Just diagnosed

[lizmurphy61]

hi everyone I have just been diagnosed with lymphadema just looking for other people in my situation

[FiHut]

I have had confirmed Lymphedema for over 5 years following a severe case of Cellulitis, unfortunately it became worse following Blood Poisoning 3 years ago. I can't bear the over-tight stockings and when my leg was bound by a Lymphedema nurse I found the weight difference between my legs, as only one is affected really knocked me off balance, even using a stick.

So I found MY own way of dealing with the swelling which has been to wear tight fitted shaper leggings that I found in Primark - I am sure that others will really disagree with their use and I am still in pain but they stop the swelling to an extent because it has no where to go and they make my legs look similar in size rather than one normal and one grossly swollen.

I can also have problems with my right foot so if I know that I am going to need to wear proper shoes and not slippers at home they have to go on early because the swelling can affect my foot. Every morning I wake up with a smaller right leg as part of the fluid seems to drain away but it is a truly uncomfortable condition and a hidden disease in part because you can look "normal" and as a woman it has really affected your femininity, well it did for me. I used to love hold-ups and stocking but not anymore.

I hope you will get help with the more traditional ways of coping with the condition but I wanted to share what I do as it has given me a little bit of lift so good luck and best regards

Fiona

[lizmurphy61 in reply to FiHut]

Thank you for answering me I have it in both legs and at the moment I am struggling to copy with a pair of socks on I can manage a couple of hours then I have to take them off as they feel like they are strangling my legs I am scared stiff as I have so many other health problems I hope we can speak again x