Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Winter 2018

WHEN 18-MONTH-OLD Nia Houzah was born, her mom, Latoya Carlisle, noticed her swollen foot right away. Latoya suspected then that Nia had lymphedema, because she knows what it looks like. Her mom has lymphedema, a chronic condition where excess fluid collects in tissues, causing swelling (edema). “I’ve seen lymphedema at its best and at its worst,” says Latoya. In April 2017, an Atlanta doctor diagnosed Nia with primary lymphedema—a rare, congenital condition. A nurse there wanted to find a therapist closer to Nia’s Jacksonville, Alabama, home. The search led them to Rehabilitation Services at RMC Anniston, where Laura Born, physical therapist, and Winter Triplett, physical therapist assistant, are LANA-certified lymphedema therapists. For four weeks last fall, Nia and her mom visited the Tyler Center one to two times each week for therapy and for Latoya to learn how to continue treatments at home. She became proficient at manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging. Nia’s dad, Anthony Houzah, also participated in the training. “I was absolutely amazed at their knowledge,” reflects Latoya. “They walked me through everything. It was easy breezy!” The lymphedema program at RMC is unique and renowned for its specialized care. Nia’s treatment journey—as a pediatric primary lymphedema patient—is evidence of the specialization and advanced therapies available at RMC Anniston’s Tyler Center. What is lymphedema? Lymphedema occurs when lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. It can be either primary , which is caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system; or, more commonly, secondary , caused by another disease or condition. The lymphatic system has three main functions: draining lymphatic waste, fluids, excess proteins and cancer cells; fighting infection; and absorbing fats. Lymphedema results from a system blockage or insufficiency. Secondary lymphedema can be caused by trauma, infections, severe venous insufficiency, surgery, or removal of or damage to lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment. While there is no cure, lymphedema can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of the affected limb, helping to reduce swelling and pain. The goal of therapy is to help patients manage lymphedema independently and with minimal disruption to their lives. What certification means A certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) has specialized training and knowledge to assess, plan and provide therapy that helps restore or maximize function and improve quality of life. Certification by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) reflects extensive training and proficiency testing with more than 150 hours in written and practical application of learned expertise. With four CLTs at RMC Anniston, the only LANA- certified therapists in east Alabama are here. Lymphedema therapy at its best Laura Born, PT, CLT-LANA, with Nia For more information on RMC lymphedema therapy, call 256-235-5688 or visit rmccares.org/rehabilitation-care . Regional Medical Center 14 LYMPHEDEMA