Lymphedema in legs

Posted by mariwy59 @mariwy59, Aug 2, 2017

I was diagnosed with lympedema in 2007. Due to unforseen circumstances I am now on disability so i cant stand for long periods of time without excruciating pain. I have to change so many things in my daily life but one thing that is bothering me is the pain I feel all the time .Try to do things to put in the back of my mind. My condition seems to be getting worse with the stiffness . I watch sit and fit on TV when can which helps some but the thought of not being able to walk at all has me terrified.

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lioness | @lioness | May 25, 2018

In reply to @johnbishop "I thought I would take a few minutes to give you all another update as things..." + (show)

@johnbishop Thank for the update John. I wish you well hope everything goes o.k.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 25, 2018

In reply to @colleen00 "John, sounds like you have a very busy schedule the next few weeks. Good luck, my..." + (show)

Thanks @colleen00 and @lioness. I'm hoping they find the cause and I'm able to come out of it with a treatment plan. I know it's pretty much a lifelong thing but with proper treatment it can be controlled.

lioness | @lioness | May 25, 2018

In reply to @colleen00 "John, sounds like you have a very busy schedule the next few weeks. Good luck, my..." + (show)

@johnbishop yes it can it's the not knowing that's frustrating hang in there once you find out and get on treatment things will work out have faith

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 25, 2018

In reply to @johnbishop "I thought I would take a few minutes to give you all another update as things..." + (show)

@johnbishop Hi John: I am glad that you are moving forward with testing. That is good news about the kidney functioning, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for keeping us all posted, I'm praying for you. Yes, this will be another experience to add to your Mentor knowledge base. Wishing you well. Teresa

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | May 25, 2018

In reply to @johnbishop "I thought I would take a few minutes to give you all another update as things..." + (show)

@johnbishop, I’m dropping in to add my “hope everything goes ok” and that you learn what is going on.
Rosemary

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 25, 2018

In reply to @johnbishop "I thought I would take a few minutes to give you all another update as things..." + (show)

Thanks Rosemary. I really appreciate it.

kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | May 27, 2018

In reply to @johnbishop "Well, the x-ray results are in for my right foot and ankle but the doctor hasn't..." + (show)

I used for 5 years after heart attack.Now practically stopped.Regular Exercise , Yoga , Meditation and Diet control is key to my miracle recovery.

thankful | @thankful | May 27, 2018

In reply to @johnbishop "I thought I would take a few minutes to give you all another update as things..." + (show)

@johnbishop- Hoping for Great results John! Hope you don't continue to glow unless it's in our hearts!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 4, 2018

Sitting here at Mayo waiting for scan 2 of 3 for the Lymphoscintigram. Had the injection between the toes which surprised me at 7:30 am then walked up a floor and got to see where my daughter works. Then had to keep moving until I had the first scan. Back up and supposed to keep moving - hard for an old man :-). Down to the cafeteria for coffee and a cookie. Then made a big mistake. I sat in a comfy chair and proceeded to dump a hot cup of coffee on my lap. Can’t believe I kept my composure and didn’t yell out.

Thankfully I wore some new loose fit dark blue jeans. Ate the cookie, drank the rest of the coffee and started moving again. Got all the way to the nice quiet area between the buildings and decided to stop and enjoy the view- beautiful today.

Time to get going again. ~ John

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 6, 2018

Thought I would do an update before my next round of tests - I met with the Lymphedema Specialist this morning. He was really a great doctor with some serious people skills. He asked more questions and we talked about my right knee. He thought it was something we need to look into even if it wasn't related to the lymphedema and swelling in the right leg. He also explained the swelling was in both legs but was more pronounced in the right leg and ankle. He gave me a good overview of possible problems and some more tests we could have done to determine if there is another issue causing the swelling. I had an x-ray of my right knee this afternoon and a lab test - comprehensive metabolic panel. The lab tests came back already and all were within the normal range. After the x-ray comes back they are going to setup an appointment with orthopedics (I think).

The surprise for me was when he asked me if I snore. After I told him yes, but it's never bothered me. He scheduled a sleep apnea test for Thursday morning. I have to take a "class" for that at the clinic and pick up an oximeter to take home for the test and then bring it back Friday morning. Then I have another test Thursday afternoon in Vascular Medicine but don't know what it is. Then Friday I'm scheduled for an Echocardiogram. He suspects the right side of the heart might not be pumping enough blood (if I remember correctly).

This is kind of one of those days where I'm hoping the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train ☺

John

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