Living With Your Condition - LymphConnect

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Condition

Lymphoedema

Lipoedema

Topic

Improving Therapy

Getting Fashion and Lifestyle Tips

Eating and Living Healthy

Doing Exercise and Sports

Travelling and Going Out

Manage Mental and Emotional Struggles

Healthy Treats for the Winter Season

Healthy Treats for the Winter Season

Most of us associate wintertime with cozy evenings at home, enjoying indulgent treats. What would winter be without all these sweet goodies? Balanced nutrition is an important part of lymphoedema and lipoedema treatment as being overweight can worsen your symptoms. If you want to stick with your healthy lifestyle, we have some good news: there are plenty of healthy alternatives to enjoy.

Keep on Moving: Motivation for the Winter Season

Keep on Moving: Motivation for the Winter Season

When the days grow shorter and darker, it can be challenging to find the motivation to exercise. Particularly when it’s cold and rainy outside, most of us prefer to stay in. So how can you stick to your workout routine through the winter?

Need Some Guidance?

Subscribe for helpful tips and updates

How to Increase Your Strength Without Using Weights

How to Increase Your Strength Without Using Weights

Regular exercise and movement are essential parts of lymphoedema and lipoedema treatment. Besides aerobic training, you should also integrate some strength training into your workouts. However, increasing your strength doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to lift weights.

Crazy about Comfort?

Crazy about Comfort?

Wearing compression can really make a difference when you are treated for lymphoedema or lipoedema. However, it can be challenging to find a comfortable garment that fits your individual body shape. Are you ready for something new and unique? Then you should definitely continue reading!

Nutrition Guide: Eating and Living Healthy

Nutrition Guide: Eating and Living Healthy

A balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of good health – and eating healthy is easier when you follow some basic nutrition guidelines.

Lymphoedema and Healthy Eating

Lymphoedema and Healthy Eating

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for our general well-being as well as weight management. It can help in the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes^1,2.

Skin Care in Winter

Skin Care in Winter

When we consider skin care and lymphoedema we automatically think about how we look after ourselves in the summer months.

The Risk of Smoking with Lymphoedema

The Risk of Smoking with Lymphoedema

Every cigarette you smoke, you are increasing your chance of getting cancer. Smoking accounts for nearly 80,000 deaths in the UK each year. Sadly, one in two smokers will die from a smoking-related disease.

Drinking Alcohol with Lymphoedema

Drinking Alcohol with Lymphoedema

For many, alcohol is simply a part of our daily life like having dinner. We may not give it a second thought as it is often the norm to have a drink when socialising with family and friends, to celebrate a special occasion, or to unwind after a long and stressful day.

Exercising with Lymphoedema

Exercising with Lymphoedema

Following on from the recent blog about why exercise is so important for those with (or at risk of) lymphoedema, this blog focuses on what type of exercise may be the most beneficial.

Why Exercising in Water is Beneficial for Lymphoedema Management

Why Exercising in Water is Beneficial for Lymphoedema Management

Exercising is one of the corner stones of care for lymphoedema management. There are many different types of lymphoedema exercises and exercising in water (or aqua-therapy) is one option. It is a great way to exercise and a fun way to keep fit safely.

Clothing

Clothing

Keeping up with fashion can be difficult at the best of times and with each of us having a different body type, striving to find clothes that fit and suit us can be an exhausting process.

Shoes Treatment

Shoes Treatment

We now look at orthotics and footwear, selecting footwear during the intensive (or sometimes known as the bandaging) phase of lymphoedema treatment and how slippers and socks may affect lymphoedema.

Buying Shoes

Buying Shoes

For many, shoe shopping is one of life’s pleasures, but for those with swollen feet, the thought of shopping for footwear fills them with dread and may not be such an enjoyable experience.

Before you Travel

Before you Travel

Whether you are travelling to a sun-kissed tropical island, visiting a city, cruising around the Mediterranean or staying closer to home those affected by lymphoedema, lipoedema or general swelling, may find the adventure challenging.

Final Destination... Now the Holiday Begins

Final Destination... Now the Holiday Begins

Finally, you have arrived at your destination. There are many things to consider when going on holiday but what is certain, from now on, the aim is to spend time relaxing, maybe do a bit of sightseeing, and if you follow the tips below hopefully you should return rested and rejuvenated!

