What is it?

In CLL, certain white blood cells become defective. These cells multiply and multiply and eventually overcrowd the healthy cells causing all the problems of CLL.

How do I recognise it?

Lots of patients don't have any symptoms, those who do might experience some of the following:

• Enlarged, but painless, lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Frequent infections

Causes

Scientists don't know for sure what causes CLL. All they know is something triggers the process of the white blood cells becoming defective.

How do you treat it?

Like any disease, even if there is no cure, there is almost always something you can do to manage it and take control. There are three main areas involved in the treatment of any disease:

• Conventional medicines
• Complementary medicines
• Complementary therapies

For information on medicines and therapies relevant to CLL, make an appointment at Lynch's pharmacy, Broadale, Douglas, Cork on 021-4366923.

Learn all about the drugs used to treat the disease and any complementary medicines or therapies proven to help. Equip yourself with the tools to manage the condition and not be managed by it.

How do you live with it?

Certain adjustments may be needed to get on with your life, and often, some simple tips and advice can go a long way to making these changes. 

References

CLL-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_lymphocytic_leukemia

CLL, information for patients                                                                                                                                                                  http://www.cks.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/leukaemia_chronic/causes