How my Lymphedema makes me feel

If pain had a face,
Then surely you'd see,
The demon that's living,
Inside of me.
The knotted and tangled,
Monster within,
The fire and brimstone,
From this pain that I'm in.
My struggles and misery,
From my daily climb,
My impossible searching,
For relief I can't find.
My hopes and my dreams,
They just fade away,
Because of the pain,
I suffer each day.
From pills to prayers,
In search of a cure,
But this body's still broken,
Only pain is for sure.
But, though pain is constant,
And so very real,
No one sees my struggle,
Of how it makes me feel.
The internal torture,
The guilt and remorse,
Pushing and pulling,
And smiles I must force.
So please do not judge me,
Or deny I'm in pain,
Because I'm not pretending,
I've nothing to gain.
Respect and compassion,
Will go a long way,
To make this life easier,
Get me through one more day.

By: Rhonda Law

A few things lymphedema has taught me:

The first thing I learned is that life will never be the same.

I have learned who my real friends and family are. It certainly isn't who I thought it would be.

I have learned to be strong even when I feel weak.

I have learned to cry and laugh out loud.

Levity is not an option. It is a necessity.

I am my own best advocate.

I have learned to listen to others.

Just because I can't do what I used to doesn't mean I am useless.

Time management. Everything seems to take forever.

Patience is not a virtue. It is a necessity.

Life is still precious.

The Emotional Impact of Lymphedema

Little is said about the psychological affects of Lymphedema, despite its profound impact on the person dealing with it.Lymphedema can cause pronounced social inhibitions because of being self conscious, it can cause depression, embarrassment, disfigurement, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

You often go through tremendous life style changes and feel worthless and useless. It can cause sexual dysfunction as both male and female Lymphedema patients can acquire genital lymphedema.You go through periods of struggling with feeling humiliation, despair and you can experience terrific pain.You also go through a lot of anger. Anger at why you have this, why the medical world knows so little about this condition and sometimes seems to care little either.

If you are going through these emotions, please don't be afraid to let your doctor know. You may need professional help to get through this. You may also find a lot of comfort and encouragement in joining a support group either in person or online.

Sometimes you just need to laugh

True Story!!  For anyone dealing with lower extremity Lymphedema, this meme is for you.

Rebounding and LE

image credit: needakrebounders.com

Rebounding (mini-trampoline) causes core muscles and large muscle groups to contract, resulting in the rhythmic compression of the veins and arteries, which more effectively moves fluids, both blood and lymphatic, through the body and back to the heart, lowering peripheral blood pressure and lightening the heart's load

Rebounding benefits lymphatic circulation by stimulating the millions of one-way valves in the lymphatic system

The up and down motion effectively opens and closes the millions of one-way valves found within our Lymphatic Systems. Yes, other exercise forms of exercise result in lymph circulation, but because of rebounding's vertical motion, it seems to do this particularly well. Most of our valves are positioned vertically, hence vertical motion is favorable simply due to our anatomy. For example, interstitial fluid from the lower extremity is moved upward where it is filtered and finally drained back into the blood in a particular location, up at the clavicle level. ("Thoracic Duct" of the Lymphatic System, our internal vacuum cleaner.)

Random Quote: Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. - Rumi

The Cow Pillow Foot Dance

My dancing partner

The Cow Pillow Foot Dance

1. Grab your partner - mine is a fluffy, furry throw pillow with a cow print, hence the name of the dance (: You could use a regular pillow though

2. Sit in your chair, get nice n comfy. Throw your partner down on the ground at your feet and place feet flat on him.

3. Turn on some toe tapping music. I like to listen to cotton-eyed joe, (my partner loves that song haha)

4. Start tapping your toes to the music. Tap the toes by lifting the toes up off the pillow (keep your heels and balls of feet down) and dropping the toes back down. Repeat 8 times for each foot.

5. Curl the toes and grab the furry fabric (or pillowcase if your partner isnt furry) Kinda like trying to lift the pillow, then release. Repeat 8 times for each foot.

