I realize not everyone has lymphedema or any other problem with day to day life but those that do can learn from our own little ways of dealing with things that happen. A message board can help other and yourself if people talk about - a message board is a way of talking so if you read this spread the word there are place to talk about lifes little bumps that we all have to deal with.

I hope the doctors/ therapists told you this is a life long fight you will have with lymedema, but you can control it within reason. The massage therapy I assume is Manual Lymphedma Drainage (MLD)- I do MLD myself for my lower left leg twice a day once in the morning before I shower then once again before I wrap my leg for the night. During the day I have to wear a compression stocking to help keep the swelling down.I know how the mornings are after a restful nights sleep and the swelling that happens not to long after awaking for the day. Do you wear any form of support stocking during the day ? Do you have to do any form of wraps for the night time ? I am doing PT twice a week to get more moblie - the therapist I go to tells me that working the muscle helps but dont over do it, so we are building up slowly. Best to ask the doctors and/or therapists how much is enough and work with them to reach the goal your looking for . Good Luck

I have been working with doctors, therapists since Christmas. No Help. Now I get massage therapy at home 3 times a week, use lumbar belts on upper legs, swim almost daily and use jacuzzi jets to massage legs. The lymphedema is completely gone in the morning after a long night sleep but my legs begin to thicken within hour if not wrapped during the day. Is there anything I can so to keep my legs from filling up? I am having open surgery in June and hope that as my movement increases my lymphedema will decrease. Thanks michel

I contacted social workers. They worked magic, getting me a bariatric wheel chair, meeting me at appointments and taking me on special routes. They really advocated for me and hooked me up with doctors and therapists that understood my issues. In the beginning I did some big fibbing. My doctor noticed I had a high sugar reading in the hospital and logged me as a diabetic, I went through all the classes and have never had to take insulin or anything. I also shared with my doctor my feelings of depression and probably over extended them a bit, and shared my bad times. Which got me into counseling and support classes. I am a very strong woman and am used to sharing my strength and not letting people see the damaged side of me. But this really helped me at getting the support I need. I had my grandpa build me railings out of steel posts and I sit down when I have to. If you want to hear more please e-mail me. michel

Hi sarah, i have lymphedema of the upper right leg, I am using lumbar braces to keep from swelling. I swim almost daily and use the water jets to massage the affected areas. I am scheduled for surgery in june and hope to control my leg so it wont be a compounding problem. thanks michel