Coping Mechanisms for Lymphedema: An Analysis of Patient Experiences

Background and objective Lymphedema is a condition caused by impaired lymphatic function. Acquired lymphedema often due to neoplasia, infection, trauma, or radiation damage. Most patients rely on advice from fellow personal research manage their symptoms. We believe coping mechanisms for can be more streamlined made easily accessible if the most common effective strategies are determined collected in single repository reference. To that end, we aimed assess experiences of they employed. Methods Feedback was obtained using 19-item questionnaire-based survey distributed multiple online support groups. It focused type its effect respondents sought data characterize individuals with use effectiveness. Results The (n=400) had median age 55 years (range: 18-83 years). overall mean BMI 35.8 kg/m2, lower extremity (LE) having greater (38.4 vs. 31.0, p<0.05). were female (n=382, 95.5%). LE (n=280, 70%) than upper (UE) variant (n=120, 30%). Within group, 99 unilateral (35.4%) 181 bilateral (64.6%). Moderate restriction reported level 44% group 64% group. Stretching, low-impact exercise, manual drainage (MLD), compression bandages commonly used methods rated them as somewhat effective. Of note, 30% either increased water intake slightly, moderately, very helpful; 25% also decreased alcohol helpful. therapist family doctor extremely UE 105 (87.5%) 15 (12.5%). cause breast cancer-related (98/120, 81.7%) followed melanoma treatment. Mild (n=48, 45.7%). similar results terms mechanisms, dietary changes, psychosocial support. Conclusion Based surveyed, management multifactorial hence not compatible one-size-fits-all strategy. variant; but both groups engaging stretching, drainage, rates satisfaction Dietary changes Therapy, doctor, high among ratings efficacy between although impact quality life conditions. our findings represent first steps providing information potentially useful aid future current finding work best them.