Waiting Well
Due to the high demand for our service, we are experiencing longer waiting times. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and while you are waiting to be seen, we want to share some recommendations for self-care that will help manage your condition while you wait.
Whilst we work hard to ensure everyone receives the care they need, we also recognise that life can be unpredictable, and if you cannot attend your appointment, we kindly ask you to phone us on 0203 8196022 at least 48 hours in advance to cancel. This will allow us to offer the slot to another patient who may be waiting.
Simple and easy Self-Care Recommendations for patients with swelling / lymphoedema
1. Skin Care
- Wash and dry your skin daily to reduce risk of skin infection. Dry very carefully, paying particular attention to the area between your toes.
- Moisturise your skin daily so the skin does not become dry.
- If you notice scratches or cuts on the skin, clean with antiseptic and cover with a plaster. If you suspect infection, contact your GP immediately.
- To remove body hair, use an electric shaver rather than razor blade to minimise cuts to skin. Waxing is not recommended, instead use a hair removal cream but make sure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients.
- Care for your nails. If you are a person who has diabetes use a qualified chiropodist for nail cutting.
2. Exercise and be active. Elevate limbs at rest
- Staying active improves lymphatic drainage and blood circulation.
- Introduce physical activity over time. Experiment which activity helps the swelling most and do it regularly.
- Recommended exercises include walking, Nordic pole-walking, swimming and other water-based activities and yoga. Even moving around the house counts as exercise.
- Try not to stand or sit in one position for too long.
- Rest and raise affected limbs after each activity for a short period of time. Recliner chairs are great, or you can also use cushions beneath the affected limb to help elevate.
- It is very important to sleep in bed at night to support elevation and therefore improve your condition.
3. Stabilise your weight
- Maintaining a healthy weight has lots of health benefits and can have a positive effect on swelling.
- There is no specific diet to follow but it is recommended to eat at least 5 fruits and/or vegetables every day.
4. If you have a compression garment
- Wear your garments in the morning and remove them at night. Your clinician will advise differently if required.
- Wearing garments will assist with maintenance and reduction of swelling. It can also reduce the risks of developing infections and other unmanaged swelling.
- Your garments need to be replaced every 6 months and old garments should be thrown away.
- Most garments should be washed at 40 degrees in the washing machine and air dried. However, to keep your garments in good condition, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
5. Be aware of the possibility of cellulitis
Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, contact your GP or attend A&E for assessment and treatment:
- Increased pain to the affected area
- Skin feels hot on touch compared to other parts of the body or to the other limb
- Increased swelling
- Spreading redness
- Sometimes blistering
- Systemic upset, such as chills, fever, vomiting
- Generally feeling unwell
What should I do if I deteriorate or I am concerned?
Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Reach out to your GP or practice nurse immediately. Explain your symptoms and any changes in your condition. Contact our service to speak to a clinician at 0203 819 6022.
Recommended websites for information about your condition
Accelerate CIC
Many thanks for your understanding
Your Lymphoedema Team at Accelerate CIC
We’re all very caring and look out for each other. We share interesting stories about our life experiences. We also share info about compression garments that might help you. It’s very, very therapeutic