Comments for SLIERS blog http://sliers.wordpress.com Southern Idaho's Leader in Outpatient Therapy Services Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:16:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU Comment on True Dedication… by Lynae http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/07/14/true-dedication/#comment-123 Lynae Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:07:12 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/?p=89#comment-123 in Desperado Dave's defense, the karaoke machine was broken. but he may revive his performance at Hannah's so keep on the look out :) in Desperado Dave’s defense, the karaoke machine was broken. but he may revive his performance at Hannah’s so keep on the look out :)

]]> Comment on True Dedication… by Paul http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/07/14/true-dedication/#comment-120 Paul Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:50:37 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/?p=89#comment-120 Is that Rocky from Hannahs In Boise??? Is that Rocky from Hannahs In Boise???

]]> Comment on True Dedication… by Paul http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/07/14/true-dedication/#comment-119 Paul Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:25:18 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/?p=89#comment-119 Desperado? Dave -er- ado? Can't even hear him! Step up! Desperado?

Dave -er- ado?

Can’t even hear him! Step up!

]]> Comment on Lymphedema: Denial and Rebellion- It’s Only Human Nature by sliers http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/04/25/lymphedema-denial-and-rebellion-it%e2%80%99s-only-human-nature/#comment-118 sliers Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:17:18 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/?p=60#comment-118 It is good that your physician is being thorough with ruling out other causes for your leg swelling, but unfortunately many are misinformed or just do not have a good understanding of Lymphedema. Just because you have not had surgery or radiation on or near your lymph nodes does not rule out Lymphedema. Lymphedema is classified as Primary (having no known cause) or Secondary (due to surgery / trauma / radiation / tumor). Primary Lymphedema occurring before the age of 35 is known as Lymphedema Praecox (accounts for 83% of all cases). Primary Lymphedema occurring after the age of 35 is called Lymphedema Tardum (accounts for 17% of all cases). Lymphedema present at birth, or within the first 1-2 years, is called Congenital Lymphedema. Primary Lymphedema may be due to having less than the normal expected number of lymph collectors in the affected region, or the lymph vessels are of an excessively dilated caliber, which renders them less functional due to valvular dysfunction. I would say that more than half of the patients I treat have no history of surgery/radiation, and of those 99.8% have it in the legs. Approximately 90% of all lymphedema cases are diagnosed on the basis of observations, measurements, and symptoms. Lymphoscintigraphy is an imaging technique used to diagnose lymphedema. The water-based contrast medium, which does not damage lymphatic tissues, makes it possible for a gamma camera to trace the flow of lymph. A computer generates images based on the data gathered by the gamma camera. Do seek a referral to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). And be aware the redness, itching, pain….can be a sign of infection and should not go untreated. Any physician can refer you (Family practitioner/Cardiologist/PCP…) . I do not personally know a person or facility in your area, but I did search the web and found many in NC (see below). Good luck and best wishes, Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA Wellness One 2418 Blue Ridge Road Suite 100 Raleigh NC, 27607 PH: (919) 782-5954 FAX: (919) 782-6444 http://www.wellnessone.com/lymphedema_therapy Balanced Physical Therapy and Movement Studios 304 West Weaver Street Carrboro, NC 27510 US Tel: 1-919-942-0240 WWW: www.balancedpt.com It is good that your physician is being thorough with ruling out other causes for your leg swelling, but unfortunately many are misinformed or just do not have a good understanding of Lymphedema. Just because you have not had surgery or radiation on or near your lymph nodes does not rule out Lymphedema.

Lymphedema is classified as Primary (having no known cause) or Secondary (due to surgery / trauma / radiation / tumor). Primary Lymphedema occurring before the age of 35 is known as Lymphedema Praecox (accounts for 83% of all cases). Primary Lymphedema occurring after the age of 35 is called Lymphedema Tardum (accounts for 17% of all cases). Lymphedema present at birth, or within the first 1-2 years, is called Congenital Lymphedema.

Primary Lymphedema may be due to having less than the normal expected number of lymph collectors in the affected region, or the lymph vessels are of an excessively dilated caliber, which renders them less functional due to valvular dysfunction.
I would say that more than half of the patients I treat have no history of surgery/radiation, and of those 99.8% have it in the legs.

Approximately 90% of all lymphedema cases are diagnosed on the basis of observations, measurements, and symptoms. Lymphoscintigraphy is an imaging technique used to diagnose lymphedema. The water-based contrast medium, which does not damage lymphatic tissues, makes it possible for a gamma camera to trace the flow of lymph. A computer generates images based on the data gathered by the gamma camera.

Do seek a referral to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). And be aware the redness, itching, pain….can be a sign of infection and should not go untreated. Any physician can refer you (Family practitioner/Cardiologist/PCP…) . I do not personally know a person or facility in your area, but I did search the web and found many in NC (see below).

