Showing posts with label sadness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sadness. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2013
time flies..
the saying "time fly's when you're having fun" is so true.
especially for us this week. Our big girl has just completed her second day of Kindergarden/Pre Primary or what ever you may call it. I honestly can't believe this the has finally come! Where did the last 4 years of my life, my tiny babies life go? I don't want to blink to fast because before I know it age will be starting High school [wow! That sent shivers down my spine].
Her first day was a blur for both her and I, we were so tired. But today as soon as she got off the bus [yep she goes on the "big girl bus" on her own] she immediately started chatting my ear off about all the things she got up to today, she even told me who her new friends where. I wanted to cry!!
Well good night my friends we shall speak again soon [i may even upload a few pics] ;)
Amanda <3.
P.S My wound on the bottom of my left foot has FINALLY healed!! [party time?!] nurses are really happy with my progress which makes me very happy. It means I can finally be fitted for proper bandages/wrapping garment. Once I have the appointment I will be taking photo's.
Friday, September 28, 2012
lymphedema.
Is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
Tissues with lymphedema are at risk of infection.
Lymphedema affects approximately 140 million people worldwide
Lymphedema may be inherited (primary) or caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels (secondary). It is most frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which damage to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of cancer, most notably breast cancer.
associated with accidents or certain diseases or problems that may inhibit the lymphatic system from functioning properly.
The diagnosis or early detection of lymphedema is difficult. The first signs may be subjective observations such as "my arm feels heavy" or "I have difficulty these days getting rings on and off my fingers". These may be symptomatic of early stage of lymphoedema where accumulation of lymph is mild and not detectable by any difference in arm volume or circumference.
Stages
Stage 0 (latent): The lymphatic vessels have sustained some damage which is not yet apparent. Transport capacity is still sufficient for the amount of lymph being removed. Lymphedema is not present.
Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible): Tissue is still at the "non- pitting" stage: when pressed by the fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation. Usually upon waking in the morning, the limb or affected area is normal or almost normal in size.
Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible): The tissue now has a spongy consistency and is considered "pitting": when pressed by the fingertips, the affected area indents and holds the indentation. Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.
Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis): At this stage, the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) or affected area is very large. The tissue is hard (fibrotic) and unresponsive; some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery, called "debulking". This remains controversial, however, since the risks may outweigh the benefits, and the further damage done to the lymphatic system may in fact make the lymphedema worse.
Grades
Lymphedema can also be categorized by its severity (usually referenced to a healthy extremity):[citation needed]
Grade 1 (mild edema): Lymphedema involves the distal parts such as a forearm and hand or a lower leg and foot. The difference in circumference is less than 4 centimeters, and other tissue changes are not yet present.
Grade 2 (moderate edema): Lymphedema involves an entire limb or corresponding quadrant of the trunk. Difference in circumference is more than 4 but less than 6 centimeters. Tissue changes, such as pitting, are apparent. The patient may experience erysipelas.
Grade 3a (severe edema): Lymphedema is present in one limb and its associated trunk quadrant. The difference in circumference is greater than 6 centimeters. Significant skin alterations, such as cornification or keratosis, cysts and/or fistulae, are present. Additionally, the patient may experience repeated attacks of erysipelas.
Grade 3b (massive edema): The same symptoms as grade 3a, except two or more extremities are affected.
Grade 4 (gigantic edema): Also known as elephantiasis, in this stage of lymphedema, the affected extremities are huge due to almost complete blockage of the lymph channels. Elephantiasis may also affect the head and face.
Treatment
Treatment for lymphedema varies depending on the severity of the edema and the degree of fibrosis of the affected limb. Most people with lymphedema follow a daily regimen of treatment as suggested by their physician or certified lymphedema therapist. The most common treatments for lymphedema are a combination of manual compression lymphatic massage, compression garments or bandaging. Complex decongestive physiotherapy is an empiric system of lymphatic massage, skin care, and compressive garments. Although a combination treatment program may be ideal, any of the treatments can be done individually.