Go Exploring! Do not let Lymphoedema Keep you from Traveling

Go Exploring! Do not let Lymphoedema Keep you from Traveling

Most people are aware, there are several risks and problems that travelling with lymphoedema can pose. From the reduced pressure of aircraft cabins to changes in diet, exercise, temperature and of course, the disruption to your usual manual lymph drainage and skincare routine.

Coping with the Psychological Impact of Lymphoedema

Coping with the Psychological Impact of Lymphoedema

It is normal to feel a complicated mix of emotions about your lymphoedema. For example, if you have secondary lymphoedema after cancer, you might feel that it is a reminder of your cancer diagnosis. Lymphoedema may alter the way you feel and view your body.

The Public Face of Lymphoedema

The Public Face of Lymphoedema

Although it affects more people than Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Parkinson’s disease and AIDS combined – up to ten million Americans according to LE&RN – lymphoedema remains stubbornly out of the spotlight. Many have never even heard of the chronic illness.

Understanding the Range of Emotions that you May Feel having Lymphoedema

Understanding the Range of Emotions that you May Feel having Lymphoedema

Being diagnosed with lymphoedema or lipoedema can bring a variety of emotions. It is a life-changing condition, and understandably, you will experience some struggles while you adjust. Seeing your body change and the impact on your lifestyle can be challenging but know you are not alone.

Lymphoedema: A Condition Kept Secret Until Now

Lymphoedema: A Condition Kept Secret Until Now

Lymphoedema is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In America alone, it is estimated that “more Americans have lymphoedema and lymphatic diseases than AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease — combined.”

Your Relationship When you have Lymphoedema

Your Relationship When you have Lymphoedema

Having a long-term condition such as lymphoedema can affect your romantic relationship. You or a loved one may have recently been diagnosed and finding it difficult to cope with what you are facing.

Could I have Lipoedema?

Could I have Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a medical, long-term, chronic condition that is the accumulation of abnormal fat (adipose tissue) and is unrelated to diet. It particularly affects the lower limbs, however, it can also impact the arms.

Lymphoedema at Work

Lymphoedema at Work

Work is a huge part of life for many of us, and that is no different for people with lymphoedema. In this article we will take a look at office-based jobs and how you can make small changes which can add up to a big difference.

Having Pets with Lymphoedema

Having Pets with Lymphoedema

Pets make great companions, especially when you are coping with a long-term condition such as lymphoedema. They can lift your mood instantly when things get too stressful.

Lymphoedema and Pregnancy: knowing the connection, causation and consequences

Lymphoedema and Pregnancy: knowing the connection, causation and consequences

It goes without saying that pregnancy brings enormous stress upon the body. During pregnancy, your body creates almost 50% more fluid and blood to support the needs of your growing baby .

How to Explain your Lymphoedema to Family and Friends

How to Explain your Lymphoedema to Family and Friends

Lymphoedema can be complicated to understand in the early days, and even more complicated to explain to other people. There will be lots of times when you will want to talk about your condition with people.

Everyday Heroes: Brittany Williams' Campaign for Children with Lymphoedema

Everyday Heroes: Brittany Williams' Campaign for Children with Lymphoedema

Five years ago, Brittany Williams was forced to confront every parent’s worst nightmare after her daughter was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema, an incurable disease, while still a baby.

Everyday Heroes: Amy Rivera's Transformation into a Pioneering Advocate for Lymphoedema Patients Everywhere

Everyday Heroes: Amy Rivera's Transformation into a Pioneering Advocate for Lymphoedema Patients Everywhere

It takes a formidable amount of guts, determination and strength to turn your personal battle with a lymphatic disease into a non-profit organization and public speaking career, but that is precisely what Amy Rivera has done.

Listening to the Stories of Others

Listening to the Stories of Others

Lymphoedema is a unique and chronic condition that can be overwhelming and may be associated with feeling anxious or alone. Connecting with others who have lymphoedema can be an excellent way to help navigate through the condition and learn effective ways to help integrate into your daily life.

Chair Exercises to Help Keep you Moving

Chair Exercises to Help Keep you Moving

This video shows you some seated foot exercises that you can easily do at home.

