Sonja’s Redden is a 16 year member of the BCLA and is the owner of Healing Rivers Physiotherapy in Prince George, BC

What made you join the BCLA? What value has it brought to your practice in the last 16 years?

I joined the BCLA for two reasons. 

1. I wanted to give my support to the BCLA. It is the BCLA’s mandate to help people with lymphedema access appropriate care and to raise awareness about the disease. When I first started my lymphedema therapy practice in 2006 there was very little knowledge about lymphedema in the general population as well as in the medical community. Many of my patients told me how frustrated they were with the medical system before they found my practice, because nobody could help them with their lymphedema. When I heard about the BCLA I wanted to become a member to be part of a stronger voice that advocates for people with lymphedema. 

2. I wanted to part of a community of people and therapists that would help me be informed about relevant issues in all things lymphedema in BC. Working in Prince George, I felt a bit isolated at times as I didn’t know anyone else working in this field in the Northern Health Region. My membership with the BCLA helped me feel connected and part of a network.

What changes have you seen in the last 16 years for dealing with lymphatic disorders?

I feel that we are in a much better spot now in lymphedema awareness in the medical community and even the general population. There is generally an increased interest in learning about lymphedema; there have been several lymphedema education events throughout BC in the past years and I feel people living with lymphedema are starting to experience more support from medical professions. 

Having said this, we are nowhere near where we should be in BC when it comes to making best practice lymphedema care available and accessible for all people who need it. We still have a long way to go in regard to education, funding, and implementing appropriate care models especially for people with more complex lymphedema. 

What therapies have you found help for lymphatic disorders that you use at your clinic?

I use all components of Combined Decongestive Therapy in my clinic, compression for volume reduction and maintenance, exercise, education, and manual lymphatic drainage. I also use lymphatic taping and a deep oscillation therapy device in combination with manual lymphatic drainage. 

The lymphedema treatment that I use most often in my practice is usually a combination of compression therapy, education, and lymphatic exercises. Depending on the patient’s presentation and tolerances, they may also benefit from other treatment components.

I know you have been involved in the Spirit of the North Lymphedema garment fund since fundraising started. What is the criteria for someone applying for a garment?

We are so grateful that we have the lymphedema fund. This fund was created for people with lymphedema and chronic edema who live in the Northern Health Region, who cannot afford to pay for compression out of pocket. 

The funding provided by the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is supported by donors. This requires all other funding sources available to the patient, e.g., extended health, Ministry, Veteran’s Affairs, etc., to be exhausted before making a funding request to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation through their certified lymphedema therapist or certified lymphedema garment fitter.

Have you seen an impact for those dealing with lymphedema being able to access this important fund?

Yes, I have seen it benefit a) seniors on low fixed incomes; b) people who are still in the working force with complex health needs whose extended medical insurance will reimburse them for only a fraction of the compression that is needed per year; and c) people on long-term disability. 

Without the ability to access the lymphedema fund, they would not have been able to afford compression. Access to the fund has given them peace of mind that they can take care of their chronic condition without having to worry about where the money comes from. I in turn have seen that their lymphedema have been well managed without complications for a couple of years now.

Would you recommend a garment fund in other areas of the province?

Absolutely. I have no reason to believe that the need for funding for lymphedema compression is different in other regions of the province. 

Supporting your local or regional Health Care Foundation in implementing a lymphedema fund and volunteering in fundraising activities to help sustain it, will provide essential health care for people with lymphedema, it helps to improve the health of your communities, and it brings people together in community. 

What is the link if someone wants to donate to the fund?

You can go to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation website, https://spiritofthenorth.ca, and find the ‘Donate’ page. Then scroll down and select ‘Lymphedema Fund’ from a drop down menu.