6/8/2023 0 Comments the more you knowIt's frustrating that there is so little info out there on Lymphedema...
I've been suffering for 20 years but only learned what I was actually suffering from about 19 years in. Over those 19 years I've been shaving (and not using a brand new blade every time), I got a puppy who decided she would jump on MY LEG everytime she wanted me to do something for her which led to lots of cuts on my already swollen leg... apparently we are to be careful of getting cuts due to infection. Awesome that no one ever knew about this - ugh!! So now I am second guessing everything I do! So far so good with the pedicure, fyi. No issues. But my leg was super swollen (I shaved yesterday, so... before I read about the shaving) so I used my pump and put on my wraps, which I have been really bad about using. And when I say bad, I mean it has been MONTHS since I used them. SHAME ON ME... Anywayyyyyy, I used the pump yesterday then put the wrap on. I kept them on for like 8 or 9 hours. HOLY COW my leg felt amazing when I took it off!!! Oddly I think I could feel the fluid jiggling around? I'm giving my leg a break then putting it back on when I go to bed. I'm getting back to doing this daily! Now I have to figure out if I should continue shaving like I have been or look into a electric shaver.
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6/7/2023 0 Comments I did it - got a pedicureI decided to try a pedicure for the first time ever to get rid of my nasty looking dry feet. Because I have always been a flip flop girl and the last few years I cover them up with socks and tennis shoes to go out.
I went to my local hair salon where I get my hair done at, so I knew it was clean. I was hoping it would fix my gross feet, but holding my breath. She did a great job! My feet look great now! Still swollen, but not witchy looking! She also agreed the dry skin (in excess) could be from circulation, and that is an issue with Lymphedema. As the evening when on, I thought I made a mistake, but low calf was burning, oh boy, did I make a mistake getting the pedicure??? So I washed the oil off of my legs, and by morning the burning was gone. Maybe next time I'll ask that the water be less hot, and maybe not so much massaging of my leg, but other than that I'm interested in going again. I will obviously keep an eye on my leg to make sure nothing occurs in response to the pedicure before getting another. **I don't have issues with wounds, or cuts getting infected. I know some folks with Lymphedema do, and those people should check with their doctor before getting the pedicure. Remember I am not a physician, just a Lymphedema sufferer learning as I go. |
AuthorI am living with Lymphedema for the past 20 years, however I wasn't diagnosed correctly until summer 2022. There is no cure, just managing the swelling and uncomfortable heaviness. I am now trying to learn how to make managing it and incorporate it into my daily life. Archives
January 2024
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