North Essex Lymphoedema Service
Who are NELS?
The North Essex Lymphoedema Service (NELS) was set up in 2008, in conjunction with St Helena Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, to meet the needs of patients diagnosed with lymphoedema following cancer and its treatment. NELS operates out of St Helena Hospice and holds clinics in Clacton and Colchester.
How do I access NELS?
You can refer yourself by contacting the team direct, be referred by your GP, Cancer Nurse Specialist or any other member of the healthcare team. You can download a referral form by clicking on the link below or call the NELS team on 01206 848168 to request one in the post.
On receipt of a referral we will arrange an initial assessment appointment with you to discuss your lymphoedema and the impact it has on you.
Following your initial assessment, a treatment plan will be discussed and agreed, according to your needs.
Ongoing support is offered together with regular review appointments to monitor your
lymphoedema.
Who can access NELS?
Currently NELS is available to anyone who has developed lymphoedema as a result of cancer and its treatment.
While we are not able to treat people with non-cancer secondary lymphoedema or with primary lymphoedema, we are able to offer advice and the North Essex Lymphoedema Support Group is open to all.
What is Lymphoedema?
This is the term used to describe chronic swelling that can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly affects the limbs. Lymphoedema can happen to anyone, at anytime, even years after surgery or treatment.
Lymphoedema is incurable but with appropriate treatment and commitment from the patient, it can be effectively managed. If the lymphoedema is left untreated it can worsen and other symptoms such as skin changes and repeated infections can occur making the condition far more difficult to manage.
A little about the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that transports excess fluid from tissues into the blood system. It also contains cells which fight infection (lymphocytes) and helps to eliminate waste products such as chemicals and dead cells.
The fluid (lymph) is carried along a network of lymphatic vessels and filtered through the lymph nodes before entering the blood. If the lymph nodes or vessels are damaged, then they may no longer function properly and be unable to drain the lymph fluid from that part of the body. This can lead to a build up of fluid/swelling which is called lymphoedema.
What causes Lymphoedema?
There are two main types of lymphoedema:
Primary Lymphoedema can be present at birth, develop during childhood or as an adult and is due to an abnormal or an underdeveloped lymphatic system.
Secondary Lymphoedema may be caused by damage to, or a blockage of the lymphatic system due to an outside source such as surgery, removal of lymph nodes, radiotherapy, cancer itself, or due to a severe infection.
How can lymphoedema be managed?
There are two phases to the treatment and management of lymphoedema:
Phase 1 – Intensive – if appropriate, this may consist of 3 weeks of Complex Decongestive Therapy which involves daily treatments of a specialised form of massage (Manual Lymphatic Drainage - MLD) followed up by Multi Layer Lymphoedema Bandaging (MLLB) of the swollen limb.
Phase 2 – Maintenance – this includes ongoing regular reviews and the measuring and fitting of compression garments such as stockings and sleeves.
The team offer practical support and advice, they encourage and provide training on self-managing your lymphoedema. This includes advice on skincare, exercise, a method of self massage known as Simple Lymphatic Drainage and, if appropriate, using a specialised type of tape known as Kinesio Tape which can help with lymphatic drainage.
North Essex Lymphoedema Support Group
The Support Group is run by users of the service and is open to all people with lymphoedema who live in North Essex.
The group meets bimonthly on Wednesdays at a central location and aims to provide a means of support and information for all those affected by lymphoedema.
Support Group Contact
Linda McFadden
t: 01206 241338
e: lindamcfadden203@btinternet.com
e: lindamcfadden203@btinternet.com
How to contact NELS North Essex Lymphoedema Service,
St Helena Hospice,
Barncroft Close,
Colchester,
CO4 9JU.
t : 01206 848168
f : 01206 752245
NELS are funded and supported by:
