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.
Here is How I deal with depression that comes with Lymphedema. Please share with the group how you deal with lymphedema.
I am a lady aged 32. I have been living with Lymphedema since I was 16 ( I have lived with lymphedema of both legs and feet for 18 years).
As a young woman, the first thing that flew out of the window is self-confidence and self-esteem . I just did not feel good enough about my body. Depression is real but do not let it get to you. I have struggled with depression now and then but I have learnt how to deal with it so that it does not get me down.
1. Someone was told me : Always stay one step ahead of Lymphedema , don't let it get to you. Stay in control
2. Acceptance is important , accept you have a chronic condition , although it is not curable , it can be manageable.
3. Learn as much as you can about lymphedema : It puts you in a better position to maintain it.
4. Forgive yourself : You have nothing to do with it, it is not your fault that you have this condition .
5. Learn from this experience : "Everything is a lesson that God would have us learn" ~ Iyanla Vanzant . What can you learn from lymphedema : compassion etc
6. Seek professional help : I made appointments with my psychologist a couple of times . It helps too.
7. Take care of your self. Eat well ( less fat and less salt), exercise to maintain a healthy weight, drink a lot of water etc
8. Believe in a high power. I am a Christian and my GOD has been awesome , he truly gets me through bad days and gives me peace. Knowing he is here for me gives me peace.
9. Lymphedema does not define who you are. You are an awesome being , wonderfully and fearfully made. You are not your legs.
10. Be involved in charity : charity makes me feel alive , by helping and volunteering gives me strength to carry on.
11. Don't bit yourself up for hurting. Everyone that has ever lost something go through a period of grief. You need to cry sometimes ,there is nothing wrong with it.
12. Keep a journal : write things that you are grateful for : Attitude of gratitude is golden.
13. Writing helps me a lot, I love poetry . Find a hobby to look forward to.
14.Dont forget to LIVE. There was a time all I did was breath .
All the best everyone . This is not an easy journey but we have to LIVE. Take care.
I am a lady aged 32. I have been living with Lymphedema since I was 16 ( I have lived with lymphedema of both legs and feet for 18 years).
As a young woman, the first thing that flew out of the window is self-confidence and self-esteem . I just did not feel good enough about my body. Depression is real but do not let it get to you. I have struggled with depression now and then but I have learnt how to deal with it so that it does not get me down.
1. Someone was told me : Always stay one step ahead of Lymphedema , don't let it get to you. Stay in control
2. Acceptance is important , accept you have a chronic condition , although it is not curable , it can be manageable.
3. Learn as much as you can about lymphedema : It puts you in a better position to maintain it.
4. Forgive yourself : You have nothing to do with it, it is not your fault that you have this condition .
5. Learn from this experience : "Everything is a lesson that God would have us learn" ~ Iyanla Vanzant . What can you learn from lymphedema : compassion etc
6. Seek professional help : I made appointments with my psychologist a couple of times . It helps too.
7. Take care of your self. Eat well ( less fat and less salt), exercise to maintain a healthy weight, drink a lot of water etc
8. Believe in a high power. I am a Christian and my GOD has been awesome , he truly gets me through bad days and gives me peace. Knowing he is here for me gives me peace.
9. Lymphedema does not define who you are. You are an awesome being , wonderfully and fearfully made. You are not your legs.
10. Be involved in charity : charity makes me feel alive , by helping and volunteering gives me strength to carry on.
11. Don't bit yourself up for hurting. Everyone that has ever lost something go through a period of grief. You need to cry sometimes ,there is nothing wrong with it.
12. Keep a journal : write things that you are grateful for : Attitude of gratitude is golden.
13. Writing helps me a lot, I love poetry . Find a hobby to look forward to.
14.Dont forget to LIVE. There was a time all I did was breath .
All the best everyone . This is not an easy journey but we have to LIVE. Take care.
Kesh1
wow this touch my heart I have never meet no one around the same age as me I feel the same way I refused to wear shorts /dresses...
dsf95
I really couldn't deal with it at all. The way I deal is to fight it. I have been at stage zero for years. Biking every day helps me feel like I am fighting. Don't tell me to accept lymphedema. I refuse to weigh 400 lbs. ever again.
dsf95
Do not drink soda ever. Take cool showers or baths. Try ice packs around lymph nodes. Try peppermint essential oil mixed with coconut oil under arm pits. Slather legs in coconut oil. Get a shiatsu back massager. Ditch coffee for tea. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less processed food. Try non weight bearing exercise like swimming and three wheel biking. Be kind to yourself. These things have helped me.
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