An Independent health journalist, interviews Ruth Harris about her experience of iolife treatment.

Ruth Harris had to change her life after developing lymphoedema following cancer surgery.

With severe swelling in both legs, Ruth can no longer enjoy long walks, has difficulty climbing high or steep stairs and cannot exercise regularly as she once did. She now qualifies for a Disabled Persons’ blue parking badge.

Ruth began to suffer from swelling in both legs due to a build up of fluid (lymph) 18 months after lymph nodes were removed during surgery for cervical cancer.

“My legs feel hard and swollen and are very uncomfortable,” says Ruth, who has also been treated for bowel cancer.  “The condition restricts my life and it appears there is no cure.”

Ruth was recommended to therapist Gudrun Jonsson by a friend and for the last year has received regular Iolife treatment at her practice in London.

“I know this is not a cure but it helps to make my legs feel so much better,” she says. “And it has prevented them from deteriorating further.”

The treatment is now an important part of Ruth’s life, particularly after her regular visits to see her mother in Switzerland. “Flying can exacerbate the condition and increase the swelling,” she says.

“I also have to be careful not to damage the skin – cuts or bites – which can cause cellulitis, or blood poisoning, which often requires hospital treatment.”

As well as improving her condition, the Iolife sessions, when the machine is directed on to the soles of her feet, stomach and face, leave her feeling warm and relaxed.

“I can feel the blood flowing freely right through my body – from my toes up to my head,” she says. “When I have finished, my energy is back.

“I don’t know how it happens but it has definitely worked for me. It’s heaven.”