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  • Sandi-1-small.jpg Sunshine Coast Lymphoedema Clinic

    Lymphoedema Sunshine Coast Care, Treatment, Advice and Lymphoedema Support for the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia

    SUNSHINE COAST LYMPHOEDEMA CLINIC PROFILE 

    Sandi Waddell is a registered nurse who specialises in Lymphoedema treatment on the Sunshine Coast.  In 2002 she opened the first Clinic on the Coast which specialised in treating Lymphoedema. Sandi has over 30 years of Nursing experience and is the Lymphoedema clinic's consultant.  In 2000 she travelled to Adelaide and completed Judith Casley-Smiths’ Lymphoedema course. Whilst in Adelaide she also observed trials of the  riancorp Low Level Laser that was used at Flinders University under the supervision of Professor Neil Pillar. Here, a double blind trial demonstated that the Riancorp Laser is beneficial in treating Lymphoedema. She was convinced that the laser was an important tool in treating Lymphoedema and has had sucess in softening scars and hard fibrotic areas.

    To extend the range of treatment options the clinic could provide, Sandi completed several courses relating to Lymphoedema. These courses included Remedial Massage and Reflexology and obtained Certificate 1V in Hydrotherapy and Remedial massage. She also completed a Kinesiotaping Instructors Course in 2004 and is convinced that kinesiotape is a wonderful treatment for Lymphoedema.

    CLINIC GOALS

  • Educate and teach skills, which allow clients to manage and control their Lymphoedema . Education of Client and Carer is considered essential and is included in all treatments.
  • Provide help with Lymph drainage. Following surgery, help may be needed with lymph drainage. We can provide support, information and guidance so each client can establish a suitable management technique.
  • Develop a package of care.  Full measurement assessement including XCA Impedimed check, advice on skin care,
  • Develop a personal Management Strategy. For those who have lived with the condition for some time, we provide help in establishing a management strategy.
  • Promote awarenes of Lymphoedema. We work to promote awareness of the issues relating to Lymphoedema, with both Health Professionals and the general public. As equipment for lymphoedema becomes available we test and evaluate new techniques and purchase equipment if affective.

     

    WHAT IS LYMPHOEDEMA?

    Lymphoedema is a swelling of the tissues of the arms or legs and sometimes other parts of the body. It occurs because the very small vessels called the lymphatic system have been damaged or destroyed .A number of people experience the condition because their lymph system was not well formed at birth. The condition involves a build-up of lymph fluid in the tissue, which can affect the normal activities of daily living. Massage can assist the drainage of lymph fluids and reduce symptoms.

    There are two types of Lymphodema:-

      Primary, resulting from insufficient lymph nodes formed before birth; babies can be born with large feet or legs, or it can occur during adolescence or can become noticeable around the age of 30.
    Secondary, this occurs because of damage to the lymphatic system following surgery, radiation, infection or some other event. The condition can be triggered by an event such as a Mosquito Bite or Air Travel. This can happen at any time up to 15-20 years after having Surgery.

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  • WHAT IS LIPOEDEMA?
    • SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

             Lipoedema is a chronic disorder/disease, usually in women that involves both legs in a similar distribution of fatty tissue. It is a genetic condition - usually people remember an aunt or mother with "big legs"  

    Losing weight has little affect, the upper body can be of near normal weight, but if weight is a problem it can then lead onto Lymphoedema. Its often confined to above the ankles to the upper thighs, and doesn't include the feet. It has a distinctive "dimpled" feel to the skin and can be painful to touch and the skin bruises easily. 

    Treatment is similar to lymphoedema, liposuction and endermology has been shown to be effective.    Unforunately these are expensive treatments and not a lot is known about the condition of Lipoedema 

     

  • Lymphoedema is usually progressive, with a feeling of " heaviness to the limb " and some pain. Patients often experience tightness or fullness under the arm and armpit. A feeling of " Pins and Needles " and numbness may be present. If the lymphoedema has been a problem for some time, the limb may be larger and it will be harder. This hardness develops as the lymph fluid is replaced by fibrotic tissue. Recognising early symptoms and knowing what events may trigger the onset, is invaluable when learning to manage the condition.

     

    TREATMENT- MANAGEMENT

    The earlier the condition is recognised the better the outcome.  Our Lymphoedema Clinic provides treatment, including bandaging if required, teaching massage techniques to client and carer and provides advice for appropriate nutritional and lifestyle changes.  Each client is taught to manage the condition using exercises, massage techniques and skin care.  Wearing of compression sleeves or stockings can also help manage the symptoms.  Lymphoedema can be controlled and the knowledge of the condition is an important part of treatment. 