Good luck and best wishes, Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA

Wellness One
2418 Blue Ridge Road Suite 100
Raleigh NC, 27607
PH: (919) 782-5954
FAX: (919) 782-6444
http://www.wellnessone.com/lymphedema_therapy

Balanced Physical Therapy and Movement Studios
304 West Weaver Street
Carrboro, NC 27510 US
Tel: 1-919-942-0240
WWW: http://www.balancedpt.com

]]> Comment on Lymphedema: Denial and Rebellion- It’s Only Human Nature by MorningGlory http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/04/25/lymphedema-denial-and-rebellion-it%e2%80%99s-only-human-nature/#comment-117 MorningGlory Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:13:28 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/?p=60#comment-117 I'm not in denial, but I believe my doctor is. We've been searching for the cause of swelling in my leg for 3+ months. He referred me to a cardiologist, who eliminated any heart-related causes via electro- and echo-cardiograms, stress test, and a Nuclear scan; I've seen a vascular specialist and had venous and arterial dopplers which indicate no vascular obstructions; an abdominal CT scan revealed nothing out of the ordinary; bloodwork has ruled out liver, kidney, and thyroid disorders as well as diabetes. In the meantime, one leg is swelled, red, itchy and tender and I've developed permanent creases around my ankle/heel. After doing my own research, I suggested lymphedema to my doctor. His response was that since I've never had any surgery on or near my lymph nodes and I've never had cancer, that the likelihood of my having lymphedema is practically nil. What kind of specialist do I need to see to get this condition diagnosed/treated? As of right now, the only treatment I'm getting is 160 mg/day of Furosemide, and a potassium supplement to prevent depletion. I'm on a low-salt diet, and I elevate the affected leg whenever possible (which really does help). Can you recommend a specific facility in (central) North Carolina that can diagnose/treat this condition? I'm at my wit's end. I’m not in denial, but I believe my doctor is. We’ve been searching for the cause of swelling in my leg for 3+ months. He referred me to a cardiologist, who eliminated any heart-related causes via electro- and echo-cardiograms, stress test, and a Nuclear scan; I’ve seen a vascular specialist and had venous and arterial dopplers which indicate no vascular obstructions; an abdominal CT scan revealed nothing out of the ordinary; bloodwork has ruled out liver, kidney, and thyroid disorders as well as diabetes. In the meantime, one leg is swelled, red, itchy and tender and I’ve developed permanent creases around my ankle/heel. After doing my own research, I suggested lymphedema to my doctor. His response was that since I’ve never had any surgery on or near my lymph nodes and I’ve never had cancer, that the likelihood of my having lymphedema is practically nil.

What kind of specialist do I need to see to get this condition diagnosed/treated? As of right now, the only treatment I’m getting is 160 mg/day of Furosemide, and a potassium supplement to prevent depletion. I’m on a low-salt diet, and I elevate the affected leg whenever possible (which really does help).

Can you recommend a specific facility in (central) North Carolina that can diagnose/treat this condition? I’m at my wit’s end.

]]> Comment on Gardening Tips by jeff-nhn http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/gardening-tips/#comment-108 jeff-nhn Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:33:26 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/?p=84#comment-108 I always try and avoid working in the heat of the day. No matter how in shape a person is they can always be overtaken by heat stroke. I have noticed as I put the years on I seem to work a bit smarter. Great tips! I always try and avoid working in the heat of the day. No matter how in shape a person is they can always be overtaken by heat stroke. I have noticed as I put the years on I seem to work a bit smarter. Great tips!

]]> Comment on Urinary Incontinence by Rebecca http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/20/#comment-7 Rebecca Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:33:18 +0000 http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/20/#comment-7 Excellent information! Thanks! Excellent information! Thanks!

]]> Comment on Arthritis and Weather by Rebecca http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/hello-world/#comment-5 Rebecca Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:34:52 +0000 #comment-5 Ahh, the answers to all my friz questions are now just a click away... hey, cool! They also have a uv level and a dog walking index. Great site. Thanks! Ahh, the answers to all my friz questions are now just a click away… hey, cool! They also have a uv level and a dog walking index. Great site. Thanks!

]]> Comment on Arthritis and Weather by Bubb http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/hello-world/#comment-4 Bubb Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:58:21 +0000 #comment-4 Susan - What a great resource you are for those living with arthritis and other physical challenges. Gret blog. Thanks. While I work with you, and know that you are an amazing, caring, knowledgable therapist, it really hit home when my Mom went misdiagnosed for a long time until she came to you for therapy. You knew what was hurting her and you knew how to make her feel better. It was like a miracle. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, experience, and compassion with your patients and their families. It means a lot to all of us!! christine bubb Susan - What a great resource you are for those living with arthritis and other physical challenges. Gret blog. Thanks.

While I work with you, and know that you are an amazing, caring, knowledgable therapist, it really hit home when my Mom went misdiagnosed for a long time until she came to you for therapy. You knew what was hurting her and you knew how to make her feel better. It was like a miracle. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, experience, and compassion with your patients and their families. It means a lot to all of us!!
christine bubb

]]> Comment on Arthritis and Weather by Al http://sliers.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/hello-world/#comment-3 Al Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:35:37 +0000 #comment-3 Great job Susan. This should start some good conversation. Great job Susan. This should start some good conversation.

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