A major campaign is being launched to make people in Forth Valley more aware of a condition known as lymphoedema, which causes extreme swelling of the limbs and body, as part of Lymphoedema Awareness Week which runs from April 20th to April 26th.
The swelling can affect men, women and children of any age, and may be the result of cancer treatment, surgery or radiotherapy, or as a result of infection, injury, burns or other trauma affecting the lymphatic system. It can also occur due to a problem with the lymph glands.
NHS Forth Valley has a service for treating patients with this condition which includes a network of key workers who are assigned to individual patients. Specialist practitioners also deal with complex cases.
Howard Allen from Stirling was first diagnosed with lymphoedema nine years ago. "It started in my left leg and two years later my right leg was affected too. It flares up from time to time and can be painful. However I have had great help from the lymphoedema clinic who have provided support stockings which make it easier for me to get on with a normal life.
"When I first got it, doctors thought the swelling was due to an insect bite but there was no trace of being bitten. I am still unaware of how I contacted lymphoedema and have to go every four or five months to have treatment to reduce the swelling."
Lymphoedema can be confused with obesity or simple skin infections. It can often be uncomfortable and limit mobility. In Forth Valley there are around 120 referrals a year. An electronic referral system is in place to ensure people get seen by a key worker as soon as possible, and clinicians have reviewed the services available to ensure that demand can be met over the next five years. Training has also been taking place with GPs, nurses and physiotherapists throughout the area.
Oncology Nurse Manager Liz Macmillan said:"This is the first time that the British Lymphology Society is launching an awareness week to campaign for better understanding of the condition and the symptoms. It aims to promote awareness amongst patients and clinical staff. Lymphoedema is a progressive condition that affects a significant number of people and the earlier it is identified and treated the better.
Lymphoedema Awareness Week will run from April 20th to April 26th, and people worried they may have the condition will be able to access a new guide for patients via www.blsawarenessweek.co.uk