Compression
[edit]Garments
Elastic compression garments are worn by persons with lymphedema on the affected limb following complete decongestive therapy to maintain edema reduction. Depending on the therapist's discretion, a compression garment may be custom-fit or purchased in over-the-counter, standard sizes. Compression garments are meant to be worn every day to maintain edema reduction and must be replaced on a regular basis. Support garments may be the only Garment of Choice for patients with Scrotal edema.
[edit]Bandaging or wrapping
Compression bandaging, also called wrapping, is the application of several layers of padding and short-stretch bandages to the involved areas. Short-stretch bandages are preferred over long-stretch bandages (such as those normally used to treat sprains), as the long-stretch bandages cannot produce the proper therapeutic tension necessary to safely reduce lymphedema and may in fact end up producing a tourniquet effect. During activity, whether exercise or daily activities, the short-stretch bandages enhance the pumping action of the lymph vessels by providing increased resistance for them to push against. This encourages lymphatic flow and helps to soften fluid-swollen areas.
[edit]Sequential gradient pump therapy
Compression pump technology utilizes a multi-chambered pneumatic sleeve with overlapping cells to promote movement of lymph fluid. Pump therapy may be used in addition to other treatments such as compression bandaging and manual lymph drainage. In many cases, pump therapy may help soften fibrotic tissue and therefore potentially enable more efficient lymphatic drainage. Sequential pump therapy may also be used as a home treatment method, usually as part of a regimen also involving compression garments or wrapping.
A Stanford University medical study showed that patients receiving the combined modalities of MLD/CDT and pneumatic pumping had a greater overall reduction in limb volume than patients receiving only MLD/CDT.[14] However, some therapists have begun to raise concern that compression pumps can cause genital swelling when used on persons with leg lymphedema.
Surgical treatments for lymphedema
Several effective surgical procedures exist to provide long-term solutions for patients who suffer from lymphedema. Prior to any lymphedema surgery, patients typically have been treated by a physical therapist trained in providing lymphedema treatment for initial conservative treatment of their lymphedema. Complete decompression therapy (CDT), manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging are all helpful components of conservative lymphedema treatment.
Lymphatic vessel grafting
With the possibilities of advanced microsurgical techniques lymphvessel can be sutured and used as grafts, a technique which is well known in vascular surgery. Locally interrupted or obstructed lymphatic pathway, mostly after resection of lymph nodes, can be reconstructed by a bypass using lymphatic vessels. These vessels are specialized to drain lymph by active pumping forces. These grafts are connected with main lymphatic collectors in front and behind the obstruction. The technique is mostly used in armedemas after treatment of mammary carcinomas and in unilateral edemas of lower extremities after resection of lymphnodes and radiation. The method was developed experimentally at the Institute of Experimental Surgery, the Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich. It was introduced as treatment in 1980 by Prof. Ruediger Baumeister[16].
The method is proved to be effective[17]. Follow up studies showed significant reduction of volume of the extremities even 10 years after surgery[18].
The patients, who had been previously treated with both MLD and compression therapy, gained significant improvements in quality of life after being treated with lymphatic vessel grafting[19]. Lymphoscintigraphic investigations at the Clinic of Nuclear Medicine at LMU showed a lasting enhancement of lymphatic transport after grafting[20].
The patency of lymphatic grafts have been demonstrated by the Institute for Clinical Radiology after more than 12 years, using indirect lymphography and MRI lymphography.
Tissues with lymphedema are at risk of infection.
Lymphedema affects approximately 140 million people worldwide
Lymphedema may be inherited (primary) or caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels (secondary). It is most frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which damage to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of cancer, most notably breast cancer.
associated with accidents or certain diseases or problems that may inhibit the lymphatic system from functioning properly.
The diagnosis or early detection of lymphedema is difficult. The first signs may be subjective observations such as "my arm feels heavy" or "I have difficulty these days getting rings on and off my fingers". These may be symptomatic of early stage of lymphoedema where accumulation of lymph is mild and not detectable by any difference in arm volume or circumference.
Stages
Stage 0 (latent): The lymphatic vessels have sustained some damage which is not yet apparent. Transport capacity is still sufficient for the amount of lymph being removed. Lymphedema is not present.
Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible): Tissue is still at the "non- pitting" stage: when pressed by the fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation. Usually upon waking in the morning, the limb or affected area is normal or almost normal in size.
Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible): The tissue now has a spongy consistency and is considered "pitting": when pressed by the fingertips, the affected area indents and holds the indentation. Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.
Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis): At this stage, the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) or affected area is very large. The tissue is hard (fibrotic) and unresponsive; some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery, called "debulking". This remains controversial, however, since the risks may outweigh the benefits, and the further damage done to the lymphatic system may in fact make the lymphedema worse.
Grades
Lymphedema can also be categorized by its severity (usually referenced to a healthy extremity):[citation needed]
Grade 1 (mild edema): Lymphedema involves the distal parts such as a forearm and hand or a lower leg and foot. The difference in circumference is less than 4 centimeters, and other tissue changes are not yet present.
Grade 2 (moderate edema): Lymphedema involves an entire limb or corresponding quadrant of the trunk. Difference in circumference is more than 4 but less than 6 centimeters. Tissue changes, such as pitting, are apparent. The patient may experience erysipelas.
Grade 3a (severe edema): Lymphedema is present in one limb and its associated trunk quadrant. The difference in circumference is greater than 6 centimeters. Significant skin alterations, such as cornification or keratosis, cysts and/or fistulae, are present. Additionally, the patient may experience repeated attacks of erysipelas.
Grade 3b (massive edema): The same symptoms as grade 3a, except two or more extremities are affected.
Grade 4 (gigantic edema): Also known as elephantiasis, in this stage of lymphedema, the affected extremities are huge due to almost complete blockage of the lymph channels. Elephantiasis may also affect the head and face.
Treatment
Treatment for lymphedema varies depending on the severity of the edema and the degree of fibrosis of the affected limb. Most people with lymphedema follow a daily regimen of treatment as suggested by their physician or certified lymphedema therapist. The most common treatments for lymphedema are a combination of manual compression lymphatic massage, compression garments or bandaging. Complex decongestive physiotherapy is an empiric system of lymphatic massage, skin care, and compressive garments. Although a combination treatment program may be ideal, any of the treatments can be done individually.
Compression
[edit]Garments
Elastic compression garments are worn by persons with lymphedema on the affected limb following complete decongestive therapy to maintain edema reduction. Depending on the therapist's discretion, a compression garment may be custom-fit or purchased in over-the-counter, standard sizes. Compression garments are meant to be worn every day to maintain edema reduction and must be replaced on a regular basis. Support garments may be the only Garment of Choice for patients with Scrotal edema.
[edit]Bandaging or wrapping
Compression bandaging, also called wrapping, is the application of several layers of padding and short-stretch bandages to the involved areas. Short-stretch bandages are preferred over long-stretch bandages (such as those normally used to treat sprains), as the long-stretch bandages cannot produce the proper therapeutic tension necessary to safely reduce lymphedema and may in fact end up producing a tourniquet effect. During activity, whether exercise or daily activities, the short-stretch bandages enhance the pumping action of the lymph vessels by providing increased resistance for them to push against. This encourages lymphatic flow and helps to soften fluid-swollen areas.
[edit]Sequential gradient pump therapy
Compression pump technology utilizes a multi-chambered pneumatic sleeve with overlapping cells to promote movement of lymph fluid. Pump therapy may be used in addition to other treatments such as compression bandaging and manual lymph drainage. In many cases, pump therapy may help soften fibrotic tissue and therefore potentially enable more efficient lymphatic drainage. Sequential pump therapy may also be used as a home treatment method, usually as part of a regimen also involving compression garments or wrapping.
A Stanford University medical study showed that patients receiving the combined modalities of MLD/CDT and pneumatic pumping had a greater overall reduction in limb volume than patients receiving only MLD/CDT.[14] However, some therapists have begun to raise concern that compression pumps can cause genital swelling when used on persons with leg lymphedema.
Surgical treatments for lymphedema
Several effective surgical procedures exist to provide long-term solutions for patients who suffer from lymphedema. Prior to any lymphedema surgery, patients typically have been treated by a physical therapist trained in providing lymphedema treatment for initial conservative treatment of their lymphedema. Complete decompression therapy (CDT), manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging are all helpful components of conservative lymphedema treatment.
