Lymph Drainage for TSW Recovery
Patient's True Story (Anonymous)
I have been living with moderate-to-severe atopic eczema since my teenage days. Over the years, I went thru’ the various treatment regimes, e.g. oral prednisolone, MTX, cyclosporine, and topical steroid creams of varying potency.
I weaned myself off oral medication in my 30s, and managed my condition using just topical steroid cream and anti-histamines for a good stretch, until Covid hit and I had a long and sustained flare-up. I was introduced to an immuno-modulator Duplilumab, and my condition was well controlled for the next 3 years or so.
At the start of 2024, I developed a sustained flare up on both palms even with Duplilumab, and was prescribed a high potency steroid ointment Clobetasol. My palms remained red and inflamed, and I sought multiple medical opinions and was advised to double down on the ointment application.
That did not help, and I also developed stubborn localized rashes on my limbs. Blood test results during my biennial medical check-up also threw up other warning signs – depressed white blood cell counts and elevated IgG levels towards almost all common foods. My body was out of balance.
In my eagerness to find a way out, I stopped consuming all processed food and ceased all medications in Aug 2024. On hindsight, the latter was a mistake. Within two weeks, I developed the typical TSW red flush over my face, arms and legs. My skin started flaking and peeling all over. I went on for a good month without knowing what was afflicting me, developing other issues such as insomnia and inability to thermo-regulate.
Visit to first TCM to treat TSW
Out of desperation, I visited a TCM I found on the internet, and was diagnosed with TSW. Using a combination of Chinese herbs, acupuncture and cupping, I saw some improvement in my condition in the first 1.5 mths, but then developed lymphedema. My lower limbs swelled to 1.5 to 2 times their normal size, and my skin atrophied, with multiple weeping wounds.
Visit to Chinese Doc to treat TSW
I reached out to Dr Mark in Oct 2024, after finding out that his clinic offered lymphatic drainage and CAP therapy for TSW leg swelling. Dr Mark first prescribed me with Chinese herbs to drain the fluids in my lower limbs, and suggested I see Fynn to perform precise lymphatic drainage on me.
Precise Lymphatic Drainage with Fynn for TSW
In the first session, Fynn managed to unblock most of my blocked lymph nodes and my lower limb swelling went down. I was however not out of the woods, with Fynn assessing my lymph effectiveness at only 50%, with
major areas of congestions in claviculars, submandibulars, axillaries, thoracic, groin (R) and popliteal (R). Moderate in Waterwheels, groin & popliteal (L).
I did not expect such a professional diagnosis, and at the same time, was floored by the havoc the TSW induced systemic inflammation had inflicted on my body.
Dr Mark and Fynn Treated My TSW in 2024
Over the next couple of months, I worked with Dr Mark and Fynn to chart my recovery. Dr Mark’s empathy, open communications and meticulous follow-up have been well described by all his patients, and I experienced all of that over the course of my treatment.
He adjusted my herbs on an ongoing basis based on my feedback, e.g. when I complained of itch, weeping wounds and excessive dryness. Unlike my other TCM, he was also willing to share his assessment on how long he thought I would need to recover, and how that recovery process would look like.
This is non-trivial for a TSW patient, as a good part of the mental stress came from not knowing how long more one would need to get well.
My Experience with CAP therapy For TSW With Fynn
Fynn’s approach is perhaps less well documented and worth a mention. In her quiet, unassuming way, she would gently massage the various parts of my lymphatic system, especially the areas where we would do CAP therapy on. We started CAP therapy for TSW from Session 2. We would discuss which areas we want to work on for the day, and she would meticulously “zap” the affected skin using the CAP device.
The process itself is largely painless, and while the “CAP’ed” areas do tend to peel/flake more in the immediate few days after each session, over time, I noticed a reduction in inflammation and strengthening of the skin with CAP therapy. Beyond the lymphatic and CAP therapy, Fynn also provided much needed psychological support – her words of encouragement and assurance that I would eventually get well gave me the mental fuel to soldier on.
Recovery Stage of TSW 2025
It has been five months since the onset of my TSW, and I have recovered sufficiently to resume my pre TSW life routine. It will probably take months for my skin to fully recover, but I am confident I will be able to do so with their support. TSW is a debilitating condition that one should do his/her utmost to avoid, but should you unfortunately suffer from it, do consider getting help from Dr Mark and Fynn.
