jswh wrote:Hi, my name is Janet. It's nice to meet all of you.
I have lymphededema of the lower extremities. I guess I was just born with a weakness to this. Big legs and ankles run on my mother's side of the family, but it's only been in the last ten years that my problem became known as my legs got even bigger. I read somewhere that this condition can also be hereditary. I had an aunt who I now realize had lymphededema. At the time I didn't know what it was, but her ankles were so large, I said it looked like she had "elephantitis" not realizing that is a real condition and another word for lymphededema. In addition to the lymphededema, I also have venous insufficiency, so my problems are twofold. The blood does not flow back to my heart properly, so blood pools in my legs and ankles. That combined with the lymphadema does not leave me a happy person.
Thankfully, I don't have those grotesque features, but the swelling is embarrassing. I don't wear shorts or short skirts out in public. I should just "get over it", but I can't.
I did have treatment a couple of years ago, but unfortunately since I had not met my deductible, my insurance would not pay. I couldn't afford further treatment. So, I massage my legs almost nightly and wrap them faithfully. They look really good in the mornings, they just don't stay that way.
I am so happy this web site was created. In fact, last weekend I was on line checking to see if there were any developments in the treatment. I didn't find anything, but a few days later, I got the email from Bandage Supply telling me about "lymphededemaTalk."
I hope to get to know all of you.
Hi Janet!
I am just wondering if you had your Lymphedema before you had your kids?
if so, can you tell me about that??
I hope you are feeling better? have you been fitted for compression garments?