Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Compression Pump - The Ideal Choice for Patients with Lymphedema

Compression pumps are used to treat a condition that can cause swelling in the arms and legs called Lymphedema. If left untreated the condition can become worse. The pump reduces the excess fluid from the limbs and returns it to the cardiovascular system. Since the pump is portable the therapy can be conveniently carried out at home instead of making a special trip to a Lymphedema therapist.

There are two phases required for using the compression pump. The preparatory phase is first. This prepares the lymphatic vessels for receiving fluid moved by the pump. If this part of the therapy is not completed correctly, it can cause damage to other tissues. In the home setting, self massage is the best method preparing these vessels.

The compression pump is available in two types which are recommended for treatment of Lymphedema. The Sequential Gradient pump is used primarily for legs. It has an automated pump that pushes the air into a sleeve that is placed on the affected leg. The settings of the pump will allow the sleeve to inflate and then release, which is similar to the natural flow that is normally created by the body. Pushing the lymphatic fluid from the end of the leg and into the body where it can be returned to the cardiovascular system, the patient is relieved of the pain and pressure of the swollen area.

A FlexiTouch pump will perform both the preparatory phase of the treatment as well as the actual pumping that is used to return the lymphatic fluid to the body. They may be used on the arms or legs and the patient sits or reclines in the recommended position. The pump is turned on and once the preparatory phase is completed, the pump automatically begins the drainage phase. It is vital that both phases be completed at the same time. This procedure takes approximately an hour per day.

Lymphedema is a fairly common affliction from which approximately 3 million people in the U.S. suffer. Often it is developed after a patient has radiation treatments or surgery for cancer. The most common are breast, bladder, prostate and uterine cancer. It may also develop after treatment for melanoma and lymphoma. It may also be the result of deep vein thrombosis or trauma.

When a lymph channel becomes blocked due to damage because of surgery, the lymphatic fluid cannot go through the lymph vessel. This causes the fluid to build up and it does not drain properly. The compression pump helps by helping to stimulate the lymphatic fluid to drain by the use of channels that are incorporated into the garment worn. The gentle inflating and deflating helps to move the fluid back into the body.

The pump is so quiet when working that patients can read or watch television. They deliver a continuous flow and are cost effective. The control panel is simple to use by following the directions included with the compression pump. Before using the pump it will require that the garment and the pump settings be adjusted. They are different for each patient and should be adjusted according to the instructions of the patient's therapist. If you order your pump, the machine may or may not be customized to your specific settings.



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Dramatically improve the quality of your life and successful
management of your condition with Compression Pump
 
We'll work with your doctor and insurance provider for you.
Call us today for a free consultation at: 855.361.2944

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Lymphedema Treatment - Identifying and Treating Lymphedema

For years Jane worked as a nurse which required her to be on her feet most of the day. One day one of her legs began to get bigger. Over time it became 4 to 6 inches bigger than the other leg. She experienced a lot of pain all the time so she went to an endocrinologist who did a CAT scan, Ultrasound and some blood work. He said she had some edema in her legs but there was nothing he could do about it so she didn't receive any antibiotics.

 Feeling a little frustrated she visited a massage therapist who provided some relief by massaging the fluid out of her leg. The massage therapist suggested it was a lymph condition. When Jane went home that night she Googled it and found photos that closely resembled her own situation...the legs were fat, swollen, lumpy and bumpy. She exclaimed "my God those are my legs." It was the first time she could put the right name to her condition.

Some months later a lymphatic center opened near her home and they identified she had Lymphedema and were able to put her on a treatment plan.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling of the limbs of the body. When it is not treated, it can become a more dangerous condition. There are approximately 3 million people in the United States that suffer from this condition. The cause can be varied, ranging from no known reason to surgeries performed for various cancers including prostrate, breast cancer and lymphoma. The lymph nodes swell due to damage caused by the surgery and become blocked. Fluid builds and cannot drain. The areas most often affected are the arms and legs.

How to Treat Lymphedema

The good news is that  Lymphedema can be treated, managed, and controlled. Although Lymphedema has afflicted the population for centuries, little was understood about the disease. Only in the past ten to fifteen years have clinicians begun to seriously focus on its treatment.

Although Lymphedema is not curable, a Lymphedema pump (also named compression pump) helps to relieve excess fluid build-up in the arms or legs. The pump has a sleeve attached to the area that is affected. It inflates and deflates allowing the flow of fluid to drain back into the Lymphatic system, which reduces the swelling. The creation of the Lymphedema pump allows those who have Lymphedema to resume tasks that were virtually impossible to accomplish due to the swelling.

The Lymphedema pump is portable so it can be taken anywhere. If you are planning to go on vacation, it is lightweight and easy to pack for the trip. The operation is quiet so it will not disturb others. Many people use the pump while reading or watching television. The Lymphedema pump is even covered by most insurance companies when your doctor provides a statement that says it is medically necessary.

By implementing the latest research and technology the Lymphedema pump will dramatically improve your quality of life.


 

*******************************
Dramatically improve the quality of your life and successful
management of your condition with Lymphedema Treatment
 
We'll work with your doctor and insurance provider for you.
Call us today for a free consultation at: 855.361.2944