Tell me wny

[BikerBabe]

Why it is supposed to be important that I learn about the lymphatic system. Can anyone give me a really good reason for learning about lymph capillaries and ducts and all of that other stuff?

BB :confused:

[Ingrid]

In keeping your lymphedema under control YOU have an important role to play.

The techniques used in self-massage, bandaging, and exercising all work together to enhance the functioning of the lymphatic system.

These are the reasons why you need to under the lymphatic system.

ALSO if you want to become a lymphedema therapist someday, you'll need to understand what is presented here PLUS a not more!

Ingrid

[willowsmom]

Being well-informed about any medical problem is the best way to make sure that it doesn't overwhelm, overpower, enslave or kill you any more (or any sooner) than it has to. Besides, there are so many health-care professionals (and professionals-in-training) who don't know much about lymphedema that the more you know, the more you and your doctors and therapists can help each other!

Barbara

PS: I love your story! I have a royal blue Raleigh 3-speed that I bought (new) in September 1972 for $83; I recently had a lot of work done on it, and it is GORGEOUS. I decided it was time the bike had a name...she is now Blue Streak. I didn't know that Raleigh three-speeds had become classics, but they have!

[BikerBabe]

I enjoyed your reply to my question! I'm beginning to understand what you said about taking responsibility for my own health problems, although I can't say I've really learned to love that fat leg and heavy stocking yet.

I really enjoyed the story about your bike!

Thanks for your reply. It really was very helpful!

BB :)

[steveb]

Why.... That's a really good question.
I guess the first, most obvious to [U]me[\U]-- 7 years now, no infections, no lost limbs, etc...-- would be to keep your leg.
When you say that you really haven't yet come to "love this fat leg" you now have, you're not alone.
I can't tell you just how many times I've actually, seriously considered getting my leg whacked off just so that I can go back to work as a sheet metal mechanic, and to back to my once grand outdoor life. I even spoke with my doctor about it a few years ago, and he talked me out of it.
Unfortunately, you are now in a place where you must either learn to care for that "fat leg" you now have, or risk losing it, or worse, living with a leg that is always facing infections, injuries, etc....
Yea, I know, just what you wanted to hear, especially from some guy who has no idea what it feels like to have once had awesome looking legs, that always turned heads, and has now lost that look. True, I don't know-- from a woman's pov-- except that my legs were once huge, muscular, and apparently quite impressive to the women that I knew. I was told more than a few times that I had something comparable to what was once called-- back in the 70's-- Platz thighs. My thights were so big that no jeans could hold them, and constantly ripped out. And not from being overweight either.
For those who don't know, A guy named Platz was a body builder who worked on his legs to the point where they looked like most abdominal/ thoracic parts of other men. This guy had really huge legs. And buffed--- ouch. We're talking comparing legs of a dinosaur to a chicken.
I got mine from my regular lifestyle of hiking, and climbing ladders, playing outdoors, etc.... My thighs went from a good 24" circumference, down to perhaps around 20" now, or less maybe. But my left thigh-- the LE one-- is over 28" around. Talk about fat!!!! Yeeecch!
So, I can assure you-- you are not alone with your frustration, and disgust.
So, from a purely male perspective--- learn about this new thing you're dealing with just so you can keep your leg. While it may not be as pretty as it once was, you can still get around with it. It's YOUR leg, and not a mechanical one.
Just remember, your leg is not you. The real you lives inside a body that just doesn't work the way it was supposed to work any longer. While I can appreciate that is not an easy thing to live with, it is the truth. Your body is just a house for the real you to live in. Either take care of it, reasonably, or face the consequencs of having a house that doesn't work right.
And for all the folks who think I sound callous, sorry. It's not meant to be that way. Sometimes life sux, and we just get to learn how to adapt, or suffer needlessly.

[rdwright]

Just to feel good and stay healthy. Simply feel better after self message.

[dray138]

this is for biker babe,

I just seen your post for the 1st time. It is so important to keep up with everything there is to know about our condition. Im' unable to use traditioal medicine, but there are so many alteratives that you also need to do your research about natural methods, tooo! Life with this hasnt' been easy for me as I have made so many new adjustments. I ride harleys', been doing this since Ive' been 9 years young. There are ways to build your strength level up, also. I also taught dance along with being in tons of dance contests, well enough about me, all im' saying is you have to keep up with everything or youll' backslide on this condition. The idea is to overcome it and live with it successfully

Have a Blessed Day!

Dray 138

[guit30]

This disorder is different, I had to change doctors, do a lot of research and reading and have found that the average doc knows squat about lymphedemea, I'm so glad for the internet and different folk that God has brought about my path
Jim