Lymphedema

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Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 4:06 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: Edema

I was going to ask how you had the determination of LE made, as that would be very unusual to have it in the areas you describe, all at once .. (e.g. hands & feet) .. In fact, I don't think I've known anyone who had LE in their hands ... It sounded more like you are having edema of another sort ..

Hopefully the docs have figured out what is going on and you are now doing better ..

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 4:00 am, edited 10/15/08 4:01 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: Can anyone figure this one out ???

Sorry, I never did have that test done, myself .. A little afraid of them sticking needles between each of my toes! ugh Congrats on having the courage to do it!

You might try asking this question on the Men W. Lymphedema Yahoo newsgroup .. Pat, our founder, knows a lot about that test and has had many of them done on himself over the years .. Hopefully he or one of the other members can give you some answers ..

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:56 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: New on the board

Hi Kim (howdy padner!)!

Congrats on getting your VSG ..   !

Are you have MLDT therapy on your leg?   You really need the massage therapy and proper applicaton of compression bandaging or garments to get the leg down to normal size, keep it there, and keep the LE from spreading over time .. With your weight loss you should be able to do your own MLDT and wrapping, once you learn how from a certified therapist . Eventually you can hopefully go on to just wearing a compression stocking on that leg ..

To find a therapist near you, see my post above ..  The linkes there are actually set up to help another OHer in Whitney, Texas find a therapist in her area ..

Good lluck to you, and please keep us updated (also, you might want to join us on the Tex Messsage Board, if you haven't visited that forum yet)

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:51 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: Dealing w/ LE & living alone

First of all, are you sure you are receiving massage therapy by a certified MLDT therapist? That is essential PRIOR to compression wrapping. Then, be sure they compression wraps are being put on properly afterward (again, by a MLDT-trained therapist) .. You should let a therapist do this for you for at least a month or so .. This should stop the "weeping" that is occuring .. After that, you should learn to do you own MLDT therapy and wrapping from your therapist, if you are physically able to do so and reach the affected areas .. Even if not, you can have custom "Ferra Wraps" measured and made for you, to help out .. After your legs have been reduced by the compression wrappings, just make sure to keep the Ferras on 23/7 to keep the swelling down .. They slip on and off easily and are held in place by several Velcro fasteners .. Eventually you may be able to use just compression stockings ..

Good luck!

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:45 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: LYMPHEDEMA PUMPS

Sorry, but everything I have read, as well as our experienced LE experts on the Men W. Lymphedema Yahoo group, says RUN from pumps -- they are contraindicated for LE treatment .. Regular use of pumps results in the forcing of the excess lymphatic fluid into adjacent healthy tissues, overwhelming the lymphatics in them and thereby speading the LE into those tissues over time .. In men, it can force it from the upper legs into the genitals, w. disastrous results .. &:-(...

The safe and effective treatment for LE is still MLDT massage therapy + compression bandaging by a trained therapist .

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:36 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: WILL SURGEON STILL OPERATE W/ LYMPHEDEMA

Cate .. did you ever have your surgery? how did it go?

I'm curious myself as to whether it is safe for us to have PS for the loose skin removal, or is there a risk it will trigger LE in those areas on us as well?

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:34 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: Lymphedema conference!

Amy, looks like I JUST missed the 2008 Conference in Atlanta .. I had forgotten all about it ..
&:-(...

Did you go, and if so, anything new presented there?

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:20 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: Has Anyone Here Experienced This?

Tarra .. how are you doing with your weight loss? Just curious ... How otherwise are you doing, healthwise?

I hope you are well and health(ier)!

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:17 am - Garland, TX

Topic: RE: I wonder if I have lyphedema!!!!

That would be a rather unusual place for it to start, as usually it starts in the feet or ankles (if in the lower body) and goes upward .. There are tests that can be done by pressing on the area to see whether it "pits" or not, to help make a determination if it is Stage 1 LE. Whatever you do, unless your PCP is very familiar with LE, unless he/she can definitely determine that the lump is something else, If not, I would have a LE-experienced doc also look at it, just in case. Many PCPs (e.g. family practice docs) just do NOT know about LE or how to distingui**** from other edematous conditions. Many of us were "victims" to same for many years. If it is in fact LE you want it diagnosed and to start treatment as soon as possible.

Good luck to you, and please let us know what you find out.

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )

Batwingsman
on 10/15/08 3:09 am - Garland, TX

Topic: Finding A Certified LE Massage (MLDT) Therapist Near You

Note:  this is from a post on the main forum, and is to specifically find a therapist in the State of Texas. Just put in your state or zip code on the websites to find one for your area:

* * * * * *

   http://www.vodderschool.com/find_a_therapist/search?province =228%7CTX&first_name=&last_name=&submit_btn1=Run+Search


http://www.clt-lana.org/therapists/default.asp?Page=1&StartP age=1&list=all&order=lastname&SearchType=State&Key=TX

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "

HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )