Summer heat and exercise

I’ve been jogging and walking outside a lot this summer because well, it’s the summer and soon it will be abnormally cold because I live in Chicago. The last several years, I avoided exercising in the summer outside because of the heat and my leg. I overcame my fear of ‘what will people think’ and wear only stretch capris now. Before, I was always wearing these long, heavy cotton black pants. My world of exercise opened up when I started wearing capris. For one, it is lighter and less hot and two, it is just so much easier to move in them. I don’t know if people stare at my leg when I’m jogging past them but it doesn’t really matter because I’m out there for me, not them. I have always found very affordable pairs at Marshalls and Forever 21. Yes, I still shop at Forever 21 and I am 30 years old. Their tank tops, workout pants and workout tanks are fantastic and better than anything, they’re cheap! Not to mention, nearly all of the pants have a pocket for your phone or I pod. I also look more stylish and it’s fun to get a new workout outfit. Something about it makes you more excited to get out there and jog or walk. If you find yourself having a hard time in the summer heat but want to exercise, try capris. Just remember when you get self-conscious who you’re working out for and it won’t matter if you think someone is looking at your compression stockings.

"Lymphedema" is only a word

There are times when I feel defeated by my Lymphedema, times where the term ‘disability’ applies to me. Some days are so painful that I am limited to lying on the couch and propping it up. Some days, it’s like the limb fatigues my entire body and I just don’t have the energy a healthy person would have. I tend to get sick often, I tend to be in pain often and I tend to feel tired often. As I’ve been exercising more, my body and leg feels stronger, the pain has lessened and I’m not getting sick as often. Spinning increased the muscle mass in my Lymphedema leg and now I’m jogging and sprinting again. So my old buddy is back, running. Now that I’ve built up more muscle, running doesn’t cause as much swelling and pain as it had before. I want to see what I’m capable of and what my leg is capable of. I’m going to train for a 5K at the end of July. A small feat to some but a giant leap for me. Wish me luck!

Summer Temper Tantrums

To many, the start of summer brings warmth, sunny days, sandals and sun dresses. My summer typically starts with a temper tantrum because if you're like me with Lymphedema, the start of summer means increased swelling and decreased comfort and clothing options. I realized I have a temper tantrum every year and it starts with getting ready to go out to bars or dinner and soon every item of clothing has been tried on, is lying on the floor and I'm in tears. My jeans don't fit the same, my foot is bigger so wearing heels is more painful and knowing what to wear to feel confident is incredibly difficult. This year was a little different as it was the first summer I’ve lived with my husband and he had a front seat to the crazy show. To his horror, I resembled a 5 year old who isn’t getting her way. It was somewhat of an eye opener to see it from his point of view. I also realized I didn’t listen to my own advice to wear what feels comfortable and don’t dwell on your swollen limb. As I tried on each outfit, I stared at my leg as if the swelling would magically disappear. Well, it won’t. But what can be done is to not focus on my leg as all of me and to dress in a way that I’m comfortable and confident. If my leg is too swollen to fit into my skinny jeans, wear the stretchy trouser pants. If my leg can’t wear heels, wear a maxi dress with sandals. The idea of going out for dinner with your spouse and friends is to have fun. Focusing solely on your flaws when getting ready is unhealthy and harmful. Instead, focus on why you’re going out, to have fun so dress however you feel best. And as I’ve realized, it doesn’t hurt to have some plan b outfits that you feel good in and will be dressy enough for the occasion. My lesson of the summer is to accept who I am and my body, Lymphedema and all, and to focus on enjoying the laid back summer time with family and friends rather than harping on my flaws.

