Lymphedema in both legs requires drainage

DEAR DR. ROACH >> I have lymphedema in both legs, and

I’m undergoing drainage every day for two hours for the next two weeks. They wrap my legs with four to five different wraps and lightly massage them in an upward motion. I sleep in a recliner, and I sit in my wheelchair most of the day due to other surgeries.

I have been to three doctors, and they all said that I don’t have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). But not one told me what to do about the swelling, except to use compression stockings and keep my legs up. Nothing is helping the swelling. So, can you suggest another doctor to go to?

DEAR READER >>

— J.L.

Whoever suggested the therapist who performs the lymphedema drainage did the right thing, as it is often the most effective treatment. However, two weeks isn’t enough. You are likely to get better during treatment, but unless you continue the therapy, it will just come back. You or a family member may be able to learn how to do the wraps and massage.

Sitting in a wheelchair all day and sleeping in a recliner are not optimal.

It’s best to have your feet at least as high as your heart. You should also keep them higher than your heart for at least 1530 minutes three times daily to let gravity help. I do understand that this can be a challenge for some people.

In addition, custom-made, graded compression stockings can be helpful in maintaining the gains made by manual drainage. Vascular surgeons tend to be the experts who most often know about the proper treatment of lymphedema. Unfortunately, this condition is commonly misdiagnosed and mistreated by some primary care physicians. A DVT, for example, can cause swelling, but it would be very unusual for someone to develop blood clots on both sides at the same time.

It’s best to have your feet at least as high as your heart. You should also keep them higher than your heart for at least 15-30 minutes three times daily to let gravity help.