What is Lymphedema?

OH Staff Note: Information in the following sticky posts are much in part courtesy of Lymphedema People's site. We thank Pat O'Connor for his help with this and please visit his site for many VERY educational information about this condition. The website is called: Lymphedema People http://www.lymphedemapeople.com  All this information is copyrighted and while We encourage the use of our materials for educational purposes there are however certain copyright restrictions  1.) Credit and links to the source of the information  2.) Bits and pieces should not be yanked out of context of the page that they are from.  What is Lymphedema is from: All About Lymphedema http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/all_about_lymphedema .htm Compression Pumps from Compression Pump Therapy http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_compressi on_pump_ther.htm  Treatment Options from Lymphedema Treatment Options http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_treatment _options_revised.htm  Decongestive Therapy from Decongestive Therapy Related Terms: Manual Lymphatic Drainage, MLD, Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy, CDT, Complete Decongestive Therapy, Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, CDP, Simple Lymph Drainage http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_decongest ive_therapy.htm  Since many of you have mentioned also having lymphedema, these page should be made available for your consideration: Diagnostic Radiology Tests Lymphoscintigraphy, Lymphangiogram, Ultrasounds, Venograms, MRI, CAT Scans, PET Scans, Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine Examinations http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_diagnosti c_radiology_tests.htm   Diuretics http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_diuretics _treatment.htm  Laser treatment http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_laser_tre atment.htm  Liposuction http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_liposucti on_treatment.htm  Surgeries http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_surgeries .htm  Why Compression Pumps Cause Damage http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=112 6  Complications of Lymphedema Debulking Surgery http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=107 6   Pat O'Connor

Hey, it is when fluid collects in places that you don't want it to. Mostly the extremities. It means that there is something blocked in your lymp system somewhere. But once you hav it is is so hard to get rid of. Mamangeable yes but...