My feet are down this summer. First time for 6 years.

[DeadfootMo]

What a puzzle this is. I am abundantly happy about my current situation but struggling to know why. For the first time in 6 years my feet and ankles this summer are not as swollen.

The ankles are still painful with a very strong ache and I have noticed that getting in and out of the car feels like a bit of a struggle for my joints. I haven't lost weight and although I am out of teaching work again, for the last 8 weeks and more I have been stressed about my flat.

A flat that I had to move out of to allow a major modernisation programme to be completed. So this does mean I have physically been more active with packing, with decorating, with trips to charity shops to get rid of things etc. Also spent loads more time cooking as I have been staying with friends to allow the work to be done. I mean it has been stressful all this moving of stuff etc, so much so that there were times I thought I was cracking up.

So is staying active the key to reducing the swelling and amount of water retention or is this just a blip?

[naominorthenellis]

I think it is because there is almost no humidity - when it is humid I swell very quickly. This is so unlike an English summer! NNE

[DeadfootMo in reply to naominorthenellis]

I'm not sure what to think, it is very hot today here in Newcastle upon Tyne, it feels like there is almost no air. as I have had to take my inhaler an extra time or so today as I am also asthmatic. But my feet and legs are not as swollen as they have been for the last 6 years, so whilst I'm hot and bothered from my back to my neck and face, my feet feel dry and warm. I do know that a few days ago I had incredibly itchy feet and between the toes was so dry, I had to prevent them from cracking so I have had to apply hydromol daily. But other than that and the generally painful ache I have in my joints knees downward, I feel ok and not troubled by Lymphoedema. I am not one for thinking of miracles but if the lymphoedema has gone of its own accord, then thank god for that.

[AnneBury]

These days the lymphoedema specialists says exercise is one of the key things for managing lymphoedema so maybe it is all your current activity. Keep active (but hopefully not too stressed). A newly modernised home sounds an exciting prospect.

[DeadfootMo in reply to AnneBury]

I didn't know they were advocating physical exercise but I have suspected for a long time that if you can exercise despite lymphoedema it should help to improve your condition. I know with me I have been up and down ladders a lot of late, painting and decorating, and I am very impressed with my work in the hall and bedrooms and that of the company who did my living room with my beautiful feature wall. I also had a nasty cupboard taken out and the space restored to a proper recess, so I am really happy about things so yes a modernised home is exciting. But in relation to exercise I now feel inclined to try and ensure that I do make time for some on a daily basis now that I know I can do it, despite pain.