Does LE cause higher levels of protien in blood?

[Sillycowgirl]

hello,
I've had LE since I was fourteen, I am now 34. I started MLD treatments in fall of 2006. After 5 months the swelling decreased significantly. Thanks to the stockings and the pump, I have been successful at maintaining the loss of edema. Unfortunately, I had a mild stroke in August. Although I was put through a battery of tests, no cause was found. The doctors thought it could have been due to birth control. However, I suspect it could have been related to the treatment. I wonder if there are others within the lymphedema community who have experienced strokes or TIA's. Has anyone had a problem with a protien disorder in the blood?
Thanks

[Marguerite]

Protein is an issue for those of us with lymphedema; however, this is not because of protein in the blood. This is my understanding of how it works.

The fluid part of blood (plasma) delivers nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body. This happens when some of the plasma leaves through the capillary walls and flows over the tissues to deliver these essential nutrients (which include some protein).

After the delivery has been completed, 90% of this fluid returns to the capillaries and becomes part of the bloodstream again.

The remaining 10% of that fluid stays within the tissues as lymph. The role of lymph is to collect cellular debris including protein molecules and any bacteria that are present. (This is the only way that these protein molecules can return to the bloodstream.)

Normally as the lymph flows it is filtered by lymph nodes and it eventually returns to the bloodstream and becomes plasma again.

When lymphedema prevents this normal cleaning up process, the protein molecules stay in the tissues and create a protein-rich fluid that bacteria thrive on. This is why individuals with lymphedema often get infections in the affected area.

Not eating normal quantities of protein does not help the situation -- instead it makes things worse.

Since this is how the "system works" it is unlikely that protein in the bloodstream is caused by lymphedema treatment. In fact, this treatment stimulates the lymph flow and reduces the chances of infection.

Wow, this is long and I hope it helps.

Marguerite

P.S. I hope you are recovering well from the stroke.

[Sillycowgirl]

Thank you for your help. I will have to continue the tests to find the cause. I'm glad to hear it's probably not related to the treatment. It may be the only way I have to reduce the swelling.
Thanks again...