Hi everyone! I am new to the community and to lymphoedema (haven't been diagnosed yet).
Basically, my left leg and foot swelled all of a sudden about six months ago. It was normal before dinner and it looked like a sausage after. Since then, I've had pretty much every test to rule other conditions, as I experienced swollen lymph nodes in neck, groin and collar bone. A vascular surgeon has now suggested that it could be primary lymphoedema, and my GP has referred me to a clinic.
I have read some information and some things do not seem to add up. For instance, my foot came back to normal after three days, and most of the swelling is now on my thigh area (the other thigh has started to swell too, although it might be lack of exercising). The swelling doesn't vary - I measure my leg frequently and the swelling has stayed at 43 cms day and night. At the moment, I am able to "pinch" the base of my second toe and there seems to be no "pitting", although my thighs are red and warm, and I have been taking antibiotics for a few days.
Did anyone start with similar symptoms? I know that every case is different, but I would love to hear from others' experience
Hi Doro9
I’m new to LSN too.
Your experience sounds completely different to mine, sorry.
My Lymphoedema has been since birth basically and swelled ‘slowly’ until it was noticeable in my teens.
I hope you aren’t in any discomfort.
I have no pain, redness or anything like that. Just a pretty big leg compared to my left - and it’s unsightly - lot of variscosity particularly around the hamstring.
My calf is pretty big too.
However my legs are also quite muscular so that may go some way to helping the problem.
I’ve never had any pitting either.
All of the above has contributed to me being quite unwise - I stopped wearing my support stocking years ago and haven’t done much manual drainage.
I’m lucky I can get trousers to fit me and because I seem to be ‘getting away with it’ I haven’t done much prevention.
However I hope to return to the clinic this year.
I hope yours calms down and the redness & heat subsides and that you get a clear diagnosis soon.
Oh, and I never wear shorts.
AMcL
Hi AMcl!
Thanks so much for your reply.
I am really sorry that you've had to cope with lymphoedema for such a long time. However, it is a relief to know that your are not in any discomfort or pain; my infection has subsided thanks to antibiotics, so I feel a lot better!
I am happy to read that you are planning to go back to the clinic soon. I am quite new to this but most people on this blog seem to suggest that compression stockings are a must to reduce volume.
At the moment, I am trying to 'renew' my wardrobe, as I have always worn skinny jeans almost everyday. I am Spanish, so I'm really dreading to visit my family there in the summer