History of Fynn X Dr. Mark
Hi, this is Dr Mark here. I want to share here how I first began working with Fynn about 8 years ago. It was precisely this type of condition — TSW with lower limb water retention — for which I requested her expertise.
A subsegment of TSW patients would present with compromised water metabolism in their lower limbs. They would notice their feet, ankles and calves swelling. The skin would feel very tight. In more severe cases, healing would be hindered by cracks in the skin.
Fynn would work on these patients and we would see significant reduction in the water retention. She would also be able to map out areas of congestion and areas where the valves were compromised. This was just from palpatory assessment with her hands. She would be able to assess and work with the patient to bring their lymphatic function back up to something more normal.
I also discovered that whatever she did helped to clear the lesions in the face and the ears, especially those crusting in the ears.
Most importantly, her precise methods to clear specific areas of congestion also increased the efficacy of my acupuncture and herbal treatments. Watch the video below to learn more.
Who Am I?
Hi, I’m Fynn, and I’ve been a Lymphatic Drainage therapist for almost 15 years. For the last decade, I’ve focused on helping people going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), using CAP therapy in tandem with lymphatic drainage. I believe that my multi-modal approach allows me to better support their healing.
While this patient started on CAP therapy for TSW on the 2nd session, some other patients may start out later. We can decide together what is best for you, but just know that every patient comes in with a different presentation and has different needs. For this reason, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach.
I know how physically and emotionally draining TSW can be because I’ve walked this path with many patients, and I’m here to help you find relief. The first patient I helped Dr mark with was a case of lower limb swelling. All these years I have seen many such cases, whether TSW leg swelling or feet swelling in TSW.
Each person’s journey is unique, and I tailor my treatments to your specific needs. Whether you’re at the beginning of your TSW recovery or further along, I’m dedicated to supporting you with compassion and expertise.
Book in now to get treatment for TSW Leg Swelling.
FAQs
Is foot swelling a common symptom during Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Yes, foot swelling can occur during TSW. Individuals have reported significant swelling in their feet during the withdrawal process. This swelling, also known as edema, is a recognized symptom of TSW.
How long does foot swelling last during TSW?
The duration of foot swelling varies among individuals. Some have experienced swelling that persisted for several months before subsiding. We see foot swelling and leg swelling in a subsegment of TSW patients, and this presentation has some relation to gravitational eczema aka stasis eczema.
What can be done to manage foot swelling during TSW?
To alleviate foot swelling during TSW, consider the following measures:
- Elevate your feet: Raising your feet above heart level several times a day can help reduce swelling.
- Use compression socks: Wearing compression socks can assist in managing edema by promoting better circulation.
- Epsom salt baths: Soaking your feet in Epsom salt baths may provide relief and reduce swelling.
These methods have been reported by individuals undergoing TSW as helpful in managing foot swelling. However, we have realized that our method is even more effective, which is using a mixture of lymphatic drainage and Chinese herbs to clear the congestion.
What causes leg swelling during Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Leg swelling during TSW is primarily due to increased skin permeability and inflammation resulting from the discontinuation of topical steroids. This leads to fluid accumulation in the tissues, causing edema. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but it’s believed that the skin’s inflammatory response plays a significant role.
We also understand empirically that a subsegment of patients will just have issues with water metabolism. These are the same people who are more inclined to get lower limb water retention when they go on long plane flights.
Are there any risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing leg swelling during TSW?
Yes, certain factors may elevate the risk of developing leg swelling during TSW:
- Prolonged use of potent topical steroids: Extended application of high-strength steroids increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms, including swelling.
- Application on sensitive skin areas: Using steroids on areas with thinner skin, such as the legs, may contribute to swelling upon withdrawal.
- Abrupt discontinuation: Suddenly stopping steroid use without tapering can lead to more pronounced withdrawal symptoms.
When should I seek medical attention for leg swelling during TSW?
While some swelling can be a normal part of TSW, you should seek medical advice if:
- Swelling is severe or rapidly worsening
- You experience pain, redness, or warmth in the swollen area
- Swelling is accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain
- There are signs of infection, such as fever or oozing from the skin
