By paNOW Staff

Symposium brings attention to chronic condition

May 24, 2017 | 12:00 PM

A chronic condition that is rarely heard of and hard to diagnose will be the focus of a symposium in Prince Albert this weekend.

Lymphedema is a collection of fluid that causes swelling of a body part which happens whenever lymphatic vessels are absent, underdeveloped, obstructed or damaged.

“It continues after the lymph system has been damaged…whether through birth, breast cancer, surgery or other reasons,” Verna Schneider with the Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan said.

According to the association’s website, the condition often causes decreased mobility, repeated episodes of infection, cellulitis and can lead to general worsening of the patient’s life and health.

“My lymphedema is controllable,” Schneider said. “It’s not curable…but it is controllable. It has varying degrees and can worsen of it isn’t treated.”

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A symposium to help understand and manage the chronic condition will be held at the Travelodge in Prince Albert May 26 and 27. Keynote speakers include founding co-chair of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, Dr. David Keast and John Mulligan, a Massage and Lymphedema Therapist. Both are from Ontario.

Schneider said lymphedema affects an estimated 500,000 people in Canada but added there is a lack of information on the disease and the cost of treatments which can leave patients confused and frustrated.

panow@jpbg.ca

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