Guestbook Number 5

Numbers 101 - 125

May 30 - September 9, 2001

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125. Kimberly Hampton kimbierose@hotmail.com
Ava, MO , USA
September 9, 2001 at 07:28

Hello!! I am so glad that I found a site where other lymphedema sufferer's can share their stories. I am 18 years old and have primary lymphedema in all four limbs. The swelling is much worse on the right side of my body. After 2 years of struggling to even discover the name of this disorder, I was finally diagnosed at the age of 17. I can relate very well to everyone when they say that they are unable to where the type of clothing that they want. At 18, I know all too well what that is like. I can also relate to the amount of pain that everyone goes through and I agree that continuously being on your feet and walking all of the time, does not help the situation at all. My leg is very swollen at the end of every day, due to walking around campus, but I refuse to sit in my dorm room and do nothing. During therapy I was told that it was a common disorder, many people were just unaware that they had it, I was reluctant to believe them because I had never actually talked to anyone else who suffered from what I do. Therefore, I am glad I have found this site.
Thank you, Kimberly Hampton

124. Brenda
September 1, 2001 at 21:06

I had a mammogram preformed on my Tram reconstruction one year post surgery. I was doing great until that was done. Right after the mammogram my arm and hand swelled. I reduced the swelling with therapy but now my breast is hard and I have terrible pain under my arm and breast where the plate came down on the breast on that side. My doctors are saying that the mammogram didn't cause the lymphedema!!!!! Well why are you warned to not cause any trauma to the effected limb by having blood pressure taken and then suggest that a mammogram isn't trauma? I am very angry about this because I don't think the doctors are aware of the risks of lymphedema and they certainly don't inform their patients about it. I may have written to you before but I'm trying to find all resources out on the web that I can vent my frustrations to and try and get some feed back on the mammograms being preformed unnecessarily on patients. Thanks for listening. Brenda

123. Dave Brown maverick1000_1999@hotmail.com
Pittsfield Massachusetts , USA
August 31, 2001 at 18:54

I have suffered with Lymphedema of the right leg for about 20 yrs..It is swollen to nearly 4 times the size of my left leg which has also recently begun to swell. I have tried the MLD technique but is only offered 100 miles from here and with work it is impossible to do..I have a compression pump which does help but as stated by someone else here it does cause chest pains.. I find myself unable to do most normal things and have become sick of being sick.The Jobst company needeed three measurements in order for them to believe the size of my right leg and eventually sent a representative 300 miles to see it for himself. I am married with two children and find it difficult to do things with them but they and my wife are quite supportive..Does anyone know where special clothing can be obtained to accomodate my huge leg.I really need them for work and my search has been fruitless so far. I have been hospitalized numerous times for cellulitis and lymphangitis and this causes incredible pain as most of you well know. The job discrimination I have experienced has been incredible..has that happened to anyone else? email me and please let me know if u have information for me..i would be most appreciative..thank you and best of luck to you..

Note: I am glad i found this site..Its the first chance i have had to talk to people who know EXACTLY what i am going through..thank you

122. Joe White keyjoe1192@aol.com
Pawling , usa
August 26, 2001 at 16:36

I have had lymphedema in both legs below the knee since the age of 12. I developed it through puberty. I am now 38. Recently I was diagnosed with Myocarditis (a virus that attacked my heart - swelling of the muscle surrounding heart). I have struggled with lymphedema for many years now. I was near death because of this virus that attacked my heart. I was unconscious for 5 days. My body was the only thing that could fight this heart virus off because viruses cannot be treated with antiobiotics. The Dr's could not detect any infection with my heart. Doctors informed me that the myocardits was dormaint for over a month which explained why I was feeling really tired. I suddenly developed a leg infection from the lymphedema which caused the heart virus to come out in full effect back on Friday July 13, 2001. I'm feeling better, however my left leg has not fully recovered from an infection. I'm a driver for an exotic lumber company. I do heavy lifting and am concerned about my future. I need some help in determining what treatment is best for my leg. It is still warm to the touch, a little swollen in the morning, worse at night. During my stay at the hospital, it was alarming to see how unaware all the Dr's were about lymphodema. I had all these interns asking me question after question, it became quite disturbing. My cardiologist is not really focusing much on my left leg, just on my heart condition which is fine, but I can't understand why the infection is not going away. I have no fever, the left ankle has had a brown, purplish spot the size of a softball which will not go away. They did an MRI and did not detect an infection affecting the bone yet. I am concerned as to where I should go at this point. My family believes that my body is trying to recuperate from two things, my heart and my leg infection (if it is even an infection). I don't know where to turn to - Physical therapy, medications, Lymphedema Dr. etc etc. To give some history- My mother had Lymphedema all her life. She passed away in May of 1997 from diabetes and severe Lymphedema (bi-lateral, both legs). My younger brother Patrick suffers from Lymphedema (legs bilateral) as well. He is two years younger than myself. He had an injury to his leg at the age of 9 and has suffered more from Lymphedema than myself. Both of my sisters did not develop Lymphedema. My little girl has shown no sign of the lymphedema yet. My sisters daughters do not have it as well (age 14 & 16). All the girls are involved with sports and show no sign of Lymphedema yet - thank God!

