Patients with chronic lymphedema, resulting in recurrent episodes that make it difficult to work, may be able to get Social Security disability for the condition.
Due to the definition of “disability” according to the NDIS, the interaction of lymphoedema as an aspect of the disability will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Many individuals may live with and manage lymphoedema as a chronic condition without meeting the disability requirements. For others, the impact of their condition will result in the aforementioned criteria being met.
Lymphedema is not a listed impairment, but you can still qualify for benefits. There are three ways that you can qualify for SSDI based on your lymphedema diagnosis.
All experts agreed that lymphedema can restrict the ability to work and employability. The leading reason for limited ability to work and employability was restricted mobility or function of the affected limb along with time-consuming therapeutic modalities, pain and psychological stress.
Lymphoedema is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.
Decreased physical function, dyspnea, and fatigue occurs frequently in patients with lower limb lymphedema. Nearly a third of patients with lower limb lymphedema experienced three of more physical symptoms,17 and these symptoms are exacerbated by prolonged standing, heat, and walking.
Avoid trauma or injury to the affected area. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. No new tattoos in the affected area. Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area.
Axillary or inguinal lymph node injury is the most significant risk factor for developing lymphedema. Trauma to the lymphatic vasculature must be severe to cause lymphedema.
Severe cases of lymphedema can affect the ability to move the affected limb, increase the risks of skin infections and sepsis, and can lead to skin changes and breakdown.
There is no Medicare coverage for lymphedema compression bandage application as this is considered to be an unskilled service. This non-coverage extends to the application of high compression, multi-layered, sustained bandage systems (e.g., Profore®, Dynaflex®, Supress®, coded with CPT® 29581 or 29584.
You are unable to work or re-train. You must be able to show that your medical conditions stop you from: working for at least 15 hours a week, and. being trained to do a job you have not done before by doing, for example, an education course or on-the-job training.
As untreated lymphedema prolongs, it can develop into lymphangiosarcoma – a lymph-related cancer that limits a patient's life expectancy from a few months to two years.
Lymphologists are doctors who are specially trained in the diagnosis of and therapy for diseases of the lymphatic system. Among other things, they examine and treat patients with lymph drainage disorders and lymphoedema (protein-rich accumulation of fluid in the tissue) at all stages of severity.
The primary difference between lipedema vs lymphedema is that the former is characterized by an accumulation of fatty tissue in the affected areas, whereas lymphoedema is caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in these tissues. Lymphoedema occurs because of a blockage in your lymphatic system.
Lymphedema raises your risk of getting an infection in the swollen area. This happens because the cells that prevent infection can't reach that part of your body. Wounds may heal more slowly on the part of your body that has lymphedema. You may feel upset, depressed, embarrassed, or angry about the lymphedema.
Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.
Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system. The faulty genes cause the parts of the lymphatic system responsible for draining fluid to not develop properly or not work as they should.
The available data taken as a whole suggests that chronic use of ketoprofen might help reduce inflammation in the skin of lymphedema patients, and thereby reduce skin thickness and improve skin elasticity.
Needless to say, sitting all day long with a compromised lymphatic system puts a serious kink in the hose and can aggravate existing swelling.
The gradual accumulation of excess fluid in a lymphedematous limb will, not surprisingly, gradually increase overall body weight. Conversely, better management of lymphedema will reduce swelling and decrease body weight.
Lymphedema can't be cured, but it can be managed. Any swelling should be checked by a healthcare provider right away. There's no way to know who will and won't get lymphedema, but there are things that can be done to help prevent it.
In time, it can become more dense and fibrous, and it may make your skin look grainy. You could also have pain, heaviness, or limited range of motion in the affected limb, which may make it hard to exercise or do other activities.