Mary Beth FosterI'm hoping to get inspiration here. I was diagnosed with lymphedema a few months ago following abdominal surgery during which some lymph nodes were removed (much to my dismay!) Fortunately I found a wonderful therapist and have graduated from daily... moreI'm hoping to get inspiration here. I was diagnosed with lymphedema a few months ago following abdominal surgery during which some lymph nodes were removed (much to my dismay!) Fortunately I found a wonderful therapist and have graduated from daily multi-layer wrapping of both legs, including toes, to wearing compression stockings.
I'm having pretty good success and religiously do a bedtime routine each night of exercises, deep diaphragm breathing, manual leg massage and elevation of both legs. Some days, though, I just want to forget all about it, but I know I don't dare. Also, I hate that compression garments are so expensive and insurance apparently doesn't cover the cost. less
Monique HatchHi Mary. I sympathize with the feeling of wanting to forget all about lymphedema and the therapy required to maintain it. I had so many days like that. Insurance not paying for the compression garments especially sucks. I'm glad you've found a good... moreHi Mary. I sympathize with the feeling of wanting to forget all about lymphedema and the therapy required to maintain it. I had so many days like that. Insurance not paying for the compression garments especially sucks. I'm glad you've found a good therapist though who's helped you figure out how to manage the swelling. I was diagnosed with primary lymphedema almost 13 years ago and I can tell you that it gets better, not the lymphedema necessarily, but the learning to live and be happy with it.
Mary Beth FosterThanks, Monique. My hope is that it will all just become a part of my daily routine that I don't have to think much about. It makes me mad that I have lymphedema. The surgeon who performed my colon resect in December swore up and down that the surgery... moreThanks, Monique. My hope is that it will all just become a part of my daily routine that I don't have to think much about. It makes me mad that I have lymphedema. The surgeon who performed my colon resect in December swore up and down that the surgery wasn't the cause. But he finally told me he did remove lymph nodes, and that confirmed it. It's amazing how many physicians aren't really educated about lymphedema. The surgeon still pooh-poohs the whole thing. Fortunately my primary care physician diagnosed the lymphedema after ruling out cardiac issues that might be causing the swelling...and she set me on the path to finding a good therapist early-on so I started dealing with it before the skin began breaking down. I've learned there is a local lymphedema support group that meets once a month. I may try that out, too. less
Monique HatchHow incredibly frustrating to have dealt with your surgeon. I can understand your anger over getting lymphedema from your surgery. Your primary physician was smart though to direct you towards a lymphedema therapist before your condition got any worse.... moreHow incredibly frustrating to have dealt with your surgeon. I can understand your anger over getting lymphedema from your surgery. Your primary physician was smart though to direct you towards a lymphedema therapist before your condition got any worse. A support group might also be worth checking out. You might meet others who could help you adjust to your new routine with lymphedema. I hope it all works out for you.
