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Buenos Aires 2004. What began as a holiday for medi Sales Representative Sylvia Günther, ended with an aid campaign. During the tango, she noticed that the Argentinian Vicente C. was suffering from lymphoedema and she immediately took action.
Lymphoedema - undiagnosed for 35 years
Vicente C. had been suffering since childhood from “fat legs”. Lymphoedema is almost unknown in Argentina and consequently the treatment and aids supply situation is poor. There are no specialist retailers there and aids are often dispensed in pharmacies. The condition had never been diagnosed in this 45-year-old man. Sylvia Günther, a keen amateur tango dancer, met Vicente C. during a holiday in Buenos Aires. He is the brother of her tango teacher in Hanover.
As a result of her basic medical training and 20 years with medi, Sylvia Günther suspected that the swollen lower legs and feet were due to lymphoedema. The only obstacle between the Argentinian Vicente C. and the supply of flat-knit compression hosiery by medi was a distance of 14,000 kilometres.
The first measurements were taken at the hotel where the couple, Sylvia and Wolfgang Günther, were staying. Vicente C. appeared with his wife Esther and son Martin, and problems of communication were overcome with plenty of sign language. After returning to Germany from their holiday, Sylvia Günther sent the first mediven forte standard garments, together with the Spanish version of the advice leaflet “Tissue congestion” to Argentina.
During on-line sessions with the webcam, Sylvia Günther checked the fitted compression stockings and gave the final tips for putting them on. Vicente C’s brother acted as interpreter. The treatment was rapidly successful – there was a continual decrease in the circumference measurements at each of the 3-monthly checks.
Genetic factors are involved
In 2008, the family also noticed swelling in the legs of their 11-year-old son, Martin, and contacted Sylvia Günther with their concerns.
In an on-line session with the webcam, Martin was measured under her precise instructions and was also sent mediven forte compression garments.
Help from all sides
However, in view of the supply situation in Argentina, a long-term treatment success is only possible for the family in Germany. After a real marathon process of preparation and arrangements, the family touched down in Hanover in March 2008. Assistance with self-help was the solution: the wife of Vicente C. learned the technique of lymph drainage in order to ensure that the treatment could be continued at home. medi Phlebology helped the family with a flight ticket and everything that was needed to bandage the legs. Dr. Michael Emter (Specialist in Internal Medicine, Hanover) treated these patients free of charge. The therapist, Klaus Waldvogel, scheduled 20 double lymph therapy sessions free of charge for father and son. Before the treatments, Sylvia Günther had converted her living room into a lecture theatre so that the Argentinian patients could be familiarised with the subject.
During the first week, father and son received daily lymph drainage followed by bandaging, they had 3 sessions in the second and third weeks and two treatments in the fourth week. Esther C. accompanied them for each session and made great efforts to familiarise herself with the unknown technique.
“The level of acceptance and gratitude with which each activity was accepted is unbelievable and impressive. There were no complaints about the very tight bandages – in spite of sleepless and painful nights!” Sylvia Günther told us.
After three weeks, no further reductions in circumference were measurable – meaning this was the right time to measure for flat-knit hosiery. Sylvia Günther selected mediven 550 with toe caps in CCL 3 and 4. The knee stockings were also fitted with ankle pads. Franz Gröber (Director of medi Phlebology) accepted the cost of these flat-knit garments for father and son on behalf of medi. Both patients were highly motivated and became real professionals in managing their medi flat-knit products over the course of the month. Especially the donning and doffing of the stockings quickly became routine, demonstrating that the patients were fully committed to their treatment.
At the end of April, the family returned to Buenos Aires – to a life involving less discomfort and better working prospects for their son, Martin. Sincere “Gracias” went to all helpers: Dr. Michael Emter, Klaus Waldvogel and particularly to the medi-Team of Franz Gröber. The Argentinians are particularly grateful and deeply indebted to Sylvia and Wolfgang Günther who, through their great personal and selfless commitment, made this campaign of assistance possible.
