Re: Support & Communication for lymphedema sufferers

Hi! Yes ... be very careful with this. I've had it for 17 years. It first manifested during pregnancy with my son and was, at that time, diagnosed as severe edema on the verge of toxemia.

The reason I advise extreme caution ... is that it also almost killed me about 7 years ago when it spread to my torso and developed into Sepsis (whole body infection) and a total organic body shut down, liver, kidneys, immune, etc. At the time, nobody could figure out the cause ... however now, in retrospect, the conclusion is that the lymphedema from my left leg had spread to torso (belly area) and from time to time would have flare-ups ... this one of which resulted in ICU for 13 days - Critical! In hospital 30 days.

Always monitor condition for flare-ups, then requiring heavy duty anti-biotic treatments, shots and oral. We take no chances anymore. My best relief - I have found, is swimming ... and keeping legs underwater for longer periods of time, ie over 1 or 2 hours. The natural compression of the water works wonders!

I will try to share more later ...

Blessings! ... Chris

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