Hello Tom,
I am sincerely sorry for your health issues and for the sharp deterioration in your quality of life.
I am a retired critical care nurse and i wanted to address one of your questions to your doctor which he should have explained to you at the time. If he laughed he is very unprofessional!
Your question was about draining fluid from your abdomen.
Paracentesis is the procedure and unfortunately in your lymphedema it is not possible.
Paracentesis is performed to drain “free fluid” from the abdomen. The free fluid is called ascites which is caused from liver failure.
The fluid in your abdomen is not free fluid but is fluid trapped in the tissue and not able to be removed with a needle. I’m sorry.
Also addressing your acquaintance who made the Fat comment, shame on him!
It’s very hard to stay positive when you’re falling apart
But I believe in the power of positivity. Your wife sounds wonderful. Unfortunately health problems also affect our spouses so trying to stay positive will make her job as your caregiver easier.
I am trying to practice what i preach as i face my own issues. I have been a caregiver my whole life in my personal and professional life and suddenly the tables have turned due to a recent diagnosis.
Wishing you well my friend!