Lymphoedema

Hi I am like you partner.  Around 8 weeks post treatment and have lymphoedema.  I would highly recommend a referral to a specialist nurse.  My Dr told me just to stroke downwards on my neck to reduce it, but when I got my referral I found that this was just one third  of what really needed to happen.  No wonder it was not reducing!

I managed to get a referral within 3 days despite being told a 6 week wait.

The main tool is Self Lymphatic Drainage.  This is a self massage technique.  Realistically there is no medical intervention so the NHS can't do a lot for this debilitating issue.  But the massage is reported to work well.  I am early days with it so can't really say just yet.

There a private practitioners that can teach him the massage technique and possibly also do it as a patient.  Search "British Lymphology Society" and they have a members directory.

In the absence of seeing the nurse I can recommend a video on UTube that was recommended during my referral.  Just search "Lymphoedema Support Network" on UTube (I think Macmillan get funny about direct links hence the cryptic clues).  You will see the H&N video.  The book they recommend is also good.  It covers all types and forms of lymphedema , but is an interesting read.

I hope he gets some relief as it is not pleasant.

Bestofyou said:

He's seen the dr yesterday and they said it was usual and he could get referred for 'treatment' but that could take a while.

My lymphodema was minor and I managed to sort it myself. If your partner’s isnt  too bad he might be able to as well. I have a post on what I did in my blog here todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com/.../

Thanks to everyone for the information  below. As we weren't sure how long a referral would be I told him surely someone on here would be able to help, you are such an amazing bunch and nothing seems too much trouble. Thank you again

Bestofyou said:

you are such an amazing bunch and nothing seems too much trouble

Wow! Thank you. I hope some of the info helps. 

Thank you for asking this question.  I have it and it comes and goes. I found a fabulous YouTube on how to sort it and it works well. Look up Cancer Rehab PT . 

Thank you so much. This is brilliant