6. Extend your left leg and raise left foot off the pillow. Circle the ankle by drawing an imaginary circle with the toes, 4 times to the right, then 4 times to the left. Now flex the ankle, straighten knee and point the toes toward the knee. You should feel the calf muscle stretching. Release and repeat 4 times as well. Repeat with other leg.

7. Now that were all warmed up its Dancing time! With feet pressed lightly into the pillow lift your heel and roll to the ball of your foot, then roll back to heel. I alternate rolling one foot then the other, but you could do it in unison too, whatever feels good to you. When you really start getting into it try adding in toe tapping or curling while doing the foot dance. Do this for a good two minutes. 

YEEHAW!! That was fun wasn't it, now pick up your partner, dust him off, fluff him back up so he's ready for next time and go drink some water. I try and do this dance every few hours if I am sitting for long periods.

Selenium for Secondary Lymphedema

Can Selenium help control secondary Lymphedema?
[excerts from Oncologypractice.com]

Selenium Supplementation

A more recent therapeutic option for lymphedema is selenium (sodium selenite), the antiedematous effect of which is proven but not widely published or accepted. Early clinical studies have shown that oral selenium supplementation in the form of sodium selenite lowers oxygen radical production, causes a spontaneous reduction in lymphedema volume, increases the efficacy of physical therapy for lymphedema, and reduces the incidence of erysipelas infections in patients with chronic lymphedema at various sites,

Vibration exercise improves your lymphatic health

(not my photo)

(NaturalNews) With every beat of the heart, subtle vibrations are sent through the body, the movement stimulating a higher degree of circulation and a higher level of overall health. Because this movement is conducive to achieving a healthier circulatory system, among others, it has been recreated throughout the cultures and ages of history in an attempt to heal illnesses and improve the overall quality of life. A practice that has been utilized for thousands of years, vibration exercise is said to amplify the effects of the vibrations made each time the heart beats. These vibrations produce a level of blood flow that is uninterrupted, allowing oxygen and other important substances to circulate freely. By constantly pumping blood through the many systems of the body, the modern vibration exercise machine also promotes the drainage of the lymphatic system, which acts as a network of pipes that pushes toxins out of the body.

Herbal Tea for Lymphedema

 Advocates of herbal medicine advise using herbs to support the standard treatment in cases of Lymphedema. CDT with regular use of compression garments and intake of certain herbal medications will help to bring about the maximum alleviation of the condition. Before using this herbal treatment, talk with your doctor.

Alfalfa and Oatstraw relieve fluid retention and swelling. Nettle contains biologically active compounds that reduce inflammation and Red Clover is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C.

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Salve for Lymphedema

Good skin care plays a vital part in the treatment of Lymphedema. Any break in the skin, however small, can be an entry site for germs. The protein-rich fluid in the swollen area acts as an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. 

Severe Lymphedema can cause the skin to become thickened and scaly. This increases the risk of breaks in the skin. However, good moisturizing can prevent this.

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Lymphedema Soup

Barley is a strengthener and moves fluids. Corn silk contains tannins, which act as drying agents. Celery contains phenolic antioxidants that have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition, bok choy is very rich source of many vital phyto-nutrients, vitamins, minerals and health-benefiting anti-oxidants..

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Vegetable Stock with no salt
1 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup fresh corn silk, chopped up (or 4 tsp dried)
3 ribs of celery, leaves included
2 handfuls of bok choy

Add barley, corn silk, celery and bok choy to a pan. Use enough broth to cover ingredients, simmer until veggies are tender.

If fresh corn is not in season you can purchase dried cornsilk at Mountain Rose Herbs

Random Quote: Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. - Walt Whitman

Have you hugged a disabled person today?

Maybe I complain alot but the reality is I don't always feel good or right. I would be so grateful to go back to living a normal life without lymphedema - a life without feet, legs and a body that are way too swollen and misshapen. One where I don't have to be in constant pain, or worry about falling down or urinating myself or having help just to get bathed and dressed each day.

When you walk through life  basically healthy, I think some things are taken for granted; the luxury of walking, visiting, going out and doing the things that bring you joy and peace. Imagine not being able to do them, imagine wanting to go make money but not being able to because you body won't let you go for that long.