Just being inquisitive but....

[harpy1]

...is it my imagination or does lymphoedema affect one side of the body inly particular? I notice a lot of folk have "left leg lymphoedema". Any reason for this? A daft question I know but I do like to ask unusual questions lol

[Fatfeet]

i think it depends on the actual condition

. Lymphoedema has many causes. Mine is in both my lower legs. I apparently have milroys disease.

[nicolams]

Hello there, I've just ordered some sleeves from the fabulous chic compressions and the very nice woman there said - ooo I do seem to have sold a lot of left sleeves....

cheers Nicola

[harpy1]

Thank you Fatfeet and nicolams for your replies. Had to laugh at you nicolams at the "chic compressions" lol.

Personally I have it in both my lower legs although I think it may be spreading to the tops now. But my left leg is the worst. After joining this sight realise that I must go and see a specialist nurse, even though my GP says there is nothing can be done...not very helpful!

cheers

Tina

[Teulugarth]

Sorry - I have right leg probs!

[yorkshireuk]

Harpy 1 mine is also down the left side but I have recently been told that I have lipodema which has developed into lymphodema. It was only when i had a negative lymphoscintagram that the cause was further looked at. I also have only had one infection in my leg which isnt consistent with just lymphodema

[Hidden]

Hi Yes i have it in both legs but its a lot worse in my left leg, The compression tights and stockings are so sexy arnt they. lol.

Best wishes to you all.

Nita

[harpy1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi NitaH, indeed they are the "bees knees" in couture!

Best wishes to you too

Tina

[Andybear]

I have it in both legs and feet, from the knee downwards - my right is worse than my left. Cellultiis is my worst enemy!

[harpy1 in reply to Andybear]

Hi Andybear

I feel for you with cellulitis, I have even had to have hospital at home treatment and been put on intravenous antibiotics, I never want to experience that again. Although it does flare up from time to time, my Dr on the last occasion wanted to see how my body would react to letting it "heal itself". After being on and off on antibiotics for 6 months. I was given a prescription for Clarithromycin to take if things were not improving. After 2 weeks, it started to clear by itself and I have not had any problems since *touch wood*. Although I have to say that I have recently been diagnosed with borderline diabetes and after researching a symptom of this is the body not healing quickly.

Thank you for replying to my unusual question though.

[Andybear]

Thanks harpy1 - I'm glad things are improving for you and I think it's an interesting question as our experiences are all so different. The first time I had cellulitis was 2 years ago. I didn't have a clue what it was - I spent a day feeling as if I was going to get the flu then next day my legs and feet were red, swollen and painful. I ended up in hospital having intravenous antibiotics for a few days as an in-patient followed by 3 weeks of intravenous antibiotics as an out-patient at the hospital, then 2 weeks of oral antibiotics. I was off work for 2 months. Now I recognise the initial symptoms and see a doctor as soon as I can. My last attack was recent - started 27th January this year - that was a Sunday and I went to the doctors on Monday 28th. The doctor gave me 2 different antibiotics (both penicilin based) which I had to take together. They did the trick and I was only off work for 2 weeks, went back on 12th February. I still don't feel right but at least I can keep going!

[harpy1 in reply to Andybear]

Perhaps your GP can give you some extra tablets to keep at home like mine has e.g. if an attack happens on a Fri I have enough meds to take that night saturday sunday and monday,so that the infection is being fought straight away. My GP trusts me with meds so I suppose I am lucky in that respect. I unfortunately am unable to take penicillin as I am allergic to it. A colleague also suffers from it too and gets symptoms of a headache before it flares up, you may want to watch out for that too. I am sorry though you have had another flare up. I do wonder if it goes in a sort of cycle of 3 flare ups then starts dying down. As for taking time of work, I really do sympathise as one year I was off work for at least 2 months and once you go back to work when you feel a little better!! you are supposed to have your leg raised well that is just not practical is it? I do wonder perhaps if its stress related too, I have cut down my days of work which I am very fortunate to be able to do. Oh and drink plenty of water when there is a flare up, I am sure by keeping hydrated is a key factor to a speedy recovery. Best wishes for full recovery and yes we have to keep pushing ourselves.