My newest obsession: spinning

I know it has been some time since I last wrote a blog entry. My boyfriend of nearly five years proposed around my birthday last May 2012 and we were married March 16, 2013. It has been a busy year with a lot of changes like a new job and planning the wedding so time has slipped away. My condition has remained about the same but I do notice that my leg is slightly larger than it used to be which probably means that I need to revisit physical therapy. One big change that I have made within the last several months is my obsession with spinning. One of the women that I’ve met over the years through Lymphedema sites told me how she enjoyed cycling and was improving her Lymphedema. I live in Chicago and am also horrendously klutzy so being on a bicycle in the streets of Chicago sounded like a death sentence. I opted for the safer gym version of spinning. Running had and still is, too painful for me. Many women with Lymphedema can jog and enjoy it so don't hesitate to give it a shot but unfortunately, I have to quit running. My leg would get very swollen and painful after running and I was having more hip pain than with just walking. That's when I decided to give spinning a shot. I started going to one particular instructor who is gifted in instructing a spinning class and plays great music like deadmau5. The workout is much more challenging than my typical elliptical routine. My body quickly got back into shape and in better shape going to spinning 3 times a week than doing the elliptical for 5. The classes are intense and past paced so you don’t feel like you’ve been working out for a long time. I also have noticed that my hip pain is nothing like it used to be. I still have flare ups but nothing like the pain I had when I was jogging. The various positions of spinning are likely what’s ideal for our legs. In spinning positions 2 and 3, you are raised up from the seat which allows for more lymph circulation than in the seated position. Another wonderful aspect about spinning classes is that you control the resistance and speed. If you start feeling pain or like your Lymphedema leg can’t keep up, you can keep the resistance low and go at a slower pace. Like always, please remember that while you are strong, you also have Lymphedema. There are good days and bad. Sometimes will be more challenging than others. Some spin classes I feel like I don’t have Lymphedema and others, my leg finds too exhausting. Just be careful with any exercise and adjust to what your leg is telling you.

Bye Bye Running

My last post was very positive about how running was really improving my leg. I was incredibly stressed out due to work and needed some positive outlet to deal with it. I therefore started to go to the gym every morning before work. I started to push myself a lot which is great but I began to compete with other runners at the gym and many times pushed myself too far. My leg was getting more swollen and pretty painful. I definitely did not want to stop going to the gym because my entire outlook on life changed and I felt much happier during the day and better able to deal with any stressor in my professional or personal life. So I ended up going back to the elliptical and/or walking. I started knocking out 5 miles almost every morning with that combo and felt much, much less pain. I do sometimes wonder if the benefits aren't as dramatic as running so I need to be better about adding in weights to my workouts. I just find it so boring! I also need to try yoga and other modes of exercise. I just find cardio so enjoyable like I am in my own little world. Couple of points I would like to make with this post. 1) Competition is great at the gym because it pushes us but unfortunately, we are not like most people at the gym and keeping up with a person who does not have Lymphedema may just not be good for us! Compete to a level of pushing yourself but always take notice of how your leg reacts and modify your workouts accordingly. If it's painful, slow down. 2) Each person has a workout that is appropriate for them. If you're not bothered by the running then continue! If you're in pain or your're swelling is worsening, find a minimal impact exercise. 3)Remind me to not be lazy about the weight lifting because I have read that building muscle in our leg is one of the best things to do.

FIVE MILES!

I have been meaning to post this all week but I hit a new milestone with my work outs! This may seem like a tiny feat to some but I did a run/jog combo with minimal walking and made it to 5 miles. Since having Lymphedema, I have been able to do a little over 4 miles but never 5 miles. I wanted to share with my readers (all 5 of you!) that I did it!!! I then worked out again the next day and could only do 3 and had to walk, but hey, I did it once so I am sure I can do it again.

Exercise pays off and the more our limbs get conditioned to it and build muscle, the better we will be at pushing ourselves even further. It is difficult as heck and I know it as I cringe through the pain on the treadmill some days but don't give up, it will pay off!!

And please - be careful and don't over do it. I have been working hard at getting to 5 miles for the past year... yes it took me a year to make it to 5 miles from 4... Gradual is key with Lymphedema and always consult your doctor if it is especially painful.

Pain = Gain, In swelling that is...

Can I just complain about how some weeks this darn leg just kicks me on my butt. I am so exhausted this week I think because the pain in my leg has been so intense. So here's to everyone that still works and deals with a busy week in spite of pain and swelling, I commend you and feel free to complain as well :)