TY  - INPR
T1  - Combining different compression approaches to achieve quality of life
T5  - Poster presented at EWMA 2018
LA  - English
AU  - Whitaker, Justine C
AB  - Aim: 
Improving Quality of life should be paramount to every patient’s care-pathway. Many quantitative tools are available but rarely capture the individuals true goal. Individual goal setting however difficult to achieve, should always be considered. A selection of compression devices available and applied in a novel way were adapted to improve one lady’s quality of life and achieve her goal.

Method: 
A 48-year-old lady with unilateral lymphoedema of her left leg, secondary to surgery for endometriosis was referred for Decongestive Lymphoedema Treatment (DLT). DLT consisted of compression bandaging using a foam roll and cohesive inelastic bandages* and lymphatic drainage using a hand-held negative pressure device**, for 6 sessions over 10 days. Following DLT a class IV flat-knit compression stocking was fitted with a below-knee velcro wrap system over the top of the stocking to prevent ‘rebound’ oedema. Individual aims were set by the patient – to ride her horse again.

Results / Discussion: 
Limb volumes reduced following DLT and maintained with monthly lymph drainage, compression stocking and velcro wrap system. Sub-bandage pressures were measured to indicate pressure and stiffness of combined treatment.

Conclusion: 
Combining existing products available on the market to achieve known pressures from scientific research has resulted in preventing rebound oedema post DLT. Most importantly the patient’s individual goals were achieved and she can ride her horse again. This is possible by understanding the tissue density, material properties and the combined prescription of compression used, without causing physical and functional restriction.
CY  - Krakow, Poland
Y2  - 1525816800
KW  - ReadyWrap™
ER  -