Hello! Perhaps you have noticed it has been several weeks since our HDD blog was released. Without specific details, a family member underwent surgery that involved minor complications, hence the blog delay. All is well and there is nothing amiss. As a result of the glitches, I learned a few things.
POST SURGERY
After surgery, some abnormal swelling persisted. Simply explained, the lymphatic system seemed to be compromised. Having little understanding of how the lymphatic system works, I did some research. I learned the lymph system is truly the foundation behind health from the inside out.
LYMPH FOR DUMMIES
Although I found myriad technical explanations for how the lymph system works, an AI overview simplified it. Think of the lymphatic system like a sanitation system in your body. Lymph is a watery fluid that contains white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymph vessels are like streets and alleys that collect waste (lymph fluid.) The lymph nodes are small bean shaped organs located along the lymph vessels throughout the body that filter lymph fluid. They are filters that clean the waste before it is returned to the main road, which is the bloodstream, and eventually eliminated through urine, feces, or exhalation depending on the waste content. There is actually twice as much lymph fluid than blood in the body!
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Simply put, the lymphatic system keeps fluid levels in your body balanced, helps your body fight off infection and supports the immune system. When the lymph system is congested, it leads to buildup of fluid in the tissues causing swelling.
JUST TO NAME A FEW…
How do you tell if you have a clogged or sluggish lymphatic system? It can manifest itself in several ways including but not limited to swelling, puffy eyes, fatigue, brain fog, cellulite, overweight, swollen glands, muscle stiffness, headaches, food allergies, anemia, G/I disturbances, acne/skin disorders, and mood swings. Do your homework if these symptoms sound familiar.
WHO KNEW?
The lymphatic system isn’t a subject that generally come up in conversation unless it affects your or yours. Beyondthebite4life.com reports that the blockage can be managed with compression therapy, massage, manual lymphatic drainage by either yourself or a lymphatic massage therapist, physical therapy and exercises (including rebounding/mini trampoline), deep diaphragmatic breathing, improved diet and proper hydration. These can all increase lymphatic function a great deal. It goes on to say, “Get your lymph moving and get your life back.” Of course all these recommendations must come from your health care provider.
ULTRASOUND?
In our situation, the surgeon recommended having diagnostic ultrasound to check and measure pockets of fluid (seromas) as well as looking at the lymph nodes. It proved to be a valuable tool in assessing the current situation as well as further treatment.
HDD
In summary, ultrasound can be useful to differentiate between normal and abnormal in the abdomen, cardiac/vascular system, musculoskeletal system, breast and neck just to name a few. Call us at 505-350-3397 if your healthcare provider determines diagnostic ultrasound is indicated.