PROBLEMS WALKING - GAIT, SPEED, LACK OF ENDURANCE

[MARILYNFJ]

I have been dealing with lymphedema for at least ten years. Went from therapist to therapist for years. Finally found a really great one. Lately, I have trouble walking and I wonder if that could have anything to do with the lymphedema. Has anyone got thoughts or experiences on this? Am going the "doctor route," and about to see the last one. It could be arthritis (not RA). It is not MS or Parkinson's. Appreciate any information about this.

[Lynora]

You should consult a doctor for definitive diagnoses. Any change in symptoms, especially if they have developed quickly, must be investigated.

[MARILYNFJ in reply to Lynora]

Thank you, Lynora. I have seen various doctors recently: neurologist, gastroenterologist (I have GERD etc), new PCP (I had moved), orthopedist, ENT as I had nasal problems, and soon will see an arthritis specialist. Am trying to track down the problems. Physical therapy is suggested and I will get to that - had two bad falls and need to wait for a rib and an area below the knee (bad leg) to heal up. Left leg is the "bad" one. The lymph boots are a big help. I wear the Farrow wraps at any sign of pain or discomfort, sometimes compression stockings as well. Am grateful to have found this forum. Suggestions are so helpful.

[CCT67]

Hi Marilyn, I have primary bilateral LE in both feet/legs going up into my torso and arm. One leg is more severe than the other thus heavier, it affects my walking, gait etc and especially my balance. I cannot put my full body weight on my right leg hence my gait being affected. Wearing bespoke garments and MLD helps tremendously but my normal walk is not normal - I get asked why I limp/walk awkwardly. I also have endurance problems. Before LE morphed in my legs I was a keen runner for 25 years with no issues with gait or endurance. I have worked to keep my weight at what is was during my running days, as even 5 extra pounds hugely exacerbates the LE and my mobility in part due to the pain. It sounds like you have other health issues going on and possibly undiagnosed reasons why you’re struggling to walk. However it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if LE is the culprit or partly so. Are you doing self -drainage daily? If not, try to as all the built up lymph could contribute to your waking difficulties. When my legs are bursting with lymph (feel like they’ll explode) I get so much relief from doing manual drainage (including loads of abdominal breathwork to drain the deeper lymphatic nodes). It’s time consuming but my legs thank me!

[MARILYNFJ]

Thank you. Yes, lymphedema is a daily attention getter. I do helpful things every day. Each day I walk a little better. Will keep going with compression, pumps, manual massage, etc. Thank you for your comments. It's nice to know I am not alone re these issues.

[billy14]

I have lower left leg lymphedema. And a bad left hip which in a few years will need to be replaced.in a few years . I also am prone to clots in the same leg.also just getting over a leg ulcer same leg.it was decided between all treatment specialists that I would continue with my walking about 5k day thats after standing alda So know how you feel. I think I am lucky as I have said before .I have to wear a small pad over tje ulcer site and a compression stocking over the top.so somtimes I walk a little crooked or stand lopsided sometimes but with help from the physio and a lot of exercise I am learning to walk straight.just have to take it slowly and take small steps x

[MARILYNFJ]

billy14, I am walking around my condo maybe 5 minutes at a time to try to get more stamina and get used to walking farther. Slowly and small steps is right. I try to walk to fast without stopping to think about that so have to really slow down. Will soon get to physical therapy. Thanks for your response.

[MARILYNFJ]

Sometimes, especially when lying down, I feel a flow going from my feet to my chest or higher. Could that be lymph flow? Does anyone else have this happen?