Lymphoedema is an affliction that affects many people but it is something that few know about. The condition greatly reduces the quality of life for victims who experience chronic swelling on parts of their body – with the legs being particularly vulnerable.
It was this in mind that Sister Gaby Stein, of the Mpati Pharmacy, launched the Lymphoedema Awareness Month.
Gaby, who has attended a course on how to identify and treat lymphoedema gave pharmacy staff a thorough training session to help them assist patients.
She explained that there are various types of Lymphoedema; primary which is hereditary, congenital and secondary which can be triggered by various factors from cancer, heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, injury and more.
Treatment includes the stimulation of the superficial and deep lymphatic system that will help drain the accumulated fluids and toxins that cause the swelling. “The massage techniques used on patients are paper thin gentle not like physiotherapy. Gentle stretching gets the system going while other treatment includes compression therapy and decongestive exercises to help expel the excess fluids,” said Gaby. If not treated, the condition can lead to worse problems that will greatly lower the quality of life of the afflicted.
“This is a life-long condition that is treatable. However, it must be caught early. Take care of your limbs and report immediately if you see any abnormal swellings.”

She said disturbingly, there is a ‘colony’ of Lymphoedema sufferers in the rural Easter Cape that have been cast aside like lepers as there is still superstition surrounding the disease. With more outreach programmes being held, like the one at Mpati Pharmacy, it is hoped that sufferers will come forward for treatment.
“Treatment of Lymphoedema is still new to the medical world. I am only the 38th trained practitioner in the country which I found amazing. There is a holistic approach involving many kinds of medical practitioners who are eager to share knowledge and help patients.”
Diet is also important with low sodium high on the agenda. Gaby’s daughter, Amy-Faith and friend, Mikayla Nanan, who are in Grade 7 in Ichthus School, have just completed a project for their science expo entry called Limit Lymphodema.
With people like Gaby out there, supported by the knowledgeable staff at Mpati Pharmacy, and equally eager school children, the fight against Lymphodema is already out of the starting blocks!