My cardiologist has prescribed the following medications:

20mg Zestril (2x a day)
6.25mg Coreg (2x a day)
875-125 tablet SKB Augmentin (2x a day)
Stool Softener
40mg Protonix
250mcg Digoxin

I'm not medically aware if any of these drugs are beneficial to what's going on with my leg. Any advice, medical or personal, would be helpful. I appreciate your help and God bless everyone one of you who are affected by this disease.

Sincerely,

Joe

120. HEIDI WALTERS heidiwalters3@hotmail.com
FAIR PLAY . MO , USA
August 16, 2001 at 10:09

MY STORY SEEMS A LITTLE DIFFRENT FROM MOST. I AM 30 YEARS OLD AND HAVE PRIMARY L.E. IN ALL MY SYSTEMS. I HAVE DISCOVERED A FAMILY HISTORY OF L.E. ON MY MOM AND DADS SIDES OF THE FAMILY. MY LEGS ARE MY WORST PROBLEM THEY ARE SO SWOLLEN AND SORE I HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME STANDING SITTING AND WALKING. I WAS FORMALLY DIAGNOSED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR AFTER THREATENING TO LEAVE MY FAMILY DR IF I DIDNT GET THE TRUTH. I KNEW ABOUT L.E AND MY DR. WOULD DANCE AROUND THE TOPIC. I ALSO HAVE POLY-CYSTIC OVARY DISEASE.THESE 2 DISEASES CONTINUALLY FIGHT AGAINST ONE ANOTHER. I AM AFRAID THAT ONE OR THE OTHER WILL KILL ME. I HAVE A DEEP DEPRESSION BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS. AT 30 I AM DISABLED. UNABLE TO FUNCTION AT ANY JOB. THE EDEMA IS SO BAD I WAS TOLD TO ELEVATE MY LEGS 6 TO 8 HOURS A DAY WHILE AWAKE. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE IMPOSSIBLE. I STARTED MAN. L. DRAINAGE 5 DAYS A WEEK AND POOL THERAPY 5 DAYS A WEEK. I COULD NOT FUNCTION WITH THE WRAPS ON BOTH LEGS I COULD NOT STAND OR USE THE TOILET WITHOUT HELP. I AM AT A LOSS FOR WHAT TO DO. ANY SUPPORT WOULD BE BETTER THAN WHAT I AM GETTING. I RESUME TREATMENTS AGAIN ON SEPT. 4TH . I HAVE A NURSE COMING BEFORE THEN TO HELP ME I HOPE.... THANKS FOR LISTENING.

119. Barbara Sovereen bsovereen@bloomhealth.org
Nashville IN , US
August 15, 2001 at 22:32

We need some help! I am writing on behalf of my husband who has secondary Lymphedema of the leg, primarily, and also of the genitals, as a result of an exploratory surgery approx. 13 yrs. ago, after which he was not given any information about the possibility of lymphedema, what it was, what to do, etc. Of course, his condition has worsened over time, and his doctor told him there was nothing to do for him. (His right leg is more than 2 times the size of the left.) It is difficult for hiom to get around. As he says, when he is standing he is fairly okay, when he is sitting he is fairly okay, but getting from one the other is becoming almost impossible. I found physical therapists through our local hospital trained in specific massage and bandaging techniques, which he did for many months but this met with little success as we were so late into treatment. He gave up. Eventually another doctor, after fully examining him, recommended a full leg pump with 3 compression chambers, even witht hew complication of the genital edema, set up in the home by a therapist, which did give some relief and increased the flexibility of the leg, but did not reduce the size (upper leg actually increased in size over a 2 month period, but foot and ankle were better.) But, it added a complication, greatly increased genital Lymphedema, with considerable pain. Once this became apparent to us, he discontinued the machine. (The fluid was pushing up from the leg but did not leave the body.) The doctor referred him to a Urologist, as he feared testicular cancer. This is not the case, as confirmed by ultrasound, but there is a large build up of fluid, and the urologist has recommended outpatient surgery within 2 weeks to remove this fluid. He feels the swelling, while much less painful now, will not diminish without this. While certainly no expert, everything I have read concerning lymphatic fluid warns me that this may be dangerous. His regular doctor does not know, has little exposure to such patients, etc. Where can we go for more advice or to form a more educated decision? Has surgery routinely been recommended as a means of releasing lymphatic fluid in the genital area? I appreciate your help.

