Tamryn Riemann, Occupational Therapy

12/03/2023

19/02/2022

South Africa supports world lymphoedema day!!

Get ready for World Lymphedema Day! See the map of events, watch the video, and get involved! https://mailchi.mp/lymphaticnetwork/2022-wld-1047052

26/01/2022

Facebook reminded me that 8years ago today, I became a qualified wound care practioner through IIWCC. In January, 9 years ago, I sat in a room full of doctors and nurses at the start of the journey. I was overwhelmed and felt out of place being the only OT/Lymph therapist and the coursework was beyond me. But I put my head down and became the first OT in South Africa to receive the qualification and managed to grab a podium placement for my research component. The course, as far as I know, has not been run in South Africa again- now mostly in other countries, but I hope there is now more representation of OTs and in particular lymph therapists. The link between the lymphatics and wound care is one that can’t be ignored. The picture shows another positve gained from the course- a good friend made who keeps fighting the wound care fight in Mauritius.

13/01/2022

This is how it’s done!

28/12/2021

25/11/2021

24/11/2021

This looks interesting!

MARVELLOUS NEWS FOR LIPOEDEMA PATIENTS

We at lipoedema Australia are feeling validated, excited and emotional after the release of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) on lipoedema.

To read that the research found our experience of lipoedema is legitimate and lipoedema fat IS NOT the same as obesity is affirming.

The team found that not only do lipoedema fat cells differ from normal fat cells in almost every way, they don't function like normal fat cells and grow at an unrestricted rate. The research offers so much hope for the future.

To dream of a cure for lipoedema has always seemed frivolous, but now possible.
Not today or tomorrow but in the future.

Lipoedema Australia has been involved with this right from the embryo stage, talking with Professor Ramin Shayan and Dr Tara Karnezis about lipoedema.
Ramin had just been appointed director of the O’Brien Research Institute (now part of SVI) and he was very empathetic and keen to become involved in research in this field. Soon after our 2016 National Conference an anonymous donor came forward and thus started the first steps.

We were involved in all the stages, advocating for patients and families to be involved, providing fat samples and DNA samples, assisting with DNA sample days and raising funds, we have been there. Everyone who participated should feel so proud today that they have done something for all women with lipoedema and for their family.
You can read the article here
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-021-01002-1

Why are we so over the moon about the announcement?
It will ultimately mean a cure - we believe!
This will also help towards Medicare – it will aid in our application

So instead of a cuppa coffee next week, give thanks to the main researchers here in Australia, Tara, Musarat and Ramin. Please donate the equivalent amount of money for a cup of coffee so that the next phase of the lipoedema research can commence.
You will be making a difference for yourself, your family, future generations, and lipoedema sisters around the globe so that we all can live a better life. You can donate here
https://www.svi.edu.au/support/donate.
Please ensure you List LIPOEDEMA as the Disease focus

12/11/2021

Breast cancer therapies are most effective when the cancer remains in the breast tissue, but once it spreads (or metastasises), it becomes more challenging to control. As such, it is important to identify the ways in which cancer cells can move around the body.

03/11/2021

Lymphoedema is still not well known and very often not spoken about. Here is a good network to help with the journey.

Those living with lymphoedema or providing support to people with lymphoedema are invited to this event to grow their knowledge & awareness.

11/10/2021

Lymphoedema may not have a cure, but it can be prevented. Wearing compression as part of breast cancer recovery can prevent this debilitating condition from ...

05/10/2021

Lymphedema Can't ruin your survivorship. Fighting breast cancer is grueling for the body and mind of patients, survivors, and those who are newly diagnosed. Lymphedema is a devastating side effect of treatment that can mean another battle to fight.

VIEW RESOURCES HERE: https://www.impedimed.com/patients/preventing-lymphedema/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=patient_lymphedema_cant&utm_campaign-id=&utm_term=&utm_content=text-link_get-tested