Lymphedema Treatment

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Just part of my current lymphedema treatment. I may be dressing as a mummy for Halloween this year.

It looks really strange, but my treatments have really been helping. I've lost a total of over 9" in my legs since starting treatment.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

It would help if I attached the photos.

Left leg.

Right leg.

[FrankyG 1,450]

That is so great your legs are responding so well to treatment. Hope you won't still be doing this by Halloween tho!

[liannatx 897]

That is great that treatment is working well!

[Babbs 14,681]

So what exactly is the treatment?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Right now I go to my PT three times a week. She puts my legs in these big boots that massage my legs. Then she wraps my legs (my calves right now) with compression bandages.

We are trying this compression contraption on my left thigh right now to see how it goes. If it helps we will probably get one for my right thigh (they aren't cheap).

It's complicated because I also swim. So, I schedule my PT so I can take off my bandages, swim, then get them rewrapped.

[DaisyAmy 561]

So glad you are getting some relief! I've been anxious about developing lymphedema, especially after having 23 lymph nodes removed during my hysterectomy last summer.

Wishing you all the best and continued improvement!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

How wonderful that you're getting such good results. Is the treatment a new development? Do you sleep with the wrappings (I'm guessing that's your own bed, never having heard of a PT facility with patterned sheets)?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

How wonderful that you're getting such good results. Is the treatment a new development? Do you sleep with the wrappings (I'm guessing that's your own bed, never having heard of a PT facility with patterned sheets)?

I met with the PT before surgery and we decided to wait until after surgery to start treatment after I had lost some weight. I have been doing it about a month.

Yes, I sleep with the wrappings.

Yes, those are my sheets.

[RILEYSMOM22 344]

Funny, I searched for Lymphedema on here just the other day. A Dr friend of mine suggested that might be what is going on with my left leg. It is swollen just above the ankle and has been for at least a year. I've had tests to rule out other issues. Mine isn't painful, but isn't attractive and annoying. I just want to wear cute boots!!

[esskay77 785]

Fantastic! I used to have lymphedema and my sister has it in just her left foot/ankle. Since the surgery and since losing weight, mine is all gone! I'm so thrilled and can actually feel bones in my ankles! I don't have to try to wriggle into shoes until the Fluid moves enough to form around the shoe. I can just slip them on! You'll get there!

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@Inner Surfer Girl

You have come so far! I am very glad they are treating your disease and I hope that it works for you. I am guessing that is very painful.

[Justin Curtis 78]

I have it in my left leg and over the past few years it has made me very self conscience. People always asking me whats wrong with my leg and what not. After seeing a Doctor about it we decided the best course was to wrap my leg and keep it elevated. That helped with the swelling but soon as i would be on my feet for any period of time it would balloon back. Since my surgery the swelling has gone down considerable and stays down. The only problem i have is now my lower left leg has a rust color to it from blood being trapped and I will have to deal with that for the rest of my life. I plan on getting my leg completely tattood so i can enjoy looking at it.

[Margie122 845]

Inner surfer girl - glad to see that your treatment is helping

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

@@Inner Surfer Girl

You have come so far! I am very glad they are treating your disease and I hope that it works for you. I am guessing that is very painful.

The treatment isn't painful at all.

I can actually feel my shin bones this week!