Linnitt Nina
South Worcestershire PCT, St Richard's Hospice Rose Hill, Worcester.
Br J Community Nurs. 2005 Jun;Suppl:S28-31. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2005.10.sup2.18176.
Primary lymphoedema is a chronic condition which will continue to worsen if treatment is not commenced. Old diagnostic techniques often caused more complications and recurrent cellulitis, which damages the superficial lymphatics and worsens the condition of the lymphoedema. This article looks at the treatment of a person who had a diagnosis for 18 years without treatment as service provision was unavailable until recently. It also looks at how quality of life and patient empowerment can be improved with simple instructions and an appropriate course of treatment.