Coping with Lymphedema [Paperback]

Diane Sackett Nannery (Author), Joan Swirsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1998

An estimated 100 million people around the world suffer from this lifelong condition, a result of damage to the lymphatic system. It causes extreme swelling of a limb or other part of the body along with pain, immobility, disfigurement, an increased susceptibility to infection, and a variety of other symptoms that make many people feel self-conscious and depressed.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

More than 100 million people around the world suffer from lymphedema, a painful, chronic swelling of the limbs and, sometimes, other areas of the body. At least five percent of women who undergo lymph-node surgery for breast cancer treatment will experience it. Written by a breast cancer survivor and a nurse, Coping with Lymphedema fills a definite need, with facts about diagnostic tests; manual lymph drainage and complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP); medications, including antibiotics, steroids, and benzopyrones; compression garments; and experimental treatments, including acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, and herbal medicine.

The authors also debate the merits of various lymphedema therapists, from chiropractors and physiatrists to osteopaths. There's also plenty of information about natural diuretics, important nutrients, helpful exercises for reducing pain and increasing mobility, and methods for handling depression and self-image troubles. More than 100 resources and lists of phone numbers for support groups in most states further the usefulness of this clearly written, comprehensive reference.

From Library Journal

Lymphedema is a chronic disorder of the lymph system causing the naturally occurring lymph fluid to accumulate as "swelling that can make an arm, leg, or other body part as much as two, three, four, or even more times its normal size." It does not discriminate by age or gender and can be congenital or acquired. It can also be a complication in postmastectomy or postlumpectomy cancer patients. Physicians frequently underestimate its occurrence and fail to educate patients in terms of prevention. Many doctors also lack the depth of knowledge needed to prescribe effective therapy. Swirsky, a nurse, and Nannery, a lyphedema patient, have combined their talents to write a much-needed, highly readable, detailed explanation of lymphedema, its complications, and its treatment?including diet, garments, pumps, manual lymph drainage therapy, and exercise. An extensive list of therapeutic resources, support groups, and readings as well as guidelines on choosing a lymphedema therapist are included. Recommended for all public libraries and hospital consumer health collections.?Lisa McCormick, Jewish Hosp. Lib., Cincinnati
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Avery Publishing Group; 1st edition (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895298562
• ISBN-13: 978-0895298560
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #807,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent informative comprehensive book on lymphedema., August 25, 1998

By 

Phyllis Zehr ([e-mail]) (Wilmington, Delaware) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coping with Lymphedema (Paperback)

This book confirms what took many hours of searching on my own time to comprehend the complications and control of lymphedema, a medical condition I was not forewarned might develop following breast surgery. I highly recommend this book to any person facing surgery and/or radiation involving lymph nodes as well as anyone who currently has lymphedema.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Coping with Lymphedema Book, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Coping with Lymphedema (Paperback)

Although I commend the authors for addressing an issue that no one else has been able to address through this venue, I find it to be lacking in much information concerning Lymphedema of the lower extremities. While it is true that survivors of breast cancer are at risk for the development of lymphedema those with lower extremity lymphedema have been strugging with it for many years. In other words, lymphedema is not new on the scene. The book adequately addresses the issue of LE in relationship with BC but leaves barely touches on the remainder of the population with LE. I did not enjoy the book and did not find it at all helpful.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best of a mighty thin field..., December 5, 2004

By 

Bucky (Haunted Mansion, The Magic Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Coping with Lymphedema (Paperback)

First, anyone who is looking for books on lymphedema will find out fast that books on lymphedema are kind of like treatments for the the disorder: mighty few and far between. Of all the available books, this one is the best of a thin, thin crop. There are chapters on the origins of lymphedema, symptoms, the (few) treatments, diet and exercise, coping and other life issues. And while they are very informative, as other reviewers have pointed out, the authors do focus heavily on upper limb lymphedema. Readers with lower limb lymphedema get tossed a bone of info targeted to their needs every now and then, but the primary emphasis of this book is on lymphedema as the result of breast cancer treatment. Still, readers with lower limb lymphedema can take most of the info in this book and apply it to their own situation. This book is better than nothing, which is pretty much what will be available should this book go out of print. It's a pity that a disorder that affects so many people is virtually ignored by the medical and publishing communities.