The Lymphatic system is an intricate one way system that runs throughout the body and is intertwined with the vascular system and the nervous system. The finest lymphatic vessels sit close to the surface of the skin and transport all waste products and excess fluid from the tissues to the deeper more substantial vessels that transport back via nodes by the clavicle into the the circulatory system to the kidneys to be excreted. 

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The Lymphatic system is the immune system of the body, when it collects the fluid from the tissue, it manages the transportation by collecting the fluid at several ports along the way (lymph nodes, situated throughout the body, main groups of lymph nodes will be found in the neck; armpits; groin and stomach) once collected the fluid is then inspected and only allowed to proceed to the next port if it has been cleaned effectively (This is the job of the white blood cells - lymphocytes which fight infections; break down viruses; bacteria and other damaged cells)

 

Lymphoedema is a chronic and progressive condition which affects over 400,000 people, it occurs when the lymphatic system is overwhelmed and is not able to drain the fluid from the tissue effectively.

It is possible to be born with an inaffective lymphatic system, a genetic condition or it may be that the structure of the lymphatic system has been disturbed by one or more of the following:

-Surgery

-Disease progression

-Medication

-Radiotherapy

-Chronic oedema due to vascular insuffeciency

-Obesity

Lymphoedema is a condition that will not go away completely, however it can be managed and hopefully we can reduce the risk of the condition worsening by implementing a daily management plan.

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Lipoedema is a chronic condition which affects the fat cells of the body, the majority of cases are female, it appears to be triggered by a hormone response. it affects the legs, butocks abdomen and in some cases the arms, however the waist, chest, head and neck are spared. The fat cells are malformed, and are not affected by controlled dieting, which can be very frustrating for the individuals managing their condition.

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