Lymphedema Awareness Day – March 6th

LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS DAY – MARCH 6

The Saskatchewan Lymphovenous Learning Association (SLLA) will observe Lymphedema Awareness Day on March 6, 2011.  Lymphedema is a disease that is not curable and is not well understood.  Patients are often confused and frustrated by the lack of readily available information and the cost of treatments. 

Lymphedema (LE) is a swelling within the body due to accumulation of lymph, a colorless fluid which forms in the body naturally.  Normally it drains back into the blood through a network of vessels and lymph nodes.  If the drainage routes become blocked or damaged, lymph accumulates in the tissues and swelling occurs.  LE leads to changes in the tissues and greatly increases the risk of fibrosis (an unhealthy hardening of the tissues) and infection.

LE is categorized as primary or secondary and can affect men, women, and children of any age.  Primary LE patients are usually born with a fault within the lymphatic system itself.   Secondary LE is the result of damage to the lymphatic system. This may be the result of surgeries, especially cancer surgery where lymph nodes are removed, radiation, infection, injury, burns, or other trauma.

LE is often poorly diagnosed.  The condition is sometimes confused with obesity or simple skin infections. Some people are told that nothing can be done to help and many doctors are skeptical about treatment.  LE can often be uncomfortable and although it cannot be cured, the major symptoms can be improved and controlled with appropriate treatment and self care.  If left untreated the condition worsens.

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

15h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

17h ago

Crime

Dangerous driving report at Red Wing, leads to arrest of man with gun

20h ago

LE treatment helps reduce swelling and decreases the chance of complications.  The standard treatment is called Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT).  This includes skin care, a specific form of massage, special bandaging, exercises, and compression garments.  If treatment is not started early, it can take longer to get LE under control and can decrease the effectiveness of long term results.  The SLLA maintains a list of fully trained CDT Therapists in the province.  Various physical therapy treatments services are available for garment fitting.

SLLA was born in 2004.  This small organization of approximately 60 volunteers, including 9 executive members scattered across Saskatchewan, strives to provide advocacy for lymphedema patients, provide education to patients and the medical system, and secure improved health care and insurance coverage.  This is a tall order for the small group.  They need more members and more help.  Yearly memberships cost $30.00 and include a very informative magazine published by the Lymphovenous Association of Ontario. It is easy to understand that SLLA needs a larger operating budget to reach its goals. 

As a fund raising project SLLA is holding a provincial raffle.  The draw will be made on April 16 at their Annual General Meeting in Regina.  SLLA also accepts sponsors, donations and assistance with the challenge of increasing the awareness of lymphedema.  Funds will be used for items such as creating and maintaining a website, educating medical professionals, patients, and the general public, and a host of other ideas.

SLLA is part of a National group with representatives from each province who meet via monthly conference calls.  A National Lymphedema Framework was started in 2009, following the mandate of work that has already begun in the UK.  The common goals of these groups are:

·        Facilitating Support and Networking

·        Awareness and Recognition of LE

·        Creation of a Canadian Association of Physicians qualified to work with LE patients

·        Standards of Care

·        Political Advocacy

·        Standardized Terminology

·        Non-Cancer Related LE

·        Standards of Education for LE Therapists

·        Children with LE

·        Prevention of and Risk Reduction for LE

·        Curriculum Development for Professionals (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.)

·        Research Priorities

·        Reimbursements or Funding for Treatment and Compression

Garments / Supplies for patients

·        Petition to be sent to the Minister of Health/Government Officials

For more information about the Saskatchewan Lymphovenous Association please contact  one of the Executive:

Angela Connell-Furi         Member At Large              Saskatoon                           477-1266

Glenda Cook                      Vice President                   Regina                                 545-1038                                          

Tracy Gardikiotis               Member At Large              Regina                                 585-0556                           

Sylvia Krueger                   Member At Large              Regina                                 757-7173

Barbara Lauterbach            Member At Large              Prince Albert                      763-0864                           

Eunice Mooney                 President                          Prince Albert                      922-0851                                          

Verna Schneider               Member At Large              Prince Albert                      764-3863                                          

Evelyne Tucker                 Secretary                            Saskatoon                           373-4511            
Myriam Wiebe                   Treasurer                            Saskatoon                           987-2216                                                                                                                     

Saskatchewan Lymphovenous Learning Assoc.

P.O. Box 28068

Saskatoon, SK.

S7M 5V8