Question: A dear friend of mine (whom I haven't seen for many years) is 65 years old. She just told me she weighs close to 500 pounds and has primary lymphedema. She explained that nothing can be done to help her. Is this true?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
At age 65 with lymphedema and weighing 500 pounds, your friend is in deep trouble. Lymphedema is caused by blockage of tiny, almost invisible, vascular channels that circulate lymph fluid, and return it to large lymphatic ducts in the chest area.
While infections and infestations of these ducts are not uncommon in third world countries, they are uncommon here. The obstructions can be very painful and disabling, and often relate to untreated underlying medical disorders or occasionally from post-operative local lymph node dissection surgery.
Patients with severe lymphedema need aggressive physical and occupational therapy together with correction of the underlying disorder if it can be found. They are often hospitalized for their initial care in part because of their high rate of deep venous thrombosis and blood clot formation, in addition to their increased risk of infection and circulatory problems. I recommend she seek medical attention and consider specialty vascular consultation.
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