Managing lymphedema after surgery is essential for continuing health and comfort. Compression therapy can greatly benefit the areas that are affected by providing additional support and comfort. Compression garments such as hosiery and sleeves can help avoid any additional lymphatic fluid from building up after the fluid has been successfully removed by treatment.
Patients with lymphedema have their fluid drainage channels backed up due to the lymph fluid collecting in one area, which is what causes the swelling. Lymphovenous bypass surgery treats lymphedema by improving the drainage channels, but this treatment is only beneficial for so long. After about 12 months following the surgery, the drainage channels start to back up again. Wearing compression garments after this surgery helps prevent the fluid from backing up and promotes proper flow.
What are Compression Garments?
Compression garments come in different levels of compression, which are measured in units of millimeters of mercury, or mm HG. The pressure is greatest at the furthest point of the limb from the body and it gradually decreases as it comes to the hip or shoulder. This ensures there is no obstruction of the flow of lymphatic fluid and keeps the fluid moving in the correct direction. Compression garments should be worn every day for the best use.
Benefits of Compression Garments
There are several great benefits to using compression garments after you have had lymphedema surgery. They can aid in greatly reducing the pain and swelling that comes with lymphedema. Support is provided when you need it the most, such as first thing in the morning, during exercise and traveling by plane when the air pressure changes.
They provide patients with the ability to be self-sufficient and perform self-care. The risk of infections and other complications that often arise from lymphedema may also be reduced by wearing compression garments.
Types of Compression Garments
There are all different kinds of compression garments in different sizes and lengths, so you have much to choose from depending on your specific needs. There are sleeves for your arm that is affected, which stretch from the wrist to the upper part of the arm. Fingerless gloves for your hands are another option, which can be worn with a compression sleeve. Some people may need the gloves to avoid having edema in the area.
Compression support bras for your chest are readily available for those that have lymphedema in the breasts. There are even vests that wrap around your trunk area to provide support for those with chest lymphedema. Whatever type of compression garment you want or need, there are lots of options for bras, vests, gloves, hosiery, and sleeves for sale online. Determine which type of garment you want and need, order online, and have it delivered to your front door.
Hi, my name is Kevin Moore. I was born in San Diego, CA and studied at the University of San Diego. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with interested people and have years of experience in the field of business, health . information technology.
