New technique catches lymphedema sooner, for more successful treatment
Physical Therapist Debbie Schrodi works
with Donna Schoenberger at the
Lymphedema Program. Donna wears a
sleeve on her right arm to control the swelling. |
After Donna Schoenberger of Leola was successfully treated for breast cancer in 2002, she knew she was at risk for lymphedema, a treatable condition that causes swelling and tightness in the limbs.
So when she identified symptoms in her right arm, she promptly sought treatment through the Lymphedema Program at Lancaster General.
"When I showed it to my doctor, she recommended going to the Lymphedema Program for treatment," Donna says. "Fortunately, we were able to catch it early in the first stage."
That enabled Donna, a kindergarten teacher in the Conestoga Valley School District, to reduce the swelling, increase her joint flexibility, and take the necessary steps to prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe.
"With massages and special exercises a few times a week, we were able to get my arm back to normal size," she says. Once the swelling was reduced, she was fitted for a compression glove and sleeve that she wears daily on her right arm and replaces every six months.
Earlier detection
Early detection is the best way to curb the effects of lymphedema, and now the Lymphedema Program can detect its onset in the arm sooner than ever. A new measuring device called the ImpediMed XCA® can quickly determine fluid properties in the arm with far greater accuracy than the current methods.
"With a measurement that's four times more sensitive, we are able to detect lymphedema up to 10 months earlier in a patient," says Debbie Schrodi, Physical Therapist. So patients who are at risk for lymphedema can be tested and treated even before symptoms are noticeable.
The benefits are significant. "The earlier we can treat it, the better our outcomes," Debbie says. "By finding it this early, we can not only arrest the progression, but also improve the outcomes with a less involved treatment regimen."
For example, a patient may only require a compression garment during increased activity instead of wearing it throughout the day for normal activity.
The results compiled by the XCA unit are also more detailed, providing therapists and physicians more accurate information on how to most successfully treat the lymphedema.
"Using these results, a physician can quickly tell if a patient has fallen out of the normal range and requires lymphedema therapy," Debbie says.
Worth the effort
Lymphedema is a condition suffered by over 2 million Americans. The goal at the Lymphedema Program is to teach proper techniques for controlling symptoms, such as exercises, skin care, self-manual lymph drainage techniques, and use of compression garments.
"It's about teaching people how to treat themselves," Debbie says. "We want to make sure they get their home program just right."
After a dozen sessions at the Lymphedema Program, Donna was able to apply what she learned and keep the swelling and discomfort from returning.
"I do run into other women with a sleeve... it's like a sisterhood," she says. "The kids in my kindergarten classes always have questions about the sleeve on the first day of school. I just tell them that my arm and hand get sore, but that this makes it feel better. After that, it's no big deal to them.
"I'm so used to wearing it that now it is just part of my daily routine," Donna adds.
Patients are referred for lymphedema therapy by a physician. So if you think you are experiencing any of these conditions, first consult your doctor.
You can also call 544-3773 for more information about the Lymphedema Program, located in the Women’s Pavilion at Women & Babies Hospital.
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