118. Adrienne Pickett apickett@southernco.com
Birmingham, Alabama , USA
August 15, 2001 at 00:05

I am interested in being treated for lymphedema. Which doctors specialize in this area of medicine ? I am located in Birmingham, Alabama. Is there a local physician who can assist me in treatment ? My doctor prescribes diuretics, but they do not help. Is it possible to have fluid surgically drained from the body ? Would this be wise ? Any information you can provide would be most helpful.

117. FATIMAH WIMBERLEY fatimah333@hotmail.com
NEWARK, NJ , US
August 12, 2001 at 20:36

Hello everyone, after 3 bouts with cancer and surviving them all, my mother had a vulvocetomy (excuse the spelling) and receive radiation and prior to that she was never told of the warning of developing lymphedema. If she had of know she said she probably wouldn't have had the surgery over a year ago. Now she has le in both legs from her waist down, she's in terrible pain, but the worst of it all is her not being able to do the things she use to do. she went from a very active women to a almost bedridden women. Most of the doctors don't understand le, so through some research I was in contact with a therapist that specializes in le, with the compression wraps, manual lymphdrainage, stockings, massages, etc.

those that have been affected by le, really need to watch your diet, cut down on salt and drink plenty of water. and try to exercise the affected area. Also pay close attention to the type of soap you use if you have ademia you need to use anti-bacterial soap such as dial or something like that, use lotions such as curel, neeva, euthorian, johnson & johnson it won't clog the arteris. I know le is life-long, i'm just lucky to still have my mother here so to all of you with this disease keep your heads up and stay strong, and for my mother's sake i'm gonna keep doing research so whenever i find any new information i'll will definitely forward your way. Feel free to contact me if anyone has any other info or just wants an ear. thanks alot- we need more websites such as this very uplifting

116. Louise D. pooperjim@aol.com
Tampa Fl. , U.S.A.
August 11, 2001 at 22:31

Am glad to know I'm not the only one with a big arm.I had a modified radical mastectomy 33,yes 33years ago. Never developed lymphedema until about five years ago.My left arm is a great deal bigger than my right one. Five years ago I tried the Jobst Extremity Pump. It helped a little, but not enough. I also use a compression sleeve. It has been so hot this summer, it's been to hot to wear this every day. I also have the reid sleeve. This sleeve works pretty good if I use it every day.It's so hard to wear one of these things all the time, so I just live with this fat arm day after day.I would love for my arm to be the same size as my other one. I do a lot of yard work, I love my plants and flowers,it seems that I'm just going all the time, shopping, babysitting, I never sit down long enough to be on any kind of machine. I am also a five(5) times cancer survivor. Had a lot of chemo and radiation throughout the years. All in all, I am in pretty good health. I guess the man upstairs is keeping me around for some good reason.It's just been interesting hearing about everyone elses problems.I'm sorry for all of you and am so glad to talk to you all. Hope to hear from someone with my problem. God Bless you all.

115. Sylvia Bastian thebastians@hotmail.com
HOUNSLOW , ENGLAND
August 7, 2001 at 09:30

7.8.01

I have suffered with lymphedema in my right leg since 1989. It all started with a swelling on my foot after a long train journey - this swelling did not go down, but only got worse with time. Right from the start I visited a number of doctors in India to see what this was and if there was anything that could be done. I was informed it was lymphedema and all I could do was wear a support stocking all my life. I immigrated to the U.K. in 1991 and my G.P. referred me to St Thomas Hospital in London. After the initiall checks they reconfirmed to me what I was told in India and again advised to wear support stockings and told there was nothing else that could be done. I was given a yearly appointment when a doctor would take a look at my leg ask me if I experienced any problems - when I went for my appointment this year in February 2001 I was discharged, the doctor told me there was nothing else they could do for my condition but to continue to wear the support stockings. The stockings I was prescribed was "Compression 3 below the knee, open toe - VENOSAN medical stockings" . I have worn these stockings for the last ten years - available on NHS prescription and have been very comfortable with them. I was also advised by the doctors at St Thomas Hospital, London - if ever any rash appeared to apply Lamisil Cream and if there was redness (indication infection) to take Lamisil Tablets - both these are also available on the NHS prescription - and they have proved very effective in my case.

