Question:
Lymphedema ?????????

After reading a few posts on the board I am now concerned by some of the symptoms I am seeing when a person has lymphedema. I have had moderate to severe swelling in my legs for about 2 years now and was just diagnosed with congestive heart failure this year and venous statis disease and assumed that my symptoms were caused by these two health problems, I even had surgery on my knee in Feb, and the doctor didn't say a word about the swelling then but ... For the past 8 months or so that my inner thighs have hard lumpy masses on them and so does my lower stomach. The one on my stomach is pliable as were the ones on my thighs, but now the inner are very very firm. This is sound like lymphedema to you? Or does anyone have the same health problems and suffering the same thing? I would love to get some feed back here.    — Juanita N. (posted on October 1, 2003)

October 1, 2003
untreated lymphedema can turn from pliable to hard. that is not a good thing,because it can remain that way. I have lymphedema and had to make my own diagnosis,and when I did the doctor said oh that is what it could be. Tell your doctor your suspicions and request a refferal for physical therapy with a lymphedema specialist,before it's too late to reduce the swelling due to hardening. In the mean time ,massage it up towards the groin area ,avoid trauma to the areas and avoid infection from laceration to the area.
   — teresa W.

October 1, 2003
Thanks for the input, I will make an appointment with my doctor and discuss it with him. Here's to hoping it will be something else.
   — Juanita N.

October 1, 2003
I have lymphadema in both legs although the left is worse than the right. I don't know about the stomach and thighs but the if the legs swell a lot are sensitive and feel tight and stuffy, it sounds like it. I am not a dr so check it out. he nmay have not even paid attn to it. Surgery will not make it go away although it does lessen it. My ins co paid for my machine and custom boots for me to wear. That was when I was a pre op. Get this checked out please.
   — snicklefritz

October 2, 2003
My father had lymphedema in both legs as a result of a tumor on his lymph nodes. Please have your doctor check to make sure you don't have anything causing this blockage. After doing much research, several things can cause this including problems with your lymphatic system, blood clots, and damage to that area. It's best to find out so there are no "surprises." There are Occupational Therapists and Nurses who receive special training in how to wrap your extremities to promote the movement of the lymphatic fluids. After the swelling is under control, you can be fitted for stockings or boots which will maintain the improvement. My father also went to several doctors before we discovered what was wrong. The lymphedema went on for over a year and a half and became very severe (with fluid leaking from his pores) before we discovered what could be done, but the good news is there are treatments that can help to make this more manageable. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Debra R.

October 2, 2003
Thanks for those who responded. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday, so guess I will know something then.
   — Juanita N.