Lymphedema Physical Therapist Reacts: Severe Leg Lymphedema - My Feet are Killing Me

[@DrejcD]

As a patient with lymphedema, I can't thank you enough for all this info. Here in Slovenia I'm getting zero support last 20y (in my forties now) 😥 Doctors hardly knows for this cronic condition.

[@shannonaustin4002]

Thank you, Kelly, for doing what you do. ❤️

[@EpicRealistTV]

Do you do any videos on LIPOdema as well? I seem to notice that everyone talks about lymphodema, which usually effects one leg, but not lipodema, which effects both legs and also other areas of the body. I'm in my early 30s and I already have this issue. It was genetically passed down to me and I am slightly overweight from having 5 children.

[@marycarolhouston7137]

Thanks 🙏🏾 for great info

[@latmcb9863]

This was very interesting. It's a real shame that the surgeon didn't know enough to refer him to a certified lymphedema therapist. I have bi-lateral primary lower leg lymphedema and was lucky enough to be referred to a certified therapist. It's not a fun condition and custom garments are outrageously expensive, even with insurance, but I am so glad it is manageable. Thank you for your great videos. I truly appreciate the information you provide.

[@elimoe4257]

Hey I’ve been having the same thing you have for over 6 years now it’s getting worse now days and the doctors aren’t giving me no answers. Mind explaining the process you went through that would help a lot and ty

[@latmcb9863]

@@elimoe4257 I am happy to explain my experience. My initial diagnosis was 9 years ago. My lymphedema is in both lower legs. My therapist started by reducing the swelling by doing manual lymphatic drainage (which is like a light massage) and having me wear short-stretch bandages. I can’t recall how long I was in these - probably one to two weeks. That process entails wearing a cotton liner, a foam layer, then three short-stretch bandages to cover my lower leg and foot. After the swelling went down, she measured my legs and ordered custom compression garments for daily wear. They are expensive and made from a very thick material. Not everyone needs them. I see my therapist annually and am re-measured and have new garments ordered. On the rare days that I skip my daytime garments, my legs start to swell and are painful. These garments have been a lifesaver for me. I have different nighttime garments, which I use occasionally. Additionally, I have a pneumatic compression device that I use once in a while. That device has chambers that inflate and deflate to move lymphatic fluid up the leg. My health insurance covered a good portion of all of these treatments. I am so grateful that I was able to find good medical care - it made all the difference. I urge you to seek a certified lymphedema therapist as soon as you can. My understanding is that this can get progressively more difficult to treat the longer it goes untreated. I hope this helps.

[@elimoe4257]

@@latmcb9863 yeah me and you have the same lymphedema both lower legs mines worse on the left one tho any way Thank you so much this means a lot and yeah I already have that device my insurance helped paying for you but I didn’t really use it because it wasn’t helping but then I realized I was using it wrong I had to do the the massages and the bandages first then the massage Device but I tried to ignore therapy for so long because I didn’t like it and thought it won’t help at all but now it’s getting kinda bad and you motivated me to go get help thank you so much I just made an appointment with a doctor and lymphedema physical therapist just one last question and sry if I’m bothering so after all that do ur legs look back normal or close to normal or do they still look swelled but a lot less ? Because I’ve been trying to find before and after so I can get motivated to go

[@latmcb9863]

@@elimoe4257 The swelling is pretty much all gone and everything looks just about normal. I have a little bit of fibrosis (thickening) right at the boney part of my ankles due to prolonged swelling that doesn't seem to want to go away, but it is minimal. You will be amazed at how much improvement you can get. The best part is no more pain from the swelling. The first couple of weeks can be a lot of work - but it is so worth it. It's very easy to manage once you are past that initial stage. Please keep me posted. Good luck!!

[@elimoe4257]

@@latmcb9863 used to hate going to the physical therapy but now I’m can’t to go lol I’m just ready to get rid of this I will keep you posted Ty for taking time out of ur day to let me know those things

[@FlipMacz]

Ty, Kelly 🌿

[@dustyfeller]

Kelly, what type of doctor is the very best for diagnosing edema that seems to affect skin all over the body, and started out of the blue, when there are no normal clues whatsoever? Not from cancer, not from obesity (BMI low 20’s), no familial connection, etc etc. I’ve seen a cardiologist and vascular surgeon, but they don’t see the cause.If you were me, what other type of doctor would you seek out to try to find the root cause? Thank you

[@promilawadehra8197]

Amlodipine can also cause swelling of feet and legs

[@lrwhit6456]

So, when the lymph fluid leaves the leg, where does it go? The bladder?

[@teeswaran]

following

[@beachinhonolulu5136]

It gets cycled out through your lymph nodes and yes you pee it out

[@FlipMacz]

Extra fluid leaves via your excretory system, bladder, bowels, sweat.

[@doricetimko332]

How to get more info on Lymphodema Act going through Congress?

[@CancerRehabPT]

Yes! Very important topic. Here is the website to learn more: lymphedematreatmentact.org

[@doricetimko332]

@@CancerRehabPT thank you!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Thank you.

[@tracy3812]

What is the difference between “lymphatic drainage” & “lymphatic drainage massage”? Ty🧸

[@CancerRehabPT]

There isn’t any 🙂 you’ll just hear it as either, as well as manual lymphatic drainage or even just lymph massage

[@mariettelobo6722]

Excellent

[@JanetHartje]

Could he also have Lipedema?