Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Lymphedema and Tiredness

Lately, it feels as though my leg is wearing me down and I cannot kick this tiredness. I don't know how to tire myself out like I used to with running. I imagine that the mix of less exercise, more stress and this medical condition make for a nasty combination.

I have noticed that even though there can be some pain and extra swelling accompanied with exercise, that will give me more energy.

Also, when I eat a large amount of fruits and vegetables, I do notice less swelling. The problem, sometimes I need more food than a massive fruit salad for dinner.

I am trying some supplements of Rutin and Bioflavinoids which contains Grape Seed Extract and Quercetin. These have not been confirmed via research to help patients with Lymphedema but I am willing to try it.

I am hoping I will figure out some effective combinations to help me feel less tired.

If you have any success stories, I am all ears. If you want to vent about how freakin' tired you are and how its a huge downer for your social life, I am all ears then too.

4 comments:

Beth said...

I completely understand your pain both physically and emotionally. My insurance does not cover a thing. Not a thing! I also just found out that the LPN who had been treating my lymphedema is going to stop giving care because the Doctor she was working for is moving. I cannot even order new stockings (which I need in a bad bad way). Because of all this I have not been taking care of my issue as I should be and having even more trouble fitting into jeans which makes more even more depressed. I wish I could give you some uplifting words or encouragement but I am in a funk about this too. Let's bitch about this together! :)

Lindsay said...

Beth some days we deserve to bitch! lol. I do want to add that I have found some super cheap compression stockings. Now they are not the prettiest but they work and my leg actually will stay smaller than with the more expensive versions. Go to discountsurgical.com and click on the value brands. They are about $25 - $30 which is a far cry from the $85 - $120 compression stockings of Juzo, Sigvaris and Jobst. Also, you don't need an RX so you can order the stockings even if your doc is out of the picture. I hope things get better for you and feel free to bitch anytime my dear! I am all ears :)

Unknown said...

Just ordered a new set of stockings from discountsurgical.com! they were only $39.00. Thanks for the info!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! I use discount surgical too their stockings are amazing!!!!!