Protein-Rich Fluid

If you find the term"protein rich fluid" confusing, here's some information that will help clear this matter up:

Lymphedema: Protein-Rich Lymph Fluid and the Roll of Dietary Protein

Since the fluid associated with lymphedema is protein-rich a question that often arises is, “Should I stop eating protein so there won’t be protein in this fluid?” The answer to this question is, “No! Do not stop eating protein. It won’t solve your problem because proteins are essential nutrients.”

Dietary proteins are present in the foods we eat and are important to good health because:

· Proteins are the building blocks of the body.

· Proteins are the only nutrients that can repair worn-out tissue and build new ones.

· Proteins are used by the body in manufacturing hormones.

· Proteins have a role in building antibodies to fight infections.

· Proteins aid the blood in transporting oxygen and nutrients.

· Proteins are essential to the clotting of blood.

When There is a Shortage of Dietary Proteins

The goal for each individual should be to eat the appropriate amount of dietary protein to meet nutritional needs. This protein should come from a variety of sources, not only meat, and include only a minimum amount of fat.

When there are not enough dietary proteins available to meet the daily needs of the body, proteins are taken from the tissues and muscles to maintain the proper protein level of the blood. A severe shortage of dietary proteins will weaken connective tissues and causes them to swell. This is known as hunger edema and it can be seen in the swollen bellies of starving children.

Seriously restricting the intake of dietary protein in an effort to control the swelling of lymphedema does not help. It has just the opposite effect: It increases the amount of swelling that is present. It also weakens the muscles and other tissues.

Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA

National Board Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Lymphadema and Infections

Skin infections are something that people with Lymphadema deal with on a regular basis. Here is a good article with information about infections, and especially cellulitis which can become life threatening if left untreated.

Infections that can develop within the affected tissues are a serious complication associated with lymphedema. The risk of infection increases when lymphedema is not controlled by proper treatment and appropriate precautions.

The risks of lymphedema related infections are due to:

• The swelling of lymphedema compromises the health of the skin.
• Protein-rich stagnant lymph within these swollen tissues creates an environment that pathogens love!
• The deep skin folds resulting from the lymphedema are an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis (sell-you-LYE-tis) is an infection that spreads freely, and quickly within the deeper tissues of the skin. Cellulitis becomes a life-threatening emergency when it spreads through the lymphatic or circulatory systems and can reach vital organs and other body parts.

Cellulitis is usually caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus that normally live on the skin. Any break in the skin, no matter how small, provides an opening for them to march in, multiply, and thrive. Even a simple act such as shaving a swollen leg could be an invitation to infection.

Symptoms of Cellulitis

• Malaise (a general sense of not feeling well)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Chills and fever
• Discoloration (redness, or streaky red lines)
• Rash
• Tissues that feel hot and tender
• Sudden swelling
• Itching
• Pain

This type of infection requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. See a Physician immediately if you think you may have a Cellulitis infection in a Lymphatic limb!!

Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA

Lymphadema and Massage Information

Here is some information from the "At Your Service" section of the Times-Mail News out of Indiana.

(The lymphland link has a quicktime file when opening, which some browsers have trouble with, just wanted to give you a heads up on that)

Lymphedema data

COMMENT — My husband has lymphedema and I have done much research on the subject and one thing I can say is that going to a traditional massage therapist with no training in lymphedema therapy, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or complete decongestive therapy (CDT) can result in a worsening of the condition. So, I urge you to please find a certified lymphedema therapist.

A few ways to find a certified lymphedema therapist is to ask your physician, call your hospital or visit www.UnitedPhysicalTherapy.com. Good luck to you. N.B., an Internet reader.

COMMENT — Dear D.B. and Barbie, although regular massage feels good and can help move lymph fluid in some ways, there are precautions needing attention here. A soft touch Swedish massage would not hurt lymphedema but any hard type of massage such as rolfing, trigger point, Alexander technique could damage nodes and bring on a cellulitis attack.

What the reader needs is a certified, qualified lymphedema therapist to perform complete/combined decongestive therapy. It feels like a massage but it’s very specific bodywork to move lymph fluids out of the body. Sincerely, Tina Budde, www.lymphland.com.

ANSWER — Thanks to both of you for the heads up. After a little more checking, I discovered that lymphedema does require a different type of massage, ordered by a physician. So, D.B., of Bedford, or others who may be experiencing complications from lymphedema, speak with your physician about massage therapy or other possible relief treatments.