Getting Active in your Daily Routine

Getting Active in your Daily Routine

LymphConnect helps you to stay active, this video show you how.

Become a Lymphoedema Ally

Become a Lymphoedema Ally

Do you have a friend, family member or colleague with lymphoedema? If so, you have probably wondered what you can do to help and support them.

Why Are Exercise and Movement So Important?

How does exercise help my swelling? Are there other ways exercise can help? We give you the anwsers to these important questions.

Increasing Awareness for Lipoedema

Increasing Awareness for Lipoedema

Lipoedema is still under-recognized and listed as a rare disease according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)¹. Even some healthcare professionals are not aware of lipoedema or mistake it for obesity or lymphoedema. But there is some good news: more and more scientific articles are published about lipoedema. So how does this affect you and your lipoedema?

How to Explain Lipoedema to your Colleagues

How to Explain Lipoedema to your Colleagues

The causes of lipoedema are not easy to understand, and there are still some uncertainties about this chronic disease. Even healthcare professionals are often unaware of its differences to other diseases such as obesity or lymphoedema. So how can you explain your lipoedema to your colleagues at work?

A Day at the Beach

A Day at the Beach

We’re in the middle of summer, and you’re probably longing for a holiday. Given the current travel restrictions, a short trip to the beach, lake or river is a great option to escape the daily routine. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind before you go on your way.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Europe¹ and the second most common in the US². The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of this disease. In light of this great campaign, we want to take the chance to explain how lymphoedema relates to breast cancer.

How to Stay Positive During the Darker Season

How to Stay Positive During the Darker Season

When the days get shorter and darker, many of us struggle with our mood from time to time. Managing your lipoedema or lymphoedema already takes a lot of effort and can be even more challenging during these times. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep positive vibes throughout the dark season.

Fascia Training - What It Is and how It Works

Fascia Training - What It Is and how It Works

Many athletes or physiotherapists regularly do fascia training with foam rollers to improve mobility and prevent injuries. But what is fascia, and what are the benefits of fascia training?

Managing Lipoedema as a Young Adult

Managing Lipoedema as a Young Adult

Lipoedema affects every woman differently. But when you are diagnosed with lipoedema at a very young age, things can be even more challenging. Here we explain how lipoedema is associated with genetics and hormonal changes, as well as how your family can support you in managing your disease.

New Year's resolution: Friend or foe?

New Year's resolution: Friend or foe?

It's a common phenomenon that we observe at the beginning of every new year: many of us join fitness clubs, we decide to eat healthier, move and exercise more. We often set ambitious goals but just as quickly neglect them. Why do our New Year's resolutions fail ever so often and what can we do instead?

Dressing Up for Summer

Dressing Up for Summer

As winter comes to an end, and we look forward to a summer spent socializing, it’s time to dress up in the latest trends. If you like bright colors and feminine styles, this season’s fashions are yours to enjoy!

June is Lipoedema Awareness Month

June is Lipoedema Awareness Month

June has been designated as Lipoedema Awareness Month, which gives us the chance to raise awareness and make lipoedema a global priority. Medical societies, companies, and patient organizations in several countries will be launching campaigns to educate patients, their families and friends, and healthcare professionals about this condition.

Yoga - Harmony for Body and Mind

Yoga - Harmony for Body and Mind

In recent years, yoga has become increasingly popular in western countries. New yoga studios open every day, and many online classes are available. Practicing yoga has also become part of a healthy and mindful lifestyle. For most people, yoga is a synonym for physical exercise, but it’s so much more than that.

Exercising With Compression

Exercising With Compression

As the weather gets better and the days get longer, you might find yourself much more motivated to exercise outdoors. But how do you find the right compression garment to get started?

Dating With Lymphoedema or Lipoedema

Dating With Lymphoedema or Lipoedema

After more than two years of social distancing, you’re probably looking forward to getting out into the world again. Whether that’s meeting up with friends or family you’ve not seen for a long time or, perhaps, you’re thinking about going on a physical date; a dinner, rather than meeting for a virtual coffee? For many of us, this is something we may no longer be used to and, if you have lymphoedema or lipoedema, the prospect of an upcoming date comes with additional challenges.

