Home nursing supports Charman with Lymphoedema

This week (2-8 March) is Lymphoedema Awareness Week and is shedding light on the condition and the importance of co-ordinated care to help people stay as independent as possible.

Lymphoedema occurs when there is a failure of the lymphatic system causing excessive amounts of fluid to build in the body’s tissue, resulting in swelling. It can be caused by factors including soft tissue damage, cellulitis or damage resulting from treatments like chemotherapy. It often occurs in the limbs, leading to restricted mobility and higher risk of wounds.

Before being diagnosed five years ago, Bolton Clarke client Charman says her knowledge of the condition was very limited.

“I went to the local doctor because my legs were getting bigger and were swollen, and that’s when I was told I had Lymphoedema,” Charman said.

“I went to the Lymphoedema Clinic and they gave me information, told me what I needed and ordered everything for me – I ended up going there for three times a week.

“I didn’t know much about Lymphoedema before I was diagnosed, so it was a surprise - but it helped when the clinic explained it all to me.”

Now five years on from her diagnosis, Charman gets the support she needs from the comfort of home with daily visits from Bolton Clarke’s expert nurses, which she says has alleviated the stress of managing the condition.

“The nurses help me Monday to Friday by putting special pumps on me to help with my circulation and fluid build-up and making sure they are working.

“The nurses have helped me a lot and they are very good – it’s nice having the same people come each time.”

Bolton Clarke Registered Nurse Li visit’s Charman regularly and says it’s important to raise awareness of the condition as it’s not something many people understand well.

“A lot of people think it’s just swelling but it can really affect someone’s comfort, mobility and confidence,” Li said.

“We help manage the swelling, check the skin, prevent infections and support things like compression therapy – we are also here to help provide reassurance that clients know someone is monitoring their condition regularly.

“Our top priority is helping clients living with Lymphoedema to stay as independent as possible which means also making sure they know how to look after themselves between our visits.”