treat infectious diseases, an oncologist if cancer is involved, a wound doctor and a lymphedema therapist.
Generally, doctors that treat lymphedema are physical therapists who are specially trained to tackle lymphedema. They are also known as occupational therapists. The therapist, with the help of your medical history and case details, will proceed to evaluate your condition. Based on the extent of the swelling, the range of motion in the limb and skin condition, he or she will design a treatment plan suitable for you.
Physiatrists are medical doctors who are best suited to deal with lymphedema. A physiatrist will treat the ailment through physical therapy and aims to deal with the secondary effects of chronic ailments like cancer. The physiatrist will try to reduce the patient’s dependence by improving the functionality of the muscles and joints, which is usually a problem for those suffering with lymphedema. The physiatrist will attempt to reduce the swelling in the limbs, something which is very essential in managing lymphedema.
The best approach for managing lymphedema condition is to have a group of doctors that can help you with the symptoms and treat them effectively. However, it is essential that all the doctors coordinate with each other and work towards the treatment of the lymphedema patient, as a team. All this may appear to be a pretty daunting task, but you must make a choice, based on your own judgment and confidence. Simple rules can be followed in this regard, like understanding whether your primary doctor refers you to a certified therapist with experience in lymphedema management. Visiting the doctors and speaking to them will give you an idea about their experience in the field and also give you an insight about your comfort levels in dealing with them.
CLICK HERE To Treat Lymphedema Now!
CLICK HERE To Treat Lymphedema Now!
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