Diagnosis Lipoedema - What to Expect

Diagnosis Lipoedema - What to Expect

Diagnosing lipoedema can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Although awareness of lipoedema is increasing, it is often mistaken for obesity or lymphoedema. Many lipoedema patients report countless visits to different healthcare professionals before the correct diagnosis is made. Were you recently diagnosed with lipoedema? Then hopefully this article will help you understand what that means and what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months.

Diagnosis Lipoedema - How to Find an Expert

Diagnosis Lipoedema - How to Find an Expert

Specialised healthcare professionals are usually required to confirm the diagnosis of lipoedema. Coordinating appointments with different healthcare professionals, finding compression garments that are comfortable and fit well can become overwhelming. Managing your condition can be easier with the right professional support at your side. In this article, we want to offer some guidance on finding experts to support your treatment after your diagnosis has been made.

Maximizing Comfort with Lymphoedema and Lipoedema

Maximizing Comfort with Lymphoedema and Lipoedema

Being diagnosed with lymphoedema or lipoedema brings significant changes to your daily life. It takes time to cope with the diagnosis, and to become accustomed to regular exercise, weight management and other new routines. Not to mention wearing compression garments every day. This article aims to share how you can maximize comfort while managing lymphoedema or lipoedema.

Take to the Water This Summer

Take to the Water This Summer

You might feel tempted to stop exercising in the summer. That’s understandable. After all, with temperatures rising and little respite from the heat at night, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. However, water-based exercise is the perfect way to stay active during the hot season.

Summer Dinner Party

Summer Dinner Party

Mild summer evenings are the perfect occasion to invite family and friends for an al fresco dinner party. So, if you're looking for inspiration to find healthy recipes and non-alcoholic drinks, you've come to the right place.

How Sustainability and Health Are Connected

How Sustainability and Health Are Connected

Sustainability is a term widely used by organizations to attract attention and show they are ‘green’. However, sustainability not only refers to our environment but can also be addressed at a physical, social, and emotional level. This article explains the connection between sustainability and our general health and well-being.

Family Planning and Pregnancy With Lymphoedema or Lipoedema

Family Planning and Pregnancy With Lymphoedema or Lipoedema

Planning a family is a big decision to take. You might be concerned about how pregnancy will impact your lymphoedema or lipoedema, or you may be worried about whether your child will inherit your condition.

The Role of Friendships When Living With a Chronic Disease

The Role of Friendships When Living With a Chronic Disease

Being diagnosed with a chronic (long-term) condition such as lymphoedema or lipoedema can turn your life upside down. It can also impact your relationships with existing friends and create barriers to making new ones.

JOBST® Confidence: Compression tights with no groin seam

JOBST® Confidence: Compression tights with no groin seam

Soft, snug and comfortable – sounds like JOBST Confidence, doesn’t it? Caroline, a German patient, tested the flat-knit compression tights (which are coming soon to the UK).

Why Mental Health Should Be a Global Priority

Why Mental Health Should Be a Global Priority

October 10^th is World Mental Health Day, a day recognized annually, and designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one to raise awareness and mobilise efforts to support mental health.

Winter Dinner Party

Winter Dinner Party

It's a familiar situation: a holiday season packed with indulgent treats, heavy meals, and a list of shows we want to watch on TV. This, combined with weather that's not always great leaves us with little time or inclination to exercise and move. This article won't solve all these issues but will hopefully inspire you with simple, healthy dinner recipes.

Goodbye Black and Grey – Say Hello to This Winter's Fashion Trends

Goodbye Black and Grey – Say Hello to This Winter's Fashion Trends

Did you enjoy our last article about summer styles? Well, as the year's whizzing past, it's time to start thinking about winter trends. As always, we focus on trends that can be combined with compression garments!

Get Support From Others With Your Condition

It’s important to know you’re not alone. Join our private community and feel empowered by connecting with other lymphoedema or lipoedema patients.

Share stories and tips

with others like you

Find the right expert

for your condition

Get reminders

when you need a new compression garment

Discover more helpful tools

Be Part of the Community and Empower Your Life

Don’t sit around and go through this in silence. Share your story. Doing that was a real eye-opener for me

Claudia Lymphoedema patient

Claudia