    • Sandi was involved in a trial over three months, at the Mater Hospital Brisbane with the Riancorp therapeutic low-level laser. This trial showed that this laser is beneficial in softening scar tissue and fibrosis. It can also increase lymphatic flow in an area. At her clinic, Sandi uses this laser in conjunction with massage.  

    • Sandi also uses reflexology, and some other remedial techniques using the G5 massage machine which is beneficial in softening hard fibrosed areas.                                                                                         

    • Kinesiotaping is a new method of treating Lymphoedema and can be used as an alternative to wearing a compression garment, it is cut in a special way to help in drainage of lymph fluid. Because of the tapes' unique ability to stretch and lift the skin it allows lymph fluid to move more freely and aids lymphatic drainage; the tape is easy to apply and economical. Kinesiotaping can be used while waiting for a compression garment or in hot weather as a substitute for garments. Clients are taught how to apply the tape and find it comfortable and effective. The tape can stay on for 4-5 days and is removed following showering.  
    • Hydrotherapy and Bandaging is used together with accurate measurement for fitting of compression sleeves or stockings. These can be purchased through the clinic at a reasonable cost. 
    •    Accommodation is availlable at reasonable cost if required, pool, spa and tennis also availlable.         

    A Bioimpedance  Impedimed XCA is used to measure and compare fluid in each arm. This method of measurement has been shown to be many times more sensitive than a simple circumference measurement.

    APPOINTMENTS 

  •  Clinic open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, afternoons from1pm

  •  Tuesday and friday 8am - 5pm.                        

  •  Other times available by arrangement

  •  For appointments Phone Sandi on 07 5446 7789 Mobile 0428 135 878 

    E-mail aswaddell@optusnet.com.au

  • The Consultation fees:- Initial Visit including information pack $60.00 Subsequent visits are $55.00 and include reflexology, $5.00 extra for kinesiotaping.

  • Special rates for pensioners and health care card holders. Bandaging requires extra time and costs a little more. Member ATMS QSMI and ALA. Rebates from most health funds.

     

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    1568 Nambour North Connection Road Yandina, Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia. Phone Sandi on 07 5446 7789 Mobile 0428 135878

    Comments and letters from Clients used with their permission

    Letter from Mabs aged 88

    In 1959 I had a radical mastectomy of my left breast, resulting in svere scarring of the chest wall.  I was 40 years old at the time. 21 days of radiation followed.  Within 12 months I had developed lymphoedema of my left arm. As there was no treatment availlable at the time the swelling increased dramatically. Over the past 30 years I have investigated known practises and had various treatments without success. Many medical practitioners have told me nothing could be done. My arm continued to swell & a few years ago became very large with loss of function of my arm. Most daily tasks were virtually impossible.

    I began therapy with Sandi Waddell in April  2007 and after having only 7 treatments my arm and fingers has reduced to half the size it was, making my life far easier for me I can't thank Sandi enough for her care ande expertise.  [Mabs has contiued with 3rd weekly maintainance visits & wears a compression glove & sleeve which has kept the measurements stable.]

    Letter from Diane   [Sandi used kinesiotape on her legs, letter after 2 weeks of taping] 27/1/08

    Just needed to let you know that my legs are of those of a new woman. My calves are pinchable, my ankles more flexible & I feel a spring in my step which is novel for me. The buildup of fluid was so insidious over the undiagnosed years that massage was only releasing the highest pressure, the tape seems to draining unreached depths, knees & ankles feel much looser. THANKYOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY FEET FOR KINESIOTAPE. Highest Regards Diane

    Letter from Rodney 15/1/08

    It has been a great load off my mind to finally come in contact with Sandi. Over the past 40 years I have seen numerous doctors and specialists who have really never given me any practical advice or information on people who could help me with my condition. Sandi's expertise and wealth of knowledge has been very reasurring in giving me the confidence in being able to manage my condition in my foot and leg. I am just starting treatment but already notice a marked improvement with my l/o.

    Letter from Casey

    Sandi has been a great support over the last couple of years. Her massage and laser treatment help in controlling lymphoedema. I have had no more infections in my leg & feel so much better when I leave until my next visit.  I try to come every 3 weeks. 
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