Lymphoedema UK
The countless lymphoedema patients in the UK rely on a network of support groups that provide help and information about lymphedema. Often people diagnosed with lymphoedema may find it greatly distressing to deal with the growing realization that this condition is incurable. They usually do not have links with other patients suffering from the same condition and hence may feel isolated. Until recently, there was lack of medical information and recognition for this disease as well. In such situations, membership of a support group can help reduce the isolation and enable patients to share their experiences with others.
The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) is a charitable organization that was set up in 1991 in UK to provide information and support to patients with lymphedema. The organization was meant to help patients with advice and support and to increase the awareness about lymphoedema. It works towards obtaining better resources for lymphedema treatment in United Kingdom and tries to maintain contact with other healthcare professionals that work in this field. LSN promotes a network of lymphedema support groups throughout Britain.
Over the years since its inception, LSN has been helping patients with information fact sheets. The high standard of information provided by the LSN has prompted healthcare professionals to use these fact-sheets in hospitals and clinics treating lymphoedema in UK. Being a patient-led organization at the national level, LSN has a unique understanding of the condition from the patient’s point of view. Self-help videos produced for patients are being used as a teaching aid for healthcare professionals. LSN maintains a website and a support telephone line for patients in addition to producing a quarterly newsletter. It promotes the formation of self-help support groups and campaigns for improved healthcare at the national level for lymphedema sufferers.
LSN closely works with the British Lymphology Society (BLS) which is an organization for health professionals involved in the field of lymphedema management at the national level. The British Lymphology Society members consist of health care professionals who work directly with lymphoedema patients. The Society promotes awareness about lymphedema among the public as well as the relevant departments in the Department of Health in UK. BLS aims to re-evaluate the current guidelines for long term management and lymphoedema treatment. BLS tries to help reflect patient’s views in relation to the development of health care for lymphedema sufferers. It also encourages research in the field of lymphedema to find newer methods of treatment for patients suffering from chronic edema with lymphatic deficiency.
Members of lymphoedema support groups in UK receive newsletters and information on how to cope with lymphedema. Information is provided with respect to numerous issues relevant to the condition like coping with infections, swelling and manual lymph drainage. Membership in a support group helps to interact with people who understand the situation. Members find that in sharing their experiences with others with similar conditions helps to lessen their feelings of isolation.
