Frustrated about exercise with LE? Here's some inspiration!

carol57

The opening, keynote speaker at last week's NLN conference was Debra Cordner Carson, an elite athlete with lymphedema of the leg. Her remarks were both touching and inspirational. The presentation included two videos.  I found a portion of one of them online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9twV25Nzc4 . A second video they showed is this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBp794_p1A4

I was literally in tears as Debra spoke.  I had a chance to say hello at a reception, and it was humbling.  Some of the conference participants were in the hotel fitness center as Debra worked out, and they reported that she was nothing short of amazing.

Enjoy the videos!! 

carol57

I should have added that in her talk, Debra said she believes her compression garment actually helps to strengthen her leg, because it gives her muscles something to work against.  I was struck by that comment, because my LE arm is stronger, with better muscle definition, than my non-affected arm.  And my LE arm is my non-dominant one.  My trainer and CLT both agree with this; it's my trainer who pointed it out, watching me lift two dumbbells.  So we all attribute the strength difference to the 'magic sleeve'!

BoobsinaBox

Very impressive! Thanks for sharing, Carol.

nibbana

Good video. I refuse to be limited in what I can do. I may not be able to overcome lymphedema, but I can live with it and thrive as a person.

BeckySharp

I was at the NLN conference with Carol and also heard Debra's inspiring presentation.  Medi also had a fashion show to show off garments and Debra was one of the models showing off her leg garment with a beautiful black dress.  She was styling!!  She could probably wear a black stocking on her other leg and no one would know she is compressed but I think she is showing the world one can live with LE.