I do have Lymphedema

Options
LauraOntario
LauraOntario Member Posts: 377
edited September 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi there, 

I thought for a long time that I had lyphedema.  I've had swelling in my legs, hands, and face.  I saw a specialist on Friday and she said that I do have it.  What she told me surprised me, though.  I thought it was because the lymph was not draining, but it turns out it's a chronic condition caused by damage done through cancer treatment.  

There's no pill for what I have or anything.  I have to do exercises every day to get the blood moving in my legs and I have to wear compression stockings to get the swelling down in my legs.  The only thing is, they say I'll need help every morning to get the stockings on.  I don't know if I really want that.  Do you think I should just tell them to leave it alone?

Thanks,

Laura

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • stellaratovsky
    stellaratovsky Member Posts: 618
    edited September 2014

    I have lymphedema on my right hand.  One hand is normal and the othe is a tree stump pretty ugly.  I also have a hand stocking should be wearing it more often but forget to.  Another terrible thing after cancer.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited September 2014

    Will you definitely need assistance to don stockings? Jobst (and others) make various devices to assist with donning your own stockings .... 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited September 2014

    https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&redir_esc=&clie...

    I've tried to edit my last post to add this link, but didn't seem to stick, so trying again ....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited September 2014

    do you know there is a forum for lymphedemama on bc.org?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LauraOntario
    LauraOntario Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2014

    Thanks so much, Morwenna.  I took a look at one of the sites and that's just great.  It's just what I need.  

    Also, thanks, Barb.  I didn't know there was a forum for lymphedema on bc.org.  I'll go look at it now.  

    Take care, ladies,

    Laura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited September 2014

    You're welcome Laura.

    We advise them for our seniors in home care. The success varies according to the device, the ability of the individual, and also the degree of compression in the garment, but they are ideal for people who have trouble with flexibility, or with strength in their upper limbs. 

    At the simplest level, a "slippy sock" and a pair of special rubber gloves are virtually essential to make donning and doffing, easier and less likely to damage the garment. 

    Good luck xx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited September 2014

    yes Laura get the purple playtex rubber gloves that they use for dish  washing.  Makes putting on  garments much easier

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited September 2014

    They do make rubber gloves especially for the purpose, with little rubber bumps to get extra grip, but any rubber gloves will improve grip and also protect from nail damage etc. There are knacks to putting on and off, but the supplier should give you some instructions. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LauraOntario
    LauraOntario Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2014

    Thanks, Ladies.

    Now I'm not so worried about trying this.

    Laura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tina72
    Tina72 Member Posts: 484
    edited September 2014

    my dad just had a knee replaced and lives alone and could not get his stockings on, then he found online some that zip and he could do it himself. Best of luck

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peaches12
    peaches12 Member Posts: 67
    edited September 2014

    I had to wear a leg stocking for awhile and went crazy trying to get it on.  I finally checked out You Tube and there are several videos showing exactly how to do it.  Be sure to check them out.  Using the method shown and ordering the special Jobst gloves online solved the problem and it became quite easy to do.

    My all means wear the leg stockings as long as you need them.  Leg swelling is not anything to fool around with.  You sure don't want blood clots. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories