a visit to the Lymphedema specialist to assess the condition was very traumatic for me....
they gave me reams of information to read.... risks, treatments etc...it's pretty overwhelming....
once you have this condition it appears it is for life.... there is no cure just treatment which consists of physical therapy 2x weekly for a few months to "move" the lymphatic fluids that are stuck and cause swelling because lymph nodes were removed during surgery.... then i'm to learn the exercises to do myself.
the worst part is having to wear a compression garment pretty much day and nite to keep the swelling at a minimum....
lifting, luggage, purses, grocery bags, flying any kind of gripping, etc. are among the list of "high risk" activities they gave me... - no ice - no heat.....which i've been using for the pain of the broken shoulder which some days is pretty awful.......hand must always be protected with gloves for gardening or cleaning because of the risk of infection.
I do have 2 friends who have had this for years and they manage quite well and tell me "there's all the things they tell you and then there is reality....- but the compression garment is important and i'm dreading it.....
i need to do a lot more research - treatment starts next week.....
i had a huge meltdown after the session having to face another challenge....
you can find out a lot about it online but i was overwhelmed with what site to link so you're on your own if you are interestested....
one more challenge to discourage me.......
GOOD NEWS i went to the dance party last nite and danced 4 dances !!!!!!!!!! i'm and exhausted but i did it....
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3 comments:
Another mountain to climb, another valley to rest in, another meadow to dance through!!!! Ain't life beautiful! I love you, Geri
Tom reminded me of a woman in her 60's who has lymphedema and she bowls every Tuesday with us! I'm sure she tosses the ball with her good arm, but nevertheless, she bowls! She wears the fitted sleeve on her affected arm but you'd hardly notice it. Geri
You might want to talk to Fran about the lymphedema...she's in the same position as you, only 5 years later and she takes care of her two little grandsons every day!
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