Here are thoughts and reminders quoted from some of the many contributors to the The LYMPHEDEMA Online Support Group LYMPHEDEMA@LISTSERV.ACOR.ORG . If you would like to subscribe to this mailing list, send a blank message to the above address with "subscribe" in the subject line.
First would like to remind you that you bought the one way ticket when you got LE... no refunds, no returns... Darn....Putting your head in the sand won't make it ever go away...
Ruth Kadlec
Surprising things I learned about Lymphedema.
It compromises your immune system.......................... (always
fighting the stagnate fluid)
Causes poor
balance........................................ (due to ever changing size and
weight)
Lots of water every day.................................... (like a
gallon to thin and move fluid, with lemon, even better)
Low
energy........................................ (your body is working hard all
the time, to be somewhat normal)
Don't wear tight
clothing.................................. (it stops the flow of lymph)
Flex the muscles in you arm or leg often.................... (moves the
fluid along)
Manual lymph drainage......................................
(enlarges existing lymph vessels)
Never fly without
compression.............................. (not enough cabin air pressure)
Peroxide on every scratch immediately...................... (to prevent
infection)
Never allow athletes foot..................................
(creates a spot for infection to start)
Deep diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the cleansing of the lymph system by creating a vacuum effect which pulls the lymph through the bloodstream. This increases the rate of toxic elimination by as much as 15 times the normal rate. So try to do deep breathing every time you think about it.
Linda Imholt