Lymphedema Support Group
Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The lymphatic system (often referred to as the body's "second" circulatory system) collects and filters the interstitial fluid of the body. Lymphedema has been barely recognized as being a serious health problem; however, this is slowly changing due to education and awareness.
Hi good people out there!
My name is Annery. I have posted this discussion before and i got very good advice from the group members. But it seems i am not coping well with the condition.
I have been living with lympedema of both feet since i was 15 years of age.It took time for Dr to diagonise it. I am now 27 years old.
I cant seem to handle my depression well and it scares me. Over the years i have been hopeful that one of the goods days this disease will be cured. Till i was told it was lympedema and it cannot be cured. Fine i accepted my condition, i thought i real did.
Until lympedema had such a huge impact on my life. I graduated as a Chemist, had to quit my job because the condition worsens when i had to stand all day long. I told myself, it is ok i will just change my career. Last year 2008, i did that. I registered for a Computer science degree, it was so hard i struggled to pass because of depression, i was not coping. I cried every single day. My mind had no peace i was so exhauted mentally, although i have seen a counsellor it helped a little. I was helpless. Never thought lympedema can have such an impact on one's life. Never in my life have i ever struggled with studies. I was always amongst the top in my science class.
I believe what worsened the depression is the unexpected change in my life. A change of career and a broken heart. My boyfriend broke up with me in 2006 because of my condition , that was the hardest part of my life i have never cried so much in my life. It was so painful. I have never dated ever since then,this condition makes it hard to date, unless if may be if u are already married then your husband will stand by you and you will have some sense of belonging. It is soo hard especially when you feel all alone. Most people of my age are either married with family or are in stable relationships, everybody deserves to be loved...
I feel so lost at 27 , no career, and more importantly no one to love me.
Last year 2008 i managed to pass my first year, but with very low marks. Due to that i did not secure a bursary only best students get bursaries. I have used up my savings and my small pension already last year. The money issue now adds to my depression, as much as i am willing to continue with my studies the money is just not enough. I am so depressed i hardly sleep at night, i always sleep around 3 in the night and my pillow is always soaking wet with tears. I have to finish this degree and make a living. My mind does not work properly these days , i wonder how i will make it through my studies this year. OH GOD I am helpless but not giving up.
I know this is a long message but i just want to pour out my heart to you and get all the support.
My name is Annery. I have posted this discussion before and i got very good advice from the group members. But it seems i am not coping well with the condition.
I have been living with lympedema of both feet since i was 15 years of age.It took time for Dr to diagonise it. I am now 27 years old.
I cant seem to handle my depression well and it scares me. Over the years i have been hopeful that one of the goods days this disease will be cured. Till i was told it was lympedema and it cannot be cured. Fine i accepted my condition, i thought i real did.
Until lympedema had such a huge impact on my life. I graduated as a Chemist, had to quit my job because the condition worsens when i had to stand all day long. I told myself, it is ok i will just change my career. Last year 2008, i did that. I registered for a Computer science degree, it was so hard i struggled to pass because of depression, i was not coping. I cried every single day. My mind had no peace i was so exhauted mentally, although i have seen a counsellor it helped a little. I was helpless. Never thought lympedema can have such an impact on one's life. Never in my life have i ever struggled with studies. I was always amongst the top in my science class.
I believe what worsened the depression is the unexpected change in my life. A change of career and a broken heart. My boyfriend broke up with me in 2006 because of my condition , that was the hardest part of my life i have never cried so much in my life. It was so painful. I have never dated ever since then,this condition makes it hard to date, unless if may be if u are already married then your husband will stand by you and you will have some sense of belonging. It is soo hard especially when you feel all alone. Most people of my age are either married with family or are in stable relationships, everybody deserves to be loved...
I feel so lost at 27 , no career, and more importantly no one to love me.
Last year 2008 i managed to pass my first year, but with very low marks. Due to that i did not secure a bursary only best students get bursaries. I have used up my savings and my small pension already last year. The money issue now adds to my depression, as much as i am willing to continue with my studies the money is just not enough. I am so depressed i hardly sleep at night, i always sleep around 3 in the night and my pillow is always soaking wet with tears. I have to finish this degree and make a living. My mind does not work properly these days , i wonder how i will make it through my studies this year. OH GOD I am helpless but not giving up.
I know this is a long message but i just want to pour out my heart to you and get all the support.
I certainly understand the depression. Nothing is going right. Life is not as you expected. Are you massaging your feet? Are you keeping them slathered with lotion? Do you wear compression stockings on your feet.
I didn't notice where you live, but enlist the help of every one you can and know that all of us have to keep on. I believe there is someone out there for you who is not concerned about what you cannot do.
You are in my prayers.