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Lymph Teen Newsletter

Editor Jacqui Todd

This is the first information sheet that has been produced with the help of some teenagers in the UK who have lymphoedema. There are two aims:

  1. To give information on relevant topics
  2. To develop communication links between teenagers who are spread around the country and often feel isolated because they do not know anyone else with lymphoedema.

Some suggestions received and given from the teenagers are:

  • Try to avoid sitting near a radiator or by a sunny window if it is hot, as this will make the swelling worse.
  • Ask if you can be provided with a support to rest a swollen leg on when you are sitting, or to have a chair with a padded arm rest for arm swelling.
  • Make the most of any breaks to walk around and improve your circulation.
  • Use an air cushion, like the ones used on plane flights, for exercising your foot while you are sitting at a desk.
  • Try out pens of different thickness to see which one suits you best to write with, if you have a swollen hand and fingers.
  • You may prefer to wear a black compression sleeve or stocking in the winter.
  • Use a footstool at work to help raise feet, therefore helping legs.
  • Make sure to get up and walk around on a regular basis so as not to be sitting at a desk all day.

Comments

  • "I normally wear a class 3 stocking for school but if I’m planning a heavy sport I put another class 2 stocking on top. It makes a difference and I do the same when flying.” (Mike)
  • “I have now left school and have got a job. I work on the third floor at work. I have to be careful how much exercise I do at once. If I do too much my ankles ache so I usually walk down the stairs and take the elevator up. When at work I have to sit a lot so I try to walk between rooms in order to keep moving about. I wear my sleeve with fingers so that when I have to write my hand does not hurt as much.” (Jamie)
  • “Swimming is good and again normal. The main thing is to be sensible and careful not to get hurt”. (Liz)

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