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.
I find it extreeeemely hard to date. I have been living with lympedema for the past 14 years. I am now aged 30 . Last time i was in a relationship was 5 years ago. Five years ago my lympedema was not as bad as it is now.
Because of my condition my boyfriend did not understand and he broke off the relationship. I breaks my heart I feel so lonely, but I am not prepared to be rejected AGAIN :( . Being a lady with lower limbs lympedema (both my feet and legs are swollen) is hard. Firstly nowadys looks are important, and to start with, finding shoes that fit is a problem, you are limited to wearing long dresses and trousers to hide your legs and feel less sexy. Sometimes I just wish living with lympedema is a bad dream i never have to wake up to.
I am faced everyday with low self esteem and depression at times i really struggle to shake it off.
Sorry for venting but i just had to get it out of my chest , i know everyone is dealing with this condition .at times the side effects of this condition just really wear me down.# SO DEPRESSED# I wrote this with tears in my eyes.
Because of my condition my boyfriend did not understand and he broke off the relationship. I breaks my heart I feel so lonely, but I am not prepared to be rejected AGAIN :( . Being a lady with lower limbs lympedema (both my feet and legs are swollen) is hard. Firstly nowadys looks are important, and to start with, finding shoes that fit is a problem, you are limited to wearing long dresses and trousers to hide your legs and feel less sexy. Sometimes I just wish living with lympedema is a bad dream i never have to wake up to.
I am faced everyday with low self esteem and depression at times i really struggle to shake it off.
Sorry for venting but i just had to get it out of my chest , i know everyone is dealing with this condition .at times the side effects of this condition just really wear me down.# SO DEPRESSED# I wrote this with tears in my eyes.
being sad is not good for lymphedema patients, I know how you feel, but let me tell you this, if a man is not man enough to stay with you, is not going to be man enough against any other desease as well, let's say you don't have lymphedema and he stayed in the relationship, but later in life when you get sick he will not stay in the relationship, he'll turn his back and walk away. Good for you, this way you'll know who is true and who is fake. don't get sad because of it because he doesn't even deserve it, the most important part is , be happy every single day of your life, you don't need this kind of emotional stress, try to focus on yourself only, and try to do the most of youre will and power to be physically in the best shape you can be, remember that for you, you are the most important person in the world, let nobody break you, and specially don't let that nobody make your lymphedema worse, with going and eating your emotions etc.. YOU ARE THE BEST. take care.
I havve to ssay thatt you arre bravve. Dontt lett that onne time jerrk dominnate yourr selff esteeem. Youu arree waayy better tthan himm.
Butt I undersstand that revviving your selff esteeem starrts withh lookking physicallyy "norrmal". Givven thee facct thatt inn a suuperficial worrld, lookss matter mosst. It's just the sadd statte of reallityy.
Havving said that, I ddefinitelly trieed to findd ways to treatt the probblem. Mayy i askk you, do you use compression stockkings?
I use the Venowave whicchh was effective for my conddition. I suggestt you tryy itt too. Iff itt works, then you'll be backk again on the datting scene.
I wissh you luck.
Also, the thought of introducing all this uglyness to a man puts me off. It is not just the stocking, it is the greasy lotions, the pump, the nightgarment, the wrapping, the not being able to wear sexy underwear etc. and of course the look of the leg itself.
As much as it is true that someone that really cares about us will not care about the Lymphedema, it seems dificult to meet such a man and like you, I can't face the risk of rejection. Getting Lymphedema was being hit with a hammer in the head so my courage and confidence are are fraction of what it once was.
However, after these years of trying to heal my wounds I feel different than at first. There are many wonderful men out there too and I feel I am more prepared to spot the superficial ones, at least I hope so. It has taken a long time but I do feel I am at a different stage now, although a very different one from before Lymphedema.
If I ever were to date again I would protect myself by making sure to - depending on the person - either get to know him well before telling him about the situation, or tell him early in order to find if he runs a mile and that way not waste time and, most importantly, emotions.
I wish you all the best.
Liz
Don't settle for any guy. If he doesn't accept you AND love you for who you are, he's not worth it. Believe me, I know it's difficult to look in the mirror and see someone attractive...but if you don't believe it, then it's difficult for others to believe it. Personally, I changed my perception of attractiveness. It's all in mind. I recommend to look in the mirror and keep telling yourself that you're beautiful inside/out. It might be hard in the beginning, but you'll eventually believe it. Know that you are beautiful and special...AND DESERVE someone who could appreciate your beauty and differences.
Venting is good. It's one of those steps needed to accept our disability. The next step is to get up and build youself up. I have no doubt that you'll be writing back in a while telling us about your new man :)
Newlife272