massage helps a lot. I have the same issues with my legs that you do, and you NEED massage. It is expensive, so I got a back and foot massager from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I love the Shiatsu. I feel like back massage helps your circulation on "flare up" days when the legs are too tender to be massaged directly. I also used a bath brush on my feet in the the bath. I take baths instead of showers so I don't have to stand extra. I also bike every day on my three wheel bike.

I don't know everything and I'm not a doctor, but I weighed 400 lbs. in 2010 and now weigh 191 lbs. I'm 5'9", so I am a size 10-12. I feel like my lymphedema therapist and my bike saved my life. I did not have gastric bypass or see a nutritionist. my first diet to help was 1 slice honey wheat toast with a Tsp. of peanut butter for breakfast and lunch, greek yogurt as a snack, and hot tea with honey and milk when I was really hungry. I lost the rest on Herbalife and lost the last 40 lbs. with a job driving a pedicab. I hope your legs feel better, I believe there is hope!

Thanks so much for the encouraging words about massage. I also suffer with hypothyroidism and have quite a problem with weight. When I was on anti-depressants (twice) my legs would swell even more and my weight was impossible to control..My face would get very puffy..When the doctor refused to help me get off the SSRI's (paxil first time and then Cipralex second time) I did it on my own. My swelling went way down. since I switched to a more healthy breakfast of oatmeal porridge and fruit in the morning, my weight has dropped considerable. It has helped my legs too. I found a wonderful cream to apply on my legs ..it is called Egyptian magic..If you ever have stasis dermatitis develop on your legs..try that. Never ever depend on your doctor. He will want you to try steroid creams..like hydrocortisone..I saw him a few weeks ago and that was what he prescribed. Congratulations on losing so much weight.. What has caused your swelling? Mine was venous insufficiency. Personally I think my condition stems from hypothyroidism because I have been on synthroid meds for 40 years..Everything I read is now telling me that my medication is useless and that my doctor knows very little about treating hypothyroidism..I assume that my venous insufficiency might be the result of poor metabolism. Hypothryoidism is a dreadful condition and it causes so many other health problems like depression, weight gain, hair loss, heart problems. I am grateful for the measure of good health that I do have at 66. If I ever find a doctor that knows how to switch me over to Natural desiccated thyroid..I would definitely consider switching..After 40 years on this pill, it would probably be a very difficult time. right now..I am staying on synthroid. The massage therapist is very encouraging and says that she sees much improvement.

I gained 150 lbs. in 2009 on psychiatric drugs, so I really related to what you said. It turns out I need a pretty big surgery for varicose veins, that will be next week, but the lymphatic swelling is still so much better and I think biking in the sun has helped my thyroid.

I feel like doctors haven't tried hard to help with thyroid and varicose veins because those issues mostly affect women. I will check out Egyptian magic, thank you for talking!

I have lymphedema and have just started massage and am interested in any information I can gather, I have gained weight and the fluid is scary to me.

Sounds to me like you should get a blood test to check for hypothyroidism. Some of the symptoms include feeling cold and gaining weight. difficulty swallowing and dry skin ...Hair loss can also be a symptom although the synthroid medication can also cause hair loss. Also Maggie..maybe you are in your late 50's ..?? if so menopause can cause changes to our bodies due to lack of the hormone progesterone..If you have estrogen dominance I suggest you try buying natural progesterone from the Dr. Lee website..Dont ever take synthetic progesterone manufactured by a pharmacutical company. Hope these ideas help. Watch out for a rash forming on your lower legs called stasis dermatitis.. If you have facebook look up the condition and join a support group..I have found that very helpful in dealing with the rash on both my lower legs..The swelling doesn't go down.. I have had this since 2000...You could try compression stockings but not if you have the rash as it gets itchy and you need to be able to put emu oil or Egyptian Magic on your legs to help with the itch. take care..