However, for the last three days I have developed a very severe pain in my foot, all over on the top and under the foot - so unbearable that it brings tears to my eyes and I am very restless. This is my first experience of pain in all the years I have suffered with this condition. I saw my GP yesterday and he advised me to take Ibuprofen - anti-inflamatory tablets and Co-Amilofruse Tablets to help me pass water and reduce the fluid content in the body. He said the pain was due to the build up of pressure due to excessive fluid accumulation. I am not getting much relief from this - the pain is still there and I have not been in to work today because the pain is quite bad. Has anyone suffered with pain as I have described and what have they done for it and does it last forever, or is it a condition that will go away. I am worried as I feel it may affect my being able to work if I am going to be in this constant pain on my foot.

I have read that Horse Chestnut seed extract and grape seed extract help in the circulation. I also read that immersing the affected part in cold water rather than hot water (which is what I do) helps. I will try these and hope I will get some relief. If there is any one out there who can tell me more about the sudden development of my pain please help me. Thanks. Sylvia

114. Jessica Ensley jessiee13@hotmail.com
bellingham , usa
August 2, 2001 at 06:11

I have had congenital lymphoedema since birth. I am now nineteen and just found out about all the wonderful things about my condition. I would like to have children in the future but don't know if i can. Anybody who has children and has this condition please contact me!

113. Debbie Hummingbird5915@hotmail.com
Eubank , USA
August 1, 2001 at 21:59

I developed lymphedema in l995..But I was never told by my doctors what it was...I was treated for everything except lymphedema. MY right leg is 3 times the size of my left leg. I am now going to therapy and doing the bandages.. I wish I had known what my condition was earlier then maybe I could have gotten help sooner. I have a history of blood clots and apparently that is what is causing this. I am grateful to find that there is help out there for us. I am sorry that my doctors would not take the time to tell me what was wrong with me. I had to change doctors in order to find out and get the proper care.

112. Carrie DeBartolo
July 26, 2001 at 18:53

I am 32 years old. I had stage 2 breast cancer 2 years ago. I developed mild lymphedema during radiation therapy. It really hasn't been a problem for me yet. My arm is slightly larger than the other. It seems to be getting worse though. I have developed these puffy patches in my arm pit. They resemble mosquito bites. They come and go. They are not red. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? If so please e-mail me CarrieDeBar@aol.com . Thank you, Carrie

111. Kier kdmcneil@hotmail.com
jersy City , USA
July 22, 2001 at 05:30

I too have experienced some of the same symptoms as the others on this site. Every doctor thatIi have seen for this condition has told me they would not be able to treat this. The swelling is getting much worse and it is beginning to scare me. If there is anyone put there who lives in the NY/Nj area that could recommend a doctor I would great apperciate it. I can be reached at kdmnceil@hotmail.com

110. Barb Ledgerwood melandbarb@mybc.com
Surrey, , Canada
July 12, 2001 at 01:00

In January of 2001 I noticed that my legs were starting to ache and swell. They only swell in the front of both legs up the front of them. It stays dented in when you push on them. I have been to the doctor and been tested for everything. There seems to be no answer for the swelling. I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem. I did have tummy tuck and I am wondering if this has affected my lymph nodes. Would like to hear from anyone that has had smilar symptoms.Thanks Barb

109. Roos topaz1911r@hotmail.com
Voorschoten , The Netherlands
July 10, 2001 at 17:40

Thank you for this site! I've lymphedema in my right arm, after breast cancer. I'm now looking for therapy, even if my doctor is saying that nothing helps. I'm glad to find this site. it helps a lot.

