PhysioPod Review of The National Lymphoedema Framework Ireland (NLFI) and Dr Vodder School Ireland (DVSI) Open Day - September 2022

Our short Ryanair flight from Birmingham to Cork, on the Friday, was delayed by an hour, meaning that instead of getting our keys and heading up to the room to freshen up before stand set up; we had no time to spare and had to dash, with all our luggage, to locate the Grand Ballroom. With the assistance of a charming porter at The Cork International Airport Hotel, and the welcoming team, we were shown to a well-chosen spot by the window to set up.

Exhibitor stands were positioned at the back and sides of the delegate seating area and the stage, allowing all company representatives to listen in to the talks, without having to leave their stand and take items of value with them. A thoughtful gesture of the organisers and very much appreciated. Meadbh Mac Sweeney, NLFI Board Member & Director DVSI also made a huge point of introducing all of the exhibitors to the delegates, especially those of us who had travelled from overseas to be there.

 

At PhysioPod, we are continually researching all things Lymphoedema and Lipoedema, in order to share and empower therapists and patients with new knowledge. So to be 'in' the conference was excellent.  All of the other sponsors at the event were friendly too.

 

 

We quickly put up our banner, arranged our information, which included Deep Oscillation, Magcell PEMF device for CIPN (now being trialled at the Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC) and with the prior approval of Sharie Fetzer, Chair of Lipoedema UK, displayed some of their high quality information
 
Whilst setting up, we had the pleasure of meeting Neil Spence of Sandbourne Medical Ltd UK-based Medical Technology Distribution Specialists from our hometown of Nottingham, literally neighbours of ours! Neil was there to exhibit Impedimed SOZO™ technology, which is bio-impedance spectroscopy for monitoring Lymphoedema, fluid changes and body composition (i.e. muscle and fat mass) measurements.  There is a current collaborative research study underway between the Bon Secours Hospital Cork  UCC & The Lymph Clinic, entitled ‘The Value of Prospective Surveillance for Cancer-Related Lymphoedema.’ This was the study which won Best Scientific Poster at the last ILF Connference in Copenhagen.  Neil was a jolly nice chap, who will in December, write a little something for the PhysioPod newsmagazine about this technology.

On the Friday evening, there was a small lipoedema Q&A event with Prof Peter Mortimer and we look forward to seeing future events in support of ladies with Lipoedema in Ireland. To list all of the topics covered in the Q&A would be too comprehensive for this review.  So for more detailed information and recommendations, please take a look at this excellent document

It's 12 years since Julie and I began attending Lipoedema meetings in the UK.  Events where we were made to feel very welcome and we witnessed at each of these events, the camaraderie, amongst the ladies and their partners (where they had attended).
 
In the UK, we have several excellent groups: Lipoedema UK Talk Lipoedema. and Lipoedema Ladies.  Lipoedema potentially affects 260,000 female born sufferers in Ireland (HSE Ireland).  PhysioPod look forward to being a positive support to them as the group evolves.