Going Honey Badger on the Lymphedema

Oh my goodness, every day is a new adventure!  First, the good stuff....

The Flounderhole is in full bloom, the confederate jasmine smells divine, and I even did some weeding in the field of dreams (I can only do about one square foot every couple of days).  My goal is to have a mossy path to the back yard.  I just have to keep pulling the weeds and grass until the moss is thick enough to choke them out by itself.  The broken slates are ones I dug up out of the backyard.  They were under about 3 inches of dirt, don't know if there are more, but probably so.

Now the lymphedema....whoa, it has snuck up on me the last few weeks. Between my waist and mid thighs, my body is all swollen and hard.  It kept getting worse and worse, then I noticed I had gained 7 pounds and I know it wasn't fat or muscle!  I started to have trouble urinating and was in lots of pain.  Then of course I got panicky, like when I had the ileostomy.  I wanted to run away from my own body, but of course I can't.

The internet has lots of information, some good and some terrifying, so I just tried to find out how lymphedema is treated.  Apparently, if you start treating it early, you can keep it under control.  So yesterday, I called the doctor and he is putting me in a Lymphedema Clinic.  Don't have any information on that yet.  I started wearing a Spanx garment, stopped eating salt, and started self massage from the swollen parts to the heart.  I can see a difference and I lost two pounds.  I'm sure it's all fluid. Yesterday and today, I walked and did what little yoga I am capable of. I'm sure I must look hilarious, but who cares!?

Every day is a new adventure.  I have been spending all my time trying to shop for shoes (swollen feet) and appropriate clothing for a bunch of stuff we have coming up (that I can't attend in my gym clothes!).  That in itself is physical therapy, or in my case, Special Olympics. I don't like shopping as much as I used to.

So please say a prayer for me that this swelling subsides, and I don't lose my mind or crash into depression.  I try to keep a stiff upper lip, but sometimes it's hard.  Then God sees all, and puts things into perspective. I was coming home from an errand yesterday feeling wiped out and bummed out. Running toward me down the street, on a leash of course, was a beautiful golden retriever. His coat was all shiny and blowing in the wind and he actually looked like he was smiling.  And he was missing his right front leg.  Take that, mortal!

Comments

[Victoria]

Hi Liz,
Thanks for your comments and great info, it made me feel so much better and not so alone. Your site is full of wonderful and positive information and I appreciate your sharing. I will certainly be keeping up with you!
You take care too,
Victoria

[Liz]

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear about your Lymphedema. I have had it for three years. Life is much easier with it now than in the beginning, so have faith! It is really good that you wear the garment and cut out salt, very important. Compression garments are vital! Really good that you will be getting treatment at a clinic, I am sure you will see results soon.
I have a blog about my life with Lymphedema, you may find a tip or two there reg. clothes, shoes, treatment etc.
Take care,
LymphedemaGirl

[Randi]

I'm sorry you're having these problems. I know nothing about lymphedema. I'm going to Google it so I can better understand it. Is the clinic a place you will go for treatment or is it a group meeting type of thing? The Flounderhole (that cracks me up!) looks awesome. Our jasmine bloomed several weeks ago and is almost done now. I wish it would bloom all the time. I love the moss and slates! It looks like it will lead into a secret garden! Love you...