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Lymphedema in my leg: Any idea how to get the swelling down?

Posted by swt1candy @swt1candy, Nov 25, 2025

I have swelling in my right leg. They call it lymphedema, I can't seem to get the swelling to go down. Any Ideas? I could use some help.
Candy

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bicycle | @bicycle | Jun 3 8:18am
In reply to @gently "elsbeth. I tried lymphatic massage. It didn't help me; others here have had success. On my..." + (show)
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elsbeth.
I tried lymphatic massage. It didn't help me; others here have had success. On my one visit to osteostrong. They put me in one of those compression pump garments that alternated legs but went all the way up to my waist. Then they forgot about me for over an hour ( I would have stayed the rest of the day). It worked for me, but I still haven't purchased one. https://www.lymphapress.com/products/lympha-pod

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@gently

I purchased the lymphatic pump massager that my insurance would pay 25% of cost and was told by my insurer that I need to use it for at least one month; then if I wanted the premier lymphatic pump I could buy that one then. This second lymphatic pump is the best because the massager works in a circular pattern starting with the trunk which is between your waist and thighs; then it goes to your thighs, then it goes to your shins and then to your feet and works back up. I got my pump through Tactile Medical and it has helped with the swelling and I do it at night for 60 minutes before I go to bed. My compression stockings are Bioflex that you can purchase on Amazon; however my insurance does not pay for them but they help me immensely.

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gently | @gently | Jun 3 12:12pm

bicycle, what is the brand name on your pump from Tactile. Thanks for your post.

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cmk421 | @cmk421 | Jul 12 2:23pm

I got lymphedema after I had lymph node cancer caused by peritoneal cancer of the abdomen in 2020. Cancer went into remission but lymphedema set in. Have tried all of the above treatments. The only one that really works is wrapping my full left leg with foam wrap and tight ace bandages. Wear for a day and it goes down the best it can. Had blisters pop on my toes which never completely healed away still rough but closed shut. I am totally frustrated and wish there was a Lymphedema care specialist beyond the physical therapist.

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ffr | @ffr | Jul 13 8:51am

Yes! Why is there not an MD specialist for lymphedema?! I was surprised to learn this when I (me! Not a doctor!) figured out what was going on.

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methel | @methel | Jul 14 6:53am
In reply to @ffr "Yes! Why is there not an MD specialist for lymphedema?! I was surprised to learn this..." + (show)
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Yes! Why is there not an MD specialist for lymphedema?! I was surprised to learn this when I (me! Not a doctor!) figured out what was going on.

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@ffr

A vascular surgeon manages the lymphedema in my legs. I think that is part of what he specializes in. This was the doctor whom I met when I was hospitalized with a pulmonary embolism

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sandylakes | @sandylakes | Jul 16 2:22pm
In reply to @ffr "Yes! Why is there not an MD specialist for lymphedema?! I was surprised to learn this..." + (show)
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Yes! Why is there not an MD specialist for lymphedema?! I was surprised to learn this when I (me! Not a doctor!) figured out what was going on.

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@ffr At Mayo, I see a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor for Lymphedema and Lipedema. I see a Vascular Surgeon for Chronic Veinous Insufficiency, and a Plastic Surgeon for Varicose veins. All my valves are leaky 🙂

I struggled to get any care until Mayo took me on. Now all is coordinated. Joy.

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