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View Full Version : chronically weeping lymphedema, also cellutiis


nativespirit
Jan 12, 2004, 04:59 PM
I have been disabled since March 2003 with end stages of degenerative joint disease of both knees, chronic lymphedema of both lower extremities (usually weeping), cellulitis of lower extremities and underarms, depression and obesity......currently I have no health insurance because on disability I can barely pay my rent and utilties.....the Dr. I am seeing agreed to see me for a minimal payment but is not very forth-coming with details of my troublesome and annoying condition....I need to use a borrowed wheelchair and currently am homebound, and my life has just gone downhill since I cannot work anymore (under Dr.'s orders)....I live alone so have no support system and very few friends....last year I purchased compression stockings but cannot get them on by myself and with no insurance I cannot get any help......also, with all the weeping, stockings would be a mess anyway....I was putting sterile bandages on until today...I took them off.....was tired of changing them....just put neosporin on once per day and have to change my pants and socks occasionally each day......I know that I am lucky that I have legs, and many are in much worse shape than I, but this condition and the constant pain in my knees just wears me down......if anyone knows of any organizations that come to a person's home (I live in new york state, south of albany)...please let me know....thank you

AmyKenneth
Jan 16, 2004, 12:30 AM
I can so relate to everything you wrote. Thankfully I do have someone that can help me around. I live in Ga and I had a friend that was able to get help thru Vocational Rehab. Every state has one. I'm going to give you the link for the one in New York, but I'm not sure exactly what all you have to do. I would call an explain your situation. I noticed you meantioned being home bound. Is the mostly because you can't walk due to leg issues or is it also obesity? I hope you don't get offended in my asking. I'm nearly 600 pounds and I'm also in a wheelchair for the most part. I have LE also, I'm having to use a wheelchair for both the obesity and the LE. I'd be happy to talk with you by phone some time. I'm not sure how I can help, but I can be a friend. I know what it's like to be alone and feel like no one cares, but I care. So please email me and let's talk sometime. As for the Vocational Rehab here is the info I know. If they can't help maybe you can ask what they suggest for you.
My email is amylhwilliams@aol.com
you can also visit my website www.amylhwilliams.com

Click here for NY Vocational Rehab (http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/)

Please don't give up!

Amy