From June 2009, a new DVD is available to help self-manage lymphoedema of the arm or leg. Although there is no cure for lymphoedema there is much that can be done to help reduce and control the swelling, and the problems it causes. This DVD has been produced as a joint initiative between the Leeds Lymphoedema Service (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) and the Lymphoedema Support Network. It is designed for adults who are being treated for lymphoedema irrespective of why it has developed. The DVD is a visual guide to accompany the information given and methods that have been shown in clinic.

The visual content of this new DVD is enhanced by the professional contribution of the LSN's Patron, Zoë Wanamaker, who very kindly contributed her time to help with this project by recording the voice-over. The DVD provides an updated guide to self-treatment and aims to provide information that is easy to understand and that will encourage and motivate patients to carry out a daily self-management regime.

One of the main priorities was to produce a DVD that would be of special help to patients and for this reason, people living with lymphoedema were central to its production. Additional short interviews with Professors Peter Mortimer and Christine Moffatt provide useful introductory information that gives an insight into the clinical background of lymphoedema.

There are four separate sections covering: skin care, compression garments, simple lymphatic drainage (self-massage), exercises and activities.

A daily routine of skin care will help to keep the skin in good condition and prevent complications such as cellulitis. The skin care section shows a method that can be used.

There have been great improvements in the supply of compression garments over the last few years and this is a very welcome development. There is a section on how to put on and take off a sleeve or stocking as part of the daily routine. Also, some examples of the type of exercises and activities that can be done - and this includes tasks around the house!

Many people find that lymphatic massage is a very effective way of treating lymphoedema and everyone can be shown how to do this for themselves using a method called Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD). The aim of SLD is to redirect the lymph drainage away from congested areas into unaffected parts of the body where the fluid can drain away.
The method shown in this DVD is based on gentle movements that create a slow skin 'stretch' to direct the lymph flow in a certain direction. The technique is easy to carry out and simple to understand and the DVD can be used as a prompt when working through the technique. For those patients with swelling - or risk of swelling - in both limbs, there is a section that shows a method that can be used.

The LSN is extremely grateful to the patients for agreeing to participate in the filming and to Macmillan Cancer Support who funded this project.

Some people should not use the DVD without first seeking medical advice. This includes people who are currently under investigation for cancer or who are in the early stages of treatment i.e. recovering from surgery, receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

The price of each DVD is £12 (inclusive of postage and packing).

New LSN fact sheet: 'The Use of Kinesio Tape in Lymphoedema Management' is now available.

Recently revised LSN fact sheets: 'Head, Face and Neck Lymphoedema', 'Manual Lymphatic Drainage for People with Lymphoedema', 'Reducing the Risk of Lower Limb Lymphoedma' and 'What is Cellulitis' are now available.

Fact sheets are free to members and a charge is made to cover publication costs and postage and packing for orders received from lymphoedema clinics and hospitals.

The LSN has produced a useful plastic lymphoedema alert bracelet which is very helpful for patients who already have lymphoedema and need to go into hospital for any reason. It is also useful for those patients ‘at risk’ of developing the condition… and who wish to stay that way!

Wearing the bracelet during a stay in hospital will help to alert medical practitioners to the condition and will help to ward off unwanted attempts to take blood pressure readings and injections, etc. The bracelets have adjustable fittings and will fit most arm sizes. Should patients wish to wear a bracelet on a swollen leg, two bracelets can be clipped together.

The wording on the bracelet states: ALERT:LYMPHOEDEMA – No Blood tests, Blood Pressure, IV Access or injections in this limb.

Bracelets can be purchased from the LSN at £1 for one bracelet or £5 for six,including postage and packing.

Those of you with lymphoedema affecting your arm will know that there are advantages to moving your hands in a pumping action regularly throughout the day. Many lymphoedema practitioners suggest a good way to do this is to use a 'stress' ball.

As part of our ongoing work to provide you with the tools necessary to self manage your condition, and to raise much needed funds for the LSN, we are launching an LSN ‘stress’ ball. Each ball costs £3.00 including postage and packaging and all profit made will go directly to the LSN. The balls are green and branded with the LSN logo. Even if you do not have lymphoedema of the arm but occasionally feel the need to relieve your stress, why not buy one knowing that you are supporting the LSN.

The colourful characters featured on the cards have been expertly drawn and painted by a professional designer. The idea behind several of the cards is based on what our members have told us of their experiences and they are another way of trying to raise awareness of lymphoedema! Each pack costs £3.50 and contains 5 cards and envelopes. The cards have been left blank for your own message. LSN contact details and information about the charity are on the reverse side of the card.

The LSN awareness ribbons are green with the wording 'Lymphoedema Matters' in blue. The wristbands are a marbled effect, again in green and blue and fit the average sized wrist. Both items will be available throughout the year.

The UTAG is a memory stick disguised as a dog tag that can be worn as jewellery or attached to a key fob; it also comes in the form of a Velcro bracelet (with mini dog tag) or credit card. The products are stamped with the recognised emergency symbols of a snake on a staff and ICE (standing for "in case of emergency"), enabling emergency services to know instantly what it is. The unique software that was developed includes emergency phone contacts, photo ID, doctor's details and medical information (all fields are optional). The UTAG could help to identify the patient if unable to speak due to an accident or illness and any medical conditions, allergies or medication can be noted very quickly. When travelling abroad, emergency information can be translated into seven European languages simply by pressing on the appropriate language flag. The information on the USB stick can only be updated on a Windows PC; it is not supported on Apple Macs. UTAGs can be purchased online from http://www.corporateutag.co.uk and are priced at £24.99 each, plus postage. The LSN will receive a £3 donation for every UTAG ordered from this site as we are one of their supported charities, so make sure you choose us when you select your purchase.