108. Tammy Lucyrenae@aol.com
Austin, In , USA
July 1, 2001 at 20:25

I am 27 years old, and have had Lymphedema since birth in my left leg. I can greatly sympathize with all who are on this site.
The first 5 years of my life, my mother had to wrap me in ace bandages to minimize the swelling, then I was fitted for the Jobst garment. Growing up, I experienced a lot of the same emotions that many of you know well. I didn't really feel like I fit in and everyone stared at me, and of course I always had to deal with total strangers asking me what was wrong with me. I have always done things as any normal person would, and not let lymphedema hold me back. Not to say that it hasn't costed me some pain and setbacks at times.
I had a blood clot when I was 10 and was hospitalized for a week and a half, then at age 12 I developed cellulitis, and again was in the hospital for about a week. When I started going through puberty, I developed Lymphedema in my buttocks and in my genitals only on the left side of my body as well. This made my clothes fit even worse than they did before. My doctor had never told me that this would or could happen, or even really warned me about anything that we face through the stages of le.
I tried the compression pump at about age 17 but it helped only when I was in bed or not very active. After about 6 months, I noticed that I would have very sharp chest pains during and shortly after the use of the pump. I told my doctor about it and he said, "Well, it shouldn't hurt you" and that was it. I turned the pressure as low as it would go for a month, still got chest pains. I stopped using the pump, stopped getting chest pains also.
You that use pumps, pay very close attention to this. I done some research and found that those pumps can cause you to have chest pain, which is a sign of stress to the heart, and that if you do experience this to stop using it. My doctor wanted me to keep using it, but I will not.
I have worked since I was 16, and have always had the ups and downs of the swelling, during hot days and active ones as well. At the age of 24, my leg began to swell so much that I could not wear jeans or other kinds of pants. The swelling is worse below my knee. I took a medical leave from work for 3 months to have MLD with the use of compression wraps. I learned how to do this at home for myself and it is a huge help.
I have the same problems getting shoes and clothes to fit, but I wear what I want to wear, providing I can find what I want to fit me.
I do have a hard time sometimes having le, but all I can say to you that have it is don't let it hold you back. Take the initative to treat yourself.
I have found that wearing the Jobst compression garment throughout the day and doing MLD and wrapping at night helps a lot.
Also, this is not enough, our diet is very important. Do some research on foods that can cause your le to get worse. I have cut back on salt, cut out caffeine altogether and lots of other things. Believe me I have tried it all, and I have found that it has to be a combination of things we do that will improve our condition.
What works for me may or may not work for you, but try different things and multiple things until you find what does work for you.
When I started MLD my left leg was 60% bigger than my right, now with all that I do together, it is only about 25% bigger.
As far as being worried about the way we look with le, well, I know all too well. I hate it at times, I want to look better, more normal or attractive, however you want to put it, but I've found that if you can get past worrying about what others think you look like and try to wear what you like, even if it doesn't look exactly how you would like, you do feel more attractive.
I always have trouble finding dress shoes, but I look until I find some that will fit, even if they are not the ones I would have originally chosen, and I dress up, wear dresses and things like that, shorts, bathing suits.
I have also found that for those of you that won't go swimming, it helps the swelling also. It is a very good exercise that is not hard on your legs. I first noticed that it helped one day when my leg was aching after work. I decided to go swimming anyway, because like I said, I try to do as much as possible even with le, and I noticed after about an hour in the pool the ache was almost gone. What a relief. I swim all the time now and it does help.
Keep your head up if you have le, it is a struggle but it can be managed and there are lots of people who have it that you can talk to right here on this site. I would be happy to hear from any of you if you need someone to talk to.

107. Judith Doodeman j.m.doodeman@huidtherapeuten.nl
Berkhout , The Netherlands
June 30, 2001 at 15:36

I just visited your website and questbook. I am skin- and edematherapist and I'm interested in everything about lymfedema. Unfortunately I have to agree that the lymfedema in Holland is underestimated. The information can be much better. It's improving bit by bit. When I started my practice 5 years ago, I had to explain to everybody I spoke to what edema is. Nowadays a lot of people know a little bit about it. I think we have to confirm the insurance about the need of edematreatment. If there's any question you want to ask me, you can send me an e-mail.

106. tobi goldberg maguire tobi2b@yahoo.com
philadelphia, PA , USA
June 21, 2001 at 17:52

hi

I had a mastectomy and a TRAM reconstruction in mid March 2001. My lymph nodes were clear and I do not have to have chemo or radiation or take tamoxifin. In the last month I have felt that I was thicker around the waist and in the area between my incision and my pubic hair line. I thought maybe I was imagining it. The other day, I put on a pair of short but could not fasten them at the waist. The next morning I put on the same shorts and closed them and they were even loose. Guess the swelling was not my imagination! I had an appointment with the psysiatrist(rehab med doctor) the next morning and she explained the incision for the TRAM had cut through my lymph vessels and the lymph above the scar had no place to go! I had no idea that was going to happen. She suggested manual lymphatic massage and wearing some garmet that compresses the area.

