What to look for with Lymphedema?
OK, so now I'm curious - do I just have really fat legs or is there something else (like Lymphedema) going on?
I have an actual hourglass figure naturally - currently wearing size 12-14 tops but have to have at least a 20 from the legs down. My butt isn't that big anymore, but the thighs and the calves are huge! (my measurements - 42 bust, 40 waist, 48 hips (with panni, without, about a 45), thigh 38, calf 28, (upper arm 15). Please note, all measurements are relative as I can remember having to use two measuring tapes when I measured 180 pounds ago!
I'm not sure if this is reasonable/normal for the formerly SMO or if there may be something else going on?
I have a ton of varicose and spider veins in the thighs and legs, and the legs ache and hold fluid easily. I remember my mom had some condition just after I was born that kept her off her legs for many weeks and from then on she would wrap her legs in compression bandages frequently and elevate them.
Also, I had a lymph node biopsy in 1993 (turned out to be sarcoidosis not lymphoma) and I think the legs have had these issues since about that time.
So . . .any wisdom or insight?
thanks!
Robin
I have an actual hourglass figure naturally - currently wearing size 12-14 tops but have to have at least a 20 from the legs down. My butt isn't that big anymore, but the thighs and the calves are huge! (my measurements - 42 bust, 40 waist, 48 hips (with panni, without, about a 45), thigh 38, calf 28, (upper arm 15). Please note, all measurements are relative as I can remember having to use two measuring tapes when I measured 180 pounds ago!
I'm not sure if this is reasonable/normal for the formerly SMO or if there may be something else going on?
I have a ton of varicose and spider veins in the thighs and legs, and the legs ache and hold fluid easily. I remember my mom had some condition just after I was born that kept her off her legs for many weeks and from then on she would wrap her legs in compression bandages frequently and elevate them.
Also, I had a lymph node biopsy in 1993 (turned out to be sarcoidosis not lymphoma) and I think the legs have had these issues since about that time.
So . . .any wisdom or insight?
thanks!
Robin
www.lymphnet.org/
My dr gave me that link to learn more about it. I have primary lymphedema, it is a birth defect I guess you can say... I never had surgery prior to its manifestation. Primary is caused by underdeveloped lymph systems.
Secondary Lymphedema from what I understand is caused by trauma, such as a surgery or biopsy.
I've had this condition as long as I can remember, even as young as 8 years old. No doctor in all those years until recently ever commented on it other than to tell me I should not use much salt. I have low blood pressure naturally also. I'm not sure if those are related but I have a hunch they are.
Personally I'm upset that I have lived my life with a treatable condition that has gone untreated. I understand that it cant be cured, but I could have been treated for it for years and have not been because no doctor ever addressed it in spite of my bringing it up regularly. Its something I will have to deal with but right now i'm pretty angry about it.
Do bring it up to your physician when you see him/her next, and bring print ups to help you explain it in case your doctor isn't familiar with it.
Catt
My dr gave me that link to learn more about it. I have primary lymphedema, it is a birth defect I guess you can say... I never had surgery prior to its manifestation. Primary is caused by underdeveloped lymph systems.
Secondary Lymphedema from what I understand is caused by trauma, such as a surgery or biopsy.
I've had this condition as long as I can remember, even as young as 8 years old. No doctor in all those years until recently ever commented on it other than to tell me I should not use much salt. I have low blood pressure naturally also. I'm not sure if those are related but I have a hunch they are.
Personally I'm upset that I have lived my life with a treatable condition that has gone untreated. I understand that it cant be cured, but I could have been treated for it for years and have not been because no doctor ever addressed it in spite of my bringing it up regularly. Its something I will have to deal with but right now i'm pretty angry about it.
Do bring it up to your physician when you see him/her next, and bring print ups to help you explain it in case your doctor isn't familiar with it.
Catt
It could be lymphedema, but it could be vascular.
Edema could be caused by vascular insuffiency. The vericose and spider veins are usually a sign of venious insuffiency. You had a lymph node removed so it could be lymphedema.
Lymphedema is usaully swollen from foot up to thigh in varying degrees. If the swelling is from the foot to knee it may venous insufficiency.
For years they thought I had lymphadema in my left leg.. After weightloss and finally seeing a GOOD vascular surgeon. I had a very through ultrasound and it was determined that I had a DVT when I broke my leg back in 1996. I have superficial and deep venous insufficiency. In addition to being a pateint I am also an occupational therapist that does treat lyphedema.
Lymphedema is diagnosed by exclusion. There is no testing for lymphedema. After it has been determined it isn't anything else then that diadnoses can be given.
I would suggest seeing a vascular surgeon. They will be able to give you a appropriate diagnoses.
The basic treatment for both is compression stockings.
As for having fat legs vs edema. If you press on your leg and leave a dent that takes some time to go away you have edema. Edema feels different than fat.
Hope my ramblings have helped.
Belinda
Edema could be caused by vascular insuffiency. The vericose and spider veins are usually a sign of venious insuffiency. You had a lymph node removed so it could be lymphedema.
Lymphedema is usaully swollen from foot up to thigh in varying degrees. If the swelling is from the foot to knee it may venous insufficiency.
For years they thought I had lymphadema in my left leg.. After weightloss and finally seeing a GOOD vascular surgeon. I had a very through ultrasound and it was determined that I had a DVT when I broke my leg back in 1996. I have superficial and deep venous insufficiency. In addition to being a pateint I am also an occupational therapist that does treat lyphedema.
Lymphedema is diagnosed by exclusion. There is no testing for lymphedema. After it has been determined it isn't anything else then that diadnoses can be given.
I would suggest seeing a vascular surgeon. They will be able to give you a appropriate diagnoses.
The basic treatment for both is compression stockings.
As for having fat legs vs edema. If you press on your leg and leave a dent that takes some time to go away you have edema. Edema feels different than fat.
Hope my ramblings have helped.
Belinda
Anchor cut TT 9/27/2007
Most Active
Recent Topics
