Help!

[Susan61]

I was diagnosed with lymphedema of my lower legs. I see a therapist twice a week and a nutritionist once a week. I need to meet others with this chronic illness to help me cope. I am having trouble giving up so many things I love. Hope I hear from someone soon. Susan61

[Linda]

I really understand your wanting to meet others with a similar condition. My experience has been similar in that I rarely meet others with the same condition, with one exceptionist.

You mentioned seeing a nutritionist once a week. What a great idea! More and more we are discovering that good nutrition is important in controlling lymphedema and forming a group to share food ideas might interest others.

I have found that water exercise classes are a good way to meet people and the exercise is important too. You might explore water exercises for those with arthritis would work.

Best wishes in finding a group -- or maybe even forming a group.

Linda.

[LymphedemaGirl]

Hi Susan.
I totally understand your frustrations about giving up the things you love. I have had many thoughts about this myself and have decided that for me there need to be a balance. What's the use having a slim leg if it makes me miserable? And does diet really mean all that much to everyone? I does seem like salt and alcohol are the big ones, so I do try to not eat too much salt and I don't drink that much anyway. I refuse to give up red wine completely.
Anyway, if you are determined to cut out all the "bad-for-lymphedema" things, which I think is very interesting and I wish I had what it takes to do it, go for baby steps. Don't cut out everything in one go. Eliminate things over a period of time. Find alternatives. There are lots of fx raw deserts without sugar, dairy, wheat etc.
Good luck,
LymphedemaGirl

[jonptnc]

I am a Physical Therapist in Charlotte who is certified in CDT for lymphedema. I am working on setting up a lymphedema support group. Are you anywhere close to Charlotte?
Keep you head up! You will get through this with proper care and motivation!

Jon Morrissette, DPT, MTC, CLT

[AnneR]

I would be interested in more information on nutrition and Lymphedema. Can anyone give us a link to that information? AnneR

[Ann]

I found on Lymph Notes a very helpful article on nutrition. The article title is "Lymphedema and Healthy Nutrition." You can find for it by going to the home page and searching on the Table of Contents. You can also try typing this link in the Google search bar http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/556