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.

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Annery 08/02/2009

Hi all, ever since my boyfriend broke up with me because of my condition, i cant seem to get over the hurt, that happened two years ago but it always seems like yesterday. A relationship is the most important thing in anyone's life and everyone feels the need to have someone that cares for them. With this condition it makes dating very difficult, the pain, the depression, one is withdrawn, one is also consicious about their looks more especially when you are young and you would like to dress up as everyone else. How do i start dating when i know chances are my heart will get broken, the thought of starting a family one day is killing me because i do not know how my lympedema will react. I am not ready to be heart broken again as it will add to the depression i am trying to fight. Am happy for all my friends of the same age(27) who are happily in relationships and some have started families. Two of my sisters too are married, even my young sister. My other sister has a child and she is in a stable relationship, everytime i go home for holiday i feel more lonely. Since i am now a full time student, had to give up my job as a Chemist and start over with Computer science.

I value your answers because you are also going through the same condition as me.

Thank you,
Annery

deleted_user 08/05/2009

Annery, my heart goes out to you. You can and will have a fulfilling life despite the lymphedema. I would suggest that you seek professional counseling to help. There are psychologists or L.C.S.W. (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) who can help you incorporate your body changes and help with your self-image. Please try to get on with your life. Also, are you getting the best treatment possible for the condition, MLD therapy? Do you have the tools (good compression stockings, night garments, Flexitouch machine) to manage it? You have lymphedema -- lymphedema doesn't have you, my friend. God bless.

deleted_user 08/10/2009

I totally understand what you are going throught I am 15 and I am worried about how people will react to my lymphedema and I am worried that I won't ever get married and have a family. Also I would like to dress up and be able to wear what I want to wear but my lymphedema makes this hard for me. I think I know a little bit of what you are going through and it is really hard to deal with but you have to find someone you are comfortable with and someone who is comfortable with you.

God Bless and Godd Luck! :)

deleted_user 10/08/2009

Hello Annery,

Im glad I stumbled in your post. Often, having an illness can really upset us. Its fine to let your heart grieve for what happened; what is not fine is to grieve forever.

Dont be hopeless. Its only for the dead. You are alive, so you are exempted.=)

Anyway, I hope you will take some time to read the facts mentioned here: http://www.lymphedemaadvice.com/cure-lymphedema/ . The information there claims that lymphedema is a condition that can still be managed. You can further your research by visiting this site: http://www.lymphedemaadvice.com/..html

Keep reading for reliable information and you will surely find the ways. More importantly, keep with you the faith. =)

With prayers,
Ruth

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