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JaneRA's Blog
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Living with Lymphoedema 3
By ply
I have lymphoedema in my arm and back/ underarm tissue. I wear a sleeve
at all times other than in the bath and bed.
Without my sleeve the condition becomes much worse. I also wear a compression
vest when it is not too hot. This is a tight elastic job a bit like
a longline bra with loads of tiny hooks down the front. In hot weather
it is impossible to wear as it causes me to sweat so much and my lympho
nurse is unable to prescribe a more comfortable garment.
Lymphoedema means I am unable to lift my large heavy arm higher than
my shoulder, I have great difficulty buying clothes that accomodate
my arm and cater for it swelling during the day. I have on more than
one occassion had to have my husband cut me out of a blouse as after
a days wear it was impossible to remove.
I do not enjoy the summer as I used to for 2 reasons, the weather makes
my lymphoedema worse and summer clothes are always such a problem, I
end up buying clothes about 3 sizes too big and always feel ugly and
unfeminine. This is due to lymphoedema not having one breast.
I developed lymphoedema about 6 months after my mastectomy and full
axillary clearance. It became much worse following a mosquito bite,
through my sleeve, 2 years later. This caused a severe infection and
many types of antibiotics.
I try to live as normal a life as I can but am unable to lift things
including my grandchildren out of the bath and whatever. I am unable
to sleep on my left side and miss this. My arm is so heavy it causes
tendonitis in my shoulder and the pain is hard to control. I had to
take medical retirment from my job of 32 years as a teacher as it was
impossible to continue working with the restricted movement I have.
I find getting in and out of the bath difficult as I have little strength
or feeling in my arm due to the swelling pressing on my medial nerves
I have hand rails fitted and have have some special kitchen equipment
provided by my occupational therapist.
Lymphoedema is a small price to pay for life but it is still a very
disabling condition. I am fortunate not to have secondaries after being
given a very poor prognosis and do realise that despite my problems
I could be so much worse off but it still has an impact on all parts
of my life.