Hospital is now offering lymphedema treatments

Although there are other causes for compromise of the lymph nodes, cancer surgery is the primary one and breast cancer alone is responsible for more than 400,000 cases in the U.S. each year. According to the American Cancer Society, 15 to 20 percent of breast cancer patients, men and women, will develop the condition. Another 400,000+ people with vascular disease will also be affected.

Let’s let the National Institute of Health explain what it is. “The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs made up mainly of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph. Lymph vessels, which are different from blood vessels, carry fluid called lymph throughout your body.

“The lymphatic system collects excess fluid and proteins from body tissues and carries them back to the bloodstream. Edema, or swelling, may happen when there is an increase in the amount of fluid or because of a blockage in the lymphatic system. The accumulation of lymph is called lymphedema.”

Although not curable, the condition is certainly live-with-able if treated properly and the Rehabilitation Department at Bonner General Hospital is really excited to announce that treatments are now available here in Sandpoint.

Laurie Myers, MSPT (Masters of Science Physical Therapy) has over 19 years of experience and presented a business plan to the hospital that could not be refused! She cited that patients traditionally would have to travel to either Coeur d’Alene or Spokane for treatment or seek alternative methods.

“The patient who had to drive a distance often wouldn’t finish the course,” Myers said. “Maybe because they were feeling too sick, or couldn’t afford the expense, they would stop treatment and get worse. Having treatment here would prevent that.”

A medically based treatment plan appealed to Myers as she researched the many methods of therapy being taught. She chose a program affiliated with Stanford University that is highly acclaimed as being extremely effective to earn her certification.

Most sufferers will tell you that the discomfort of lymphedema is intense. If you’ve ever experienced swelling you’ll know that it itches, hurts and limits your range of motion. One patient with lymphedema in her arm described it as trying to do everyday things wearing a baseball mitt.

“The first step to successful treatment is evaluation,” Myers said. “I take measurements so we have a baseline, we find out if there are any co-existing conditions we need to be aware of and we develop a plan of care depending on the condition and depending on existing infection.”

“The treatment includes manual lymph drainage to open the pathways for the lymph to find functioning lymph nodes,” Myers explained. “Then, if necessary, we use a specialized compression pump and step three is bandaging. These special bandages help the muscles work against them to decrease swelling.”

This new treatment is an investment in time for the patient and for the therapist. The session will last between 45 minutes to 90 minutes and the protocol calls for sessions five times a week for two weeks. But the investment is worth it. It also includes education on how to protect the limb from further infection.

“We aren’t stopping here,” Michelle Tucker, Director of Rehabilitation said. “Laurie is also being trained for orthopedic joint mobilization. Our overall goal is to add a comprehensive women’s program that includes treatments for urinary incontinence, pre- and post-partum treatments, pelvic dysfunction and low back pain. Stay tuned.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com or 264-4029.