|
|
Personal Stories of Lymphedema--Jinky
I had a mastectomy for breast cancer in 2002. In 2004, while
we were moving, I lifted a few boxes. Within an hour my arm
blew up. I got an over the counter sleeve and put it on.
Everything was fine until I took up knitting in 2005.
All my knuckles flared up and got red. (I have
arthritis so thought it was that). I flew out west and
was there ten days, and coming home all my hand blew up.
I didn't know I should have had a glove when I first got
lymphedema. This would have helped so much.
In 2007 I leaned on my lymphedema elbow while scrubbing a
small area on the floor with my good arm, and overnight my
lymphedema arm blew up. That was not a good idea.
Shows you why we need a sleeve. I didn't have my
sleeve on. I started wrapping and within a few weeks I got
it down, but since then I wear my sleeve all day long and do
MLD. I only wrap once in awhile at night.
Being able to wrap has given me control over lymphedema and
peace of mind. I use Komprex II (spaghetti foam) or a dorsal
swell spot under my glove, and when I have fibrosis in my
arm I put some Komprex II there.
The best thing that happened to me was finding our support
group. I have learned so very much from everyone. It has
given me peace of mind. I can't believe I took up a
petition to get lymphedema garments to be paid for by our
province's health plan. It is in the legislature now.
When there is a need we lymphedema women step up.
Lymphedema hugs,
jinky xxxooo
Page Last Modified
09/29/2015
|
