What the average life span for someone with lymphedema?

{{don't give me you sites or support groups}}

Greetings, well since you are asking it sounds like you want to learn more about lymphedema so a support group or website would be the most helpful. For the most part, people with lymphedema have normal life spans IF they are compliant with therapy and avoid life threatening infections called cellulitis which are staph or strep infections in the soft tissues. We have stagnant fluid in there and any cut, bug bite, bee sting, papercut, cat scratch, ect can be dangerous in regard to the infection.

If your lymphedema is caused by cancer and the cancer is not curable then the diagnosis of type of cancer it was would be the life span.

No sites or support groups huh? Then how can we help you? BC survivor? You'll die of BC before you'll die of lymph-edema. The pain will put you down real quick, though! Good luck, cannot help you.

my grama had it for probly 40 years but its not why she died

Lymphoedema is swelling of tissues due to the accumulation of lymph(the watery fluid between tissue cells.) Lymphoedema of an area of the body is caused by the blockage or removal of its draining lymph vessels or lymph glands, & is most likely to affect a limb or, ocassionally, the scrotum. Causes include the blockage of lymph drainage by Filariasis; by Lymphogranuloma venereum, or most commonly by the spread of cancer, destruction by radiotherapy, or removal of groin or armpit lymph glands in cancer treatment. Lymphoedema may on rare ocassions result from congenital defects in the lymph drainage system. Servere sweeling of the affected area(the only symptom)compresses any unaffected lymph vessels, worsening the condition. Tissues affected by lymphoedema become more liable to inflamation & infections.
There is no cure for lymphoedema. It is treated by elevating & compressing the affected part while the patient is in bed; a firm elastic support is worn when out of bed. Massage & special exercises usually help, & skin care to prevent drying, chapping & injury reduces the risk of infection & improves skin condition. As for life expectancy, it is not known. Sorry, but I hope this has at least helped.