Lymphatic vessel grafting
With the possibilities of advanced microsurgical techniques lymphvessel can be sutured and used as grafts, a technique which is well known in vascular surgery. Locally interrupted or obstructed lymphatic pathway, mostly after resection of lymph nodes, can be reconstructed by a bypass using lymphatic vessels. These vessels are specialized to drain lymph by active pumping forces. These grafts are connected with main lymphatic collectors in front and behind the obstruction. The technique is mostly used in armedemas after treatment of mammary carcinomas and in unilateral edemas of lower extremities after resection of lymphnodes and radiation. The method was developed experimentally at the Institute of Experimental Surgery, the Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich. It was introduced as treatment in 1980 by Prof. Ruediger Baumeister[16].
The method is proved to be effective[17]. Follow up studies showed significant reduction of volume of the extremities even 10 years after surgery[18].
The patients, who had been previously treated with both MLD and compression therapy, gained significant improvements in quality of life after being treated with lymphatic vessel grafting[19]. Lymphoscintigraphic investigations at the Clinic of Nuclear Medicine at LMU showed a lasting enhancement of lymphatic transport after grafting[20].
The patency of lymphatic grafts have been demonstrated by the Institute for Clinical Radiology after more than 12 years, using indirect lymphography and MRI lymphography.
perceptions: Death to a Toddler.
Hello everyone,
There has been a sad little toddler in our home for a few days now :( unfortunately little Memo [the fish] passed away a few nights ago. I really didn't know how to tell/explain it to our little girl. How exactly do you explain death to a child? especially if you and your partner don't believe in god?.
As you may rember last year I lost my dear Nan. Hailee talks about & to her in the sky totally adorable. We sat Hailee down and told her that Memo was sick (which she already knew) & that sometimes when people & pets are sick we can't always help them & they need to go live in the sky to watch over us. Steve finished off my saying "It's ok Nanny Dennison has a pet now" I couldn't help it...I giggled a little.
I'm wondering if this is how YOU would explain death of a person/pet to your kids? What would you do differently?.
Amanda <3
Thursday, September 13, 2012
R U OK?
Hello Everyone,
I want to ask you all a question!
R U OK?.....
Today [13th Sept 2012] is R U OK DAY!! R U OK DAY is a national day of action. It's all about inspiring people to ask each other ‘Are you ok?'. Not just today but everyday!! You never know what people are really feeling without asking...so ring you mother,father, partner, best friend and ask them R U OK?. Even if they are you may feel you are the one who isn't,. Ring your doctor/family member/friends they will listen & help.
IT'S OK TO SAY YOUR NOT OK!!!!!!
You never know you could be saving someone's life! Depression is a sielent killer.. we need to speak up about it!!
My personal experience is still [even after 4 yrs] hard to talk about!
I actually diagnosed myself with it. It all started after the birth of Hailee. Having a baby born so early & staying in NICU for the first 2.5 months of her life is one of the hardest things I had to go through!! I asked hubby to ring my doctor and book an appintment to see him. I told him the first 2 days my baby came home from hospital I spent them in bed crying my eyes out! I did not want to even cuddlier her let alone feed her. 3.5yrs down the track I still have some bad days!!! Living my life honestly you have way more bad then good unfortunately. But I'm dealing and I am glad I didn't take my life because I would miss out on all the wonderful/hard things that come with being a mummy & wife!
I also remember as a teenager [around 16yrs old] I used to tell my Nan "I want to run under a bus!!". I had no real friends, never had a boyfriend & felt so lonely. I never imagined I would have a boyfriend, get married or even have a family! I am so greatful to my Nan and some friends for always being there for me through the tough times...and always asking me R U OK?!
Please always remember there IS someone out there who loves/cares about you & doesn't want to see you upset or god forbit take your life.
R U OK? Website:
http://www.ruokday.com/
Amanda <3
I want to ask you all a question!
R U OK?.....
