Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a condition where there is a pathological accumulation of fluid in the tissue spaces.
This causes swelling and changes to the skin and tissues. It does not resolve by itself.
It can be reversible at first (eg, the swelling may reduce overnight) but if left
untreated it will progress, causing permanent damage to the skin and tissues.
Lymphoedema can be present from birth or can arise at times of
hormonal fluctuation such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
This is known as primary lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema cannot be cured entirely but lymph therapy can help to manage the condition.

The recommended treatment for lymphoedema is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Lymphoedema information from the HSE can be found here

Secondary lymphoedema
occurs when there is damage or
trauma to the lymphatic system.

This can include:
Damage to the lymph nodes from
radiotherapy during cancer treatment
Chronic venous disease (CVI) resulting in
lymphovenous disease (phlebolymphoedema).
Traumatic injuries causing post-traumatic swelling.

Other causes such as systemic infections,
iatrogenic damage, etc

Treatment Abroad Scheme (with HSE)
There are two clinics in Europe which specialise in lymphoedema treatment. You can attend these as a private patient (paying for it yourself) or you can apply for the Treatment Abroad Scheme.

The Foeldi clinic, Germany The Wittlinger clinic, Austria
As a public patient, you can apply to the HSE for the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) to cover the cost of treatment in another country in the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland.
The amount the HSE covers varies depending on the country where you get treatment and the treatment that you need. You can ask the clinic abroad how much you will need to pay.
Only a public hospital consultant based in Ireland
can refer you for treatment abroad.
A GP cannot refer you for this scheme.
You cannot refer yourself either.
The HSE will need to assess and approve your application
before you travel for treatment.
How to apply for Treatment Abroad Scheme

Combined Decongestive Therapy

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) involves Manual Lymph Drainage combined
with skincare, exercise and multi-layer compression bandaging.
It begins with an intensive phase of therapy, which may involve
daily treatments (MLD and bandaging) for a minimum of 2 weeks.
This is followed by the maintenance phase – MLD treatments are reduced to once or twice
per week and the patient is advised on the use of compression garments as well
as other strategies to maintain the fluid reduction achieved during the intensive stage.
Managing lymphoedema usually involves an intensive CDT treatment once or twice a year,
combined with the use of compression garments and skin care in between treatments.
Please note that due to time constraints, I am unable to offer intensive CDT treatment at this time.

Patients are advised to apply for the Treatment Abroad Scheme.

Further information and helpful videos can be found on the
National Lymphoedema Framework Ireland website

Other MLD therapists can be found on the MLD Ireland website

Samantha

Connolly

Samantha

Connolly

Lymphoedema is a condition where there is a pathological accumulation of fluid in the tissue spaces.

This causes swelling and changes to the skin and tissues. It does not resolve by itself.

It can be reversible at first (eg, the swelling may reduce overnight) but if left

untreated it will progress, causing permanent damage to the skin and tissues.

Lymphoedema can be present from birth or can arise at times of

hormonal fluctuation such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

This is known as primary lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema cannot be cured entirely but lymph therapy can help to manage the condition.

The recommended treatment for lymphoedema is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Lymphoedema information from the HSE can be found here

Secondary lymphoedema

occurs when there is damage or

trauma to the lymphatic system.

This can include:

Damage to the lymph nodes from

radiotherapy during cancer treatment

Chronic venous disease (CVI) resulting in

lymphovenous disease (phlebolymphoedema).

Traumatic injuries causing post-traumatic swelling.

Other causes such as systemic infections,

iatrogenic damage, etc

Treatment Abroad Scheme (with HSE)

There are two clinics in Europe which specialise in lymphoedema treatment. You can attend these as a private patient (paying for it yourself) or you can apply for the Treatment Abroad Scheme.

The Foeldi clinic, Germany The Wittlinger clinic, Austria

As a public patient, you can apply to the HSE for the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) to cover the cost of treatment in another country in the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland.

The amount the HSE covers varies depending on the country where you get treatment and the treatment that you need. You can ask the clinic abroad how much you will need to pay.Only a public hospital consultant based in Ireland

can refer you for treatment abroad.

A GP cannot refer you for this scheme.

You cannot refer yourself either.

The HSE will need to assess and approve your application

before you travel for treatment.

How to apply for Treatment Abroad Scheme

Combined Decongestive Therapy

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) involves Manual Lymph Drainage combined

with skincare, exercise and multi-layer compression bandaging.

It begins with an intensive phase of therapy, which may involve

daily treatments (MLD and bandaging) for a minimum of 2 weeks.

This is followed by the maintenance phase – MLD treatments are reduced to once or twice

per week and the patient is advised on the use of compression garments as well

as other strategies to maintain the fluid reduction achieved during the intensive stage.

Managing lymphoedema usually involves an intensive CDT treatment once or twice a year,

combined with the use of compression garments and skin care in between treatments.

Please note that due to time constraints, I am unable to offer intensive CDT treatment at this time.

Patients are advised to apply for the Treatment Abroad Scheme.

Further information and helpful videos can be found on the

National Lymphoedema Framework Ireland website

Other MLD therapists can be found on the MLD Ireland website

The amount the HSE covers varies depending on the country where you get treatment and the treatment that you need. You can ask the clinic abroad how much you will need to pay.
Only a public hospital consultant based in Ireland