What is the Psychological Impact of Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic swelling condition, caused by lymph fluid accumulation due to damage or blockage in your lymphatic system. Lymphedema has significant emotional and psychological impacts on patients. This condition is particularly seen among cancer survivors, especially those who have undergone treatments such as trauma, surgery or radiation that affected lymphatic vessels or nodes. In this blog, I want to share with you the emotional impact of lymphedema and how to navigate these symptoms in order to improve your quality of life.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Lymphedema
Depression and anxiety
These distresses can stem from feelings of abandonment by healthcare providers, family or friends, also social isolation because their routine and habits change. For most patients the word “chronic” leads to a sense of hopelessness about the future.
In addition, financial burdens related to treatment costs can add stress to the patients, which further complicates their general well-being.
Body Image Issues
Lymphedema patients report a negative impact on their body image due to the visible swelling and changes in limb and general appearance. When people don’t like their body image, it can lead to social anxiety, avoid social situations, and low self-esteem. Patients may feel embarrassed about their appearance because they feel seen as “weird” by other people, for that reason empathy is so important, it can change the perspective of lymphedema patients making them feel listened, seen (but in a good way), and understood.
Life quality
Lymphedema carries a high emotional burden for those who live with this condition. Patients often have lower scores in emotional well-being assessments compared to those without lymphedema. They have limitations due to physical symptoms such as pain, stiffness or heaviness; they feel different from other people without the condition and sometimes feel isolated. All together reduce their quality of life and also daily physical routine.
Lack of support
Many patients express frustration regarding the lack of support from healthcare professionals in managing their condition; they would like to have more information first hand about how to deal with symptoms and get more information about the condition. This perceived lack of understanding can intensify feelings of anger and despair.
Anger and disappointment
Feelings like fear, uncertainty, being misunderstood, isolation, lack of family/friends support and financial problems can lead to anger and disappointment.
Emotional Impact of Lymphedema: Where to find on-line support?
There are different types of organizations, charities and support groups that may help you find the information, professionals and fellows to get advice and share experiences with. Some of them are:
https://www.lympho.org/index.php
https://www.medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk/
https://www.nationalvoices.org.uk/member/lymphoedema-support-network/
In short
The emotional impact of lymphedema is profound and multifaceted, affecting not only psychological health but also social interactions, economy and overall quality of life. Addressing these emotional challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes psychological support, education about the condition, and improved communication from healthcare providers, family and friends. Enhanced awareness and research into the psychosocial aspects of lymphedema are essential for developing effective interventions that can help patients cope better with their condition. For these reasons it´s key to be surrounded by your loved ones, get professional assistance (psychologist or psychiatric) and feel comfortable with your health care providers. You are not alone, if you need advice please contact me, I´m always glad to help!
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462388919301887
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959804910007367
https://myjourney.org.au/article/25430
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38837503/