Today [13th Sept 2012] is R U OK DAY!! R U OK DAY is a national day of action. It's all about inspiring people to ask each other ‘Are you ok?'. Not just today but everyday!! You never know what people are really feeling without asking...so ring you mother,father, partner, best friend and ask them R U OK?. Even if they are you may feel you are the one who isn't,. Ring your doctor/family member/friends they will listen & help.
IT'S OK TO SAY YOUR NOT OK!!!!!!
You never know you could be saving someone's life! Depression is a sielent killer.. we need to speak up about it!!
My personal experience is still [even after 4 yrs] hard to talk about!
I actually diagnosed myself with it. It all started after the birth of Hailee. Having a baby born so early & staying in NICU for the first 2.5 months of her life is one of the hardest things I had to go through!! I asked hubby to ring my doctor and book an appintment to see him. I told him the first 2 days my baby came home from hospital I spent them in bed crying my eyes out! I did not want to even cuddlier her let alone feed her. 3.5yrs down the track I still have some bad days!!! Living my life honestly you have way more bad then good unfortunately. But I'm dealing and I am glad I didn't take my life because I would miss out on all the wonderful/hard things that come with being a mummy & wife!
I also remember as a teenager [around 16yrs old] I used to tell my Nan "I want to run under a bus!!". I had no real friends, never had a boyfriend & felt so lonely. I never imagined I would have a boyfriend, get married or even have a family! I am so greatful to my Nan and some friends for always being there for me through the tough times...and always asking me R U OK?!
Please always remember there IS someone out there who loves/cares about you & doesn't want to see you upset or god forbit take your life.
R U OK? Website:
http://www.ruokday.com/
Amanda <3
Friday, October 7, 2011
Mental Health Week 2011
Hello Everyone.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=104.1379
9-15 October.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental illnesses in Australia!. and anxiety are two of the most common mental illnesses in Australia and it’s important to recognise the symptoms. Educate yourself and your colleagues and friends by sharing beyondblue’s resources on anxiety and depression.
If you think you could be depressed or suffering anxiety attacks please contact the lifeline on; 13 11 14.
I myself suffer from depression and anxiety from time to time. I'm not 100% ready to delve into why I became so depressed. But I'm sure one day I will be able to let you in on my experience.
If you would like to share a part of your story please feel free to leave a comment.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=104.1379
9-15 October.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental illnesses in Australia!. and anxiety are two of the most common mental illnesses in Australia and it’s important to recognise the symptoms. Educate yourself and your colleagues and friends by sharing beyondblue’s resources on anxiety and depression.
If you think you could be depressed or suffering anxiety attacks please contact the lifeline on; 13 11 14.
I myself suffer from depression and anxiety from time to time. I'm not 100% ready to delve into why I became so depressed. But I'm sure one day I will be able to let you in on my experience.
If you would like to share a part of your story please feel free to leave a comment.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Hailee's Birth Story!
Hello Everyone.
It was Saturday 1st November and my mum came around to see how I was feeling, I was 28 weeks and 6 days into my pregnancy. My whole pregnancy I was sick and diagnosed with Hyperemisis Gravadarum (HG) and that day was no different!. But as I was feeling a little better during so I decided I was going to finally pack my hospital bag. Though I was scheduled to have a c-section (for medical reasons) at 35 weeks.
I had no idea what was in store for me in the next 24 hours!!. The next morning Steve (my hubby) and I were about to head to a family BBQ. Unfortunately when I got up I found that we were going to have to spot at the hospital.
At the hospital Pregnancy clinic they checked me and said that the babies head was crowning and there was no was I could have a c-section now, I had to have her naturally. Because I was still early in my pregnancy they had to get a few nurses from NICU in there asap, the NICU professor even came in.
After 20 minutes of pushing, nothing was happening so they decided they would have to find another way to help her out. 3 hours after first coming into the hospital Hailee was born! Steve rang my mum and told her, it was lucky mum was still at the family BBQ so everyone found out at once.
I didn't get to meet my little girl until a few hours later. But she was the most gorgeous, precious Little thing in the whole world!. I feel in love straight away.
Hailee Nicole R.
2nd November
1.2 kg (2.2 pound)
Sunday 3.02pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)