Worthing's giant limb victims

The problem of so-called giant limbs is known as lymphoedema, and it is a condition affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.

Despite the high number of sufferers, many people, including those working as GPs and nurses, remain unaware of the condition.

To rectify this problem, Worthing Hospital's lymphoedema specialist nurse, Lydia Sobrido, held an awareness seminar recently for

health professionals.

Lydia, who has been in the role for 15 years, said it was important to ensure people had knowledge of the condition, so patients could get

diagnosed earlier.

Clinic

She said: "There is a lack of knowledge and we want to change that. We are the only specialist lymphoedema clinic in Sussex, and we have around 1,300 patients.

"It's worrying for us and patients to hear nurses say they don't know what it is. I hope being here today has raised a lot of awareness."

Lymphoedema is a swelling developing as a result of an impaired lymphatic system.

This may be as a result of the system not developing properly, or through damage or trauma to the body.

The lymphatic system is like a waste disposal system for the body, taking tissue fluid, bacteria, proteins and waste products away from the

tissues around skin, fat, muscle and bone.

Swelling

When it does not work properly, the fluid in the tissues builds up and swelling happens.

It is most common in the arms and legs, although can it happen anywhere in the body.

If left untreated, lymphoedemas can become infected and, in rare cases, can cause septaecemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to death.

For more information, visit www.lymphoedema.org

Case study 1

IT took more than 50 years to diagnose grandmother Eileen Blaney's

lymphoedema.

Until she was in her mid-50s, she had always had "puffy" feet, ankles

and legs, but no one could ever tell her why.

It was only after she had a hysterectomy and the problem worsened that a consultant in London diagnosed primary lymphoedema in 1996. This means Eileen was born with the lymphoedema, rather than getting it in later life.

Now 70, Eileen, of Westland Avenue, Worthing, said the diagnosis had been life-changing. She said: "The doctor told me if I had waited six months more, then it could have been so bad that I would be in a wheelchair.

Immobile

"Knowing what it was meant that I have still been able to live life to the full. Without them, I would probably be immobile."

There is no cure for lymphoedema, but wearing compression stockings is the most common remedy. Eileen wears them daily and said while they were difficult to put on, they allowed her to do what she wanted to do.

She is now keen to raise awareness of the condition, in the hope

that others do not have to suffer without treatment for as long as she

did.

"Lymphoedema plays a big part in your life, because it's always going to be there. We have to deal with it every day. Anyone who is worried

they have it should visit their GP and get help."

Case study 2

JUST days after an operation to remove a cancerous tumour from his stomach, John Shaddick could barely walk because his right leg had swollen up so much.

He went straight back to see his consultant and was told he had secondary lymphoedema '“ a form of the condition that frequently occurs following treatment for cancer or a trauma.

John, 78, of Offington Lane, Worthing, had surgery in 1990 to remove the lump caused by the Hodgkin's lymphoma he had. Afterwards, he developed the severe swelling and was referred to Lydia's clinic at Worthing Hospital.

Understanding

He said: "She is understanding and she is brilliant. he is also an absolutely first-class communicator. You can raise any issue with her and not feel uncomfortable, and that is rare to find."

John also wears compression stockings and said that, while they were

effective, they were very hot during the summer months.

Like Eileen, he is keen the profile of lymphoedema is raised and advised anyone concerned they might have it to visit their doctor.

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