RESUMO
Self-management and the use of adjustable velcro compression wraps are not new concepts and quite often both can form part of the maintenance phase of treatment in those with lymphoedema or lipoedema, as well as those diseases in which compression therapy is advised as long-term management. The aim of this article is to identify some aspects that contribute to effective self-management and how the use of easywrap adjustable velcro compression wraps have improved quality of life for those with lymphoedema, chronic oedema and lipoedema. Case studies are given from patients to demonstrate the individual experience of living with lymphoedema or lipoedema, how this has impacted on daily life, and how using easywrap has helped as part of self-management.
Assuntos
Lipedema/prevenção & controle , Linfedema/prevenção & controle , Satisfação do Paciente , Adulto , Enfermagem em Saúde Comunitária , Bandagens Compressivas , Inglaterra , Desenho de Equipamento , Feminino , Humanos , Perna (Membro) , Lipedema/enfermagem , Linfedema/enfermagem , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Autocuidado , Medicina EstatalRESUMO
An audit of 100 new patients attending a specialist lymphoedema clinic revealed 52% presented with chronic oedema. More than half (58%) of the chronic oedema group presented with skin changes whereas 14% of those with lipoedema, 4% with lymphoedema of the arm, and 8% with lymphoedema of the leg developed skin changes. None of the primary lymphoedema group developed skin changes. Chronic venous disease (CVD) was significantly more prevalent in the chronic oedema group. More patients with bilateral chronic oedema suffered from cellulitis (41%) compared to unilateral (27%). Skin changes, CVD and red leg syndrome (RLS) also occur more often in bilateral leg swelling. Incidence of cellulitis is highest in the chronic oedema group (36.5%), closely followed by the primary lymphoedema group (33.3%). 85% of the patients who were weighed (n=93) were overweight, 39% obese, and 29% morbidly obese. The findings from this audit highlight the importance of skin care training for community nurses managing chronic oedema patients.
Assuntos
Celulite (Flegmão)/enfermagem , Doença Crônica/enfermagem , Enfermagem em Saúde Comunitária/normas , Lipedema/enfermagem , Linfedema/enfermagem , Úlcera Cutânea/etiologia , Úlcera Cutânea/enfermagem , Celulite (Flegmão)/epidemiologia , Doença Crônica/epidemiologia , Humanos , Incidência , Lipedema/epidemiologia , Linfedema/epidemiologia , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Prevalência , Úlcera Cutânea/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Women wait decades for an accurate diagnosis of lipoedema. Earlier diagnosis is essential to prevent the condition progressing to lymphoedema, with its risk of life-threatening cellulitis.