Lymphedema in legs

You are in the right discussion @anncgrl. I have lymphedema also but it was not caused by surgery or a blood clot. When they were diagnosing me I saw a cardiologist who ran some tests to check for clots in the legs and then scheduled a lymphoscintigram to check for blockages in the lymph system. More information on the tests can be found here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374687

I have been wearing compression socks since being diagnosed about 4 years ago. I do buy the kind with side zippers to make them easier to put on and take off.

Do you have some questions about lymphedema of the legs that you want to ask the members?

Yes with a Doctor's script.
My unit is from Tactile Medical.

Your doctor should specify the amount of compression in the socks: 10/15/ 20/30, or 40.
The compression stockings "do not blow up, the are "graduated" for the top to bottom or visa versa.
What "blows up" is a pneumatic machine with sleeves that is available to alleviate some of the issues, but nothing cure the condition.
Both the machine and the stockings are a great aid.
With a prescription, the government will pay for the unit.

Have you ever suffered from gout?

Maybe because received radiation as a child for unknown reason.

All of the earlier replies are great.
If al all possible, I suggest regular exercise to aid in the treatment of your lymphedema.
Walking may be too difficult, but it may be possible to do floor exercises, or aerobic on a stationary bike.
Compression stocking can be tricky:
the compression (usually in your apparent situation 20/30 would be a correct, but no higher without your doctor's approval). there are a number of accessories to help in putting on these stockings with buying the zippered kind. there are special gloves (only about $8.00) from Sigvaris, and if you put your hand on the inside to the beginning of the heel and invert the socks, grabbing the sock at the heel they are easy to put on, here is a utube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNbmNuzIO98

The key to the pneumatic machine is to use it EVERY day for ever for an hour; no cure, but you legs will improve, and be more manageable. I do, and have.
I have pain (not as severe as you, when the swelling is higher, but the stocking, and the machine have been quite helpful.

Good luck.

So sorry for your frustration with getting local help in treating your lymphedema. I live on Florida’s east coast. Fortunately my primary care doc diagnosed me with lower legs lymphedema. I was referred to Space Coast Lymphedema Clinic in Viera, Florida. It was only 1/2 hour from my home. That was helpful when I was going 2-3 times a week. Documentation including measuring my legs before and after using the Lymphapress. After a few months my insurance approved the purchase of a pump with two thigh high boots. I now use the pump after dinner each night for an hour. In the morning, after showering I put on the thigh high open toe compression stocking. Those two things have kept the swelling of the lower extremities at bay.

Check into whether there is a Lymphedema Clinic near you. Trained OT/PT’s can treat this condition. Manual drainage massage, compression bandaging leading to being fitted for compression stockings. They also use a lymph pump on both legs to move the fluid.

All good comment's.
There are a variety of donning aids for he compression stockings, use the one that works for you.
The one you use depends upon weather you have open toe or closed toe.
( switched to open toe recently, they go on more easily (Sigvaris come with a donning aid. The open toe take a bit of getting used to.)
I used the pneumatic machine for a couple of years, and no longer need it.
I find that the "self massage" is helpful for the management of lymphedema. My second therapist taught me how, and gave me the print out to back up the lesson.
I sleep with my legs elevated, and find that they appear normal in the morning; this give me a great start, although the do swell to a degree daring the day.

Good luck.