I would appreciate any references of people in the Philly area who know that massage, especially for a TRAM procedure. I want to learn to do it for myself. I would also like suggestions of a garment that compresses but does that have a tight band that would go from under my ribs to a panty line. Where did you buy it and who makes it? I am about to go searching, but any help would be great.

I am also interested in any complementary medical things that would help.

Thanks!

tobi

105. marianne
June 20, 2001 at 18:25

Primary lymphedema on both legs.

104. Phil Turner
June 20, 2001 at 00:34

Hi. I'm Phil in Syracuse, one more person happy to find this site. My problem began in 1995, after having hernia surgery. Days after having the surgery I experienced an extremely sharp pain that traveled down my inner right thigh from my groin area where the hernia surgery had taken place. I remember the pain was severe and odd, like nothing I had ever experienced. The next morning my lower right leg, ankle and foot were severely swolen and the pain was so severe that I could barely move. I went to the doctor and was immediately admitted in the hospital for fear of a blood clot. I received EKG testing and no clot was detected. I stayed in the hospital for a week with my foot inclined, receiving introvinous blood thinner and a special diet. The Vascular surgeons claimed that they could find no trace of how this condition came about. I showed them the very sore blue line, similar to a collapsed vein, running from the groin area down my inner thigh, down to where the fluid was. After mumerous trips to the vascular surgeon and the physicisn who did the surgery, I was told by my personal physician, who referred me to the other physicians that I had Lymphedema. I was given a prescription for the stocking which was never of any significant help. Through prayer and reduced salt in my diet my condition is minimized. I still experience pain in my groin and inner thigh area and the fluid build-up is more severe in hot weather and long trips.

I believe that my situation developed from the surgery and that the physicians knowingly concealed the diagnosis and it's link to the surgery. I would discard how this situation developed except that I feel that the doctors were more concerned for their well being than for mine. Now I have a condition that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I don't know why this happened to me, but I can identify with everyone's physical and emotional pain. I've thought about seeking legal advice for years, but it always seemed the situation was getting better. I'm very health contious. I try to workout frequently and I watch what I eat. The situation gets worse when I step up my activity inexercizes where I use my legs. What would you do?

103. Debbie Henry DDAGHE@MSN.COM
Atlanta. Georgia , USA
June 18, 2001 at 04:50

Hi. Had Ovarian Cancer in 1990/1994. Right groin lymph node hurts. Go back to the doctor tomorrow. Recently fractured my left ankle - now they say it's broken. BUT for two months now the swelling nor the color will come back and it is hot. Please pray for me. This website is very informative. I could use any feedback I can get. I want to be educated about my possibilities. THANKS,DEBBIE

102. Mary Jane Peterson mjsturz@bloomer.net
Colfax , USA
June 13, 2001 at 02:38

Best wishes to all who suffer from this horrible disease. I had my left breast removed on December 23, 1998 and in June of 1999 had reconstruction surgery. It was after that surgery that I developed the lymphedema. I have had a major infection with staph and strep in the left arm in April. I really was very ill. I was fine the night before when I went to bed and by 3:00 a.m. I was extremely ill. I was hospitalized on IV treatments to kill the bacteria for five days and then back home for additional antibiotics and rest. Now my legs seem to be swelling. Is it possible to spread from the first site to others? I am overweight so it is hard to tell what is really going on her but I know that I am holding fluid. The weight gain can be very large in just a day or two. I am trying to loss weight again but get so discouraged because the constant pain keeps me from exercising as I know I should. Where do we turn? What can we do? Good luck to you all.

101. Vess
London
May 30, 2001 at 14:42

Hiya

Tis amasing that in this day & age we still have to deal with so much ignorance. Well, soon after my surgery I started studying to be a naturopath, specialisiing in herbalism. A year later I had lymphedema in my right leg, I started trying to find out all the information there could possibly be help my sort out this horrendous problem buy as you all know, nothing could be done. There is nothing that anoys me more than being told I can't be cured...

Well guys, if you have edema in the legs please try...Horse Chestnut seed extract. Basically it strenghtens the veins in the legs & reduces edema. I have notice a good improvement, it's not a cure but it does help reduce the mass and makes my leg quiet soft, which as you know makes a big difference.

OPC's, rutin, grape seed extract are all good helpers that could be used in conjunction with the Horse Chestnut tincture. It has really given me great improvement in my leg & in my mental acceptance of the situation....

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