Three Keys to Successful Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema is an ailment that is commonly experienced by those who have undergone any of the various treatments for breast cancer. The characterizing symptom of this condition is a build-up of lymphatic fluid that can be extraordinarily painful. This condition is such that it requires a carefully thought out medical plan in order to prevent it from becoming debilitating. Lymphedema treatment courses will often consist of three basic parts.

Pain Management

The first, and perhaps most important, component of a successful lymphedema treatment program is pain management. Your doctor should offer you several means of preventing pain as well as methods of coping with it. Prescription pain medication is the most common starting point for this, but there are also a variety of non-medicinal methods by which you can help your body to deal more effectively with the pain associated with your condition. Ask your doctor to describe any non-medicinal methods of pain management during the course of your treatment.

Therapy

Therapy is also an extremely helpful method for receiving lymphedema treatment. A trained therapist will be able to help you manage the symptoms and teach you how to live with your condition. Often times, a therapist will provide therapy in draining the lymphatic fluid that is causing your pain. In other cases, compression and bandaging are effective means of slowing the build-up of fluid and helping to alleviate the discomfort that such build-up is prone to cause. Therapy, then, is a vital part of your treatment plan as it is the primary means for managing lymphedema.

Specialists

Additionally, as doctors and researchers have learned more about this condition, there has been an increase in physicians who specialize specifically in lymphedema treatment. This being the case, you should make sure to speak to your primary doctor about seeing such specialists as they will be able to offer you the most up to date and state of the art treatments that the medical community has to offer. Moreover, a specialist will be able to discuss with you methods of treatment that go beyond management and describe to you precisely what your options might be for more extensive, and effective care.

This is a difficult condition to live with, but there are options for lymphedema treatment that can help you to overcome the difficulties that it causes. Speak with your doctor today about the best course of pain management and therapy available to you, and ask her to refer you to a specialist who can tailor medical care geared specifically to your needs. If you do, you'll be well on your way to overcoming your condition.