IMPLICATIONS OF LYMPHOEDEMA

Physical

- swelling in effected limb

- heaviness and physical fatigue after daily activities

- reduction in mobility

- thick, dry, sore, folded and red skin from increased fluid

- numbness and loss of circulation to extremities from compression

- uncomfortable in places with limited leg room eg. trains, planes, cars, office desks

- increase risk of threatening diseases and infections such as cellulitis (skin infection) which can rapidly transfer into things like blood infections (sepsis), bone infections, tissue death and inflammation of venous or lymphatic vesseels

- struggling to find clothes, shoes, jewellery which fits the size and comparison of the different limbs

- fluid leaks through the skin

- compression garments pinching skin in creases of the limb

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Mental and Emotional

- body image issues

- the feeling of loneliness in a condition which is not commonly recognised

- social media creating the perfect image with the feeling of not being achievable

- not being accepted with an aesthetic flaw

- reminders every time people ask about compression garments or noticeable swelling size

- relationship troubles and desirability or intimacy issues

- self consciousness wearing an uncommon compression garment

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Financial

- costs of compression garments and their replacements/prescriptions

- travel to and from clinic appointments

- private healthcare scans and surgeries which are not available on the NHS