Lymphedema: What You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment and the Promise of Research

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes unsightly swelling in the limbs due to blockage in the circulatory systems. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage due to cancer treatment. This talk addressed the condition, current research and emerging treatments for it. Speaker: Stanley Rockson, MD

[RR-mmjq]

I’m just glad there is one doctor in this world who understands the debilitating impact of lymphoedema on those who suffer from it and is willing to spend so much time researching it. Please keep up the great work Dr. Rockson.

[jonayjbr]

On a positive note this physician is by far the most educated physician in lymphedema I’ve ever seen. A rare breed of physician we need more like him!

[jensohl-marion]

Thank you, Dr. Rockson, for your work to bring attention to lymphedema and the lymphatic system. It is such a shame that conventional medicine has disregarded this entire body system for so long. As a woman who has lived with primary lymphedema for over 25 years, I am grateful for your work and research. I am hopeful that medical training will shift in the future to include more comprehensive training on the lymphatic system as well as training that takes into account lifestyle changes that can help folks prevent and manage chronic conditions.

[bestoutcomes]

Having a degree in clinical laboratory sciences and physiology, pathophysiology and other medical studies as well, these are matters well understood -- lymphatic system, immune system, circulatory system and how each are integrated -- and find it shocking that so many MD, ANP and PA are next to clueless about these systems.

[jude]

Interesting and this doctor has given a lot of helpful information on lymphedema . A relative is dealing with this. She is in the hospital dealing with sepsis. I want to find out as much as I can for her. I believe a lot of people don't know that much about it, including medical people.

[MURATDAVLETOV]

I went out with a friend, who told me that my arms was swollen at first I thought it was fat, but as time went on I realized that the swollen face wasn't the only symptoms I saw. The ankles feet and legs got swollen. But with the help of Dr Iyhere everything went well.

[MsMachichi]

I am a patient and it is very frustrating that it is so unknown to the medical profession. Thank God my knee surgeon sent me to our hospital Physical Therapists that are certified in Lymphedema. Thank you SIr!'

[ILLUMINATED-]

I have lymphedema which I guess was caused by obesity, sub-50 BMI most of the time but, I guess my body still wasn't a fan.
Remaining hopeful there will be treatments 5, 10 years from now, and that weight loss will help at least somewhat
but this talk did make me feel better overall about controlling my condition if I remain vigilant. In compression now :]

[charlotteruse]

This was not discussed with me before surgery. I had 6 nodes removed with one involved. Initially diagnosed with stage one grade one breast cancer er Pr positive. I don't think it was necessary to pull six nodes rather than three which seems from research to be the standard. I now have lymphedema. Every other possibility for the swelling was considered initially before it was determined it is lymphedema. Chemotherapy and radiation I was good with. This I am not. At all. The slaughter of women due to Brest Cancer treatment is horrible. Then to deal with this afterwards because of doctors ignorance is infuriating. Thank you for caring, researching and bringing attention to a problem that is sadly overlooked. Also, advocating for Medicaid patients!

[cheryllee-xruq]

I’m impressed. He is very intelligent. Although I have to disagree about something he said regarding putting on a compression sock and walking around a lot being beneficial because muscle contraction helps with lymph fluid reduction. I have lymphedema in my right forefoot from trauma and walking around for an extended period of time causes it to get worse. Even with a medical-grade compression stocking. Although Walking is beneficial Resting the foot and elevating periodically has been beneficial for me. Also, I experience ankle pain with too much walking or anything that involves flexing the ankle a lot. I would love to hear him explain why my ankle hurts. My chronic stage three lymphedema is located in the forefoot. It would be good to talk with him in person.

[debbywilson]

I believe I have Milroy disease. I was diagnosed at, 12 and am 64 now. This is in my legs. Like most affected patients, no doctors even know what it is, no matter how hard I beg for their help. I’ve had stage II breast cancer, melanoma and colon cancer. My legs are in pain all the time. I spend a lot of my time in a recliner and now I look like I’m 10 months pregnant. No matter what I do, I have no relief. I’ve given up so many times over the years and have been treated for many years for bipolar. My depression levels are very hard. Recently, I had a procedure for basil cell in both legs. I would love to discuss this further with someone who gives a damn. Thank you so much for all your hard work in this area of help.

[zelenplav]

Eating outside makes the swelling much worse.
Laying down makes my kidneys work.

[gwensmith]

It's a topic that is just being brought up and people have suffered for years with it. Hospitals are training doctors to diagnose it. I have 3 Lymph nodes removed . I'm tired of it. Because I was never told about it until months after surgery. I can't lose weight. God help. I pray for my friend who is suffering worse than I.

[georgioschatziathanasiou]

Just excellent ! A very useful talk, thank you, bro.

[lindamakela]

Thank thank you. I needed the information you share.

[sarascarrette]

Outstanding lecture. After years of visits to many many docs, I was eventually thankfully diagnosed Mayo Clinic w Primary L Tarda, began age 35, otherwise healthy known cause left leg, now age 73, progression permanent heavy painful limb. Affected every aspect of my life. Thank you for what you are doing.
Cleveland Clinic therapy 3 weeks wraps, garments, pump, exercises, etc.

[ValeriaVincentSancisi]

are you able to standardize your evaluation so other doctors can help oversee therapies by PT?

[zelenplav]

My valves no longer work in my left lower leg because of sepsis when pregnant with twins at 42.
I now have sciatica in left hip.
Senior Centers and park districts are closed and I am getting fatter. Moving hurts and standing is worse.

[cleetx]

I sure would like to know where the surveillance of our vector population is that would substantiate the claims of our medical system that filariasis is not possible here. We have all of the associated diseases and very compatible vectors and yet our livestock and our pets are the only ones that are examined for parasitic sources and treated humanely without high morbidity rates. The WHO, CDC, IDSA, and the NIH need to add citations to relevant up to date vector surveillance data.

[semharasmerom]

Thank you so much doctor . You did a good job. God bless you . I learn a lot from this .