I am starting this blog as a way to cope with my diagnosis of Lymphedema as well as to reach out to those affected by the condition or to those who know someone who is affected by the condition.
I have titled it "Typical Girl" because I have had a difficult time feeling like a normal twenty something girl. It is with hope that through self management, treatment, spreading the word about the condition and reaching out to those like me that I will feel like a typical girl once more.
I will have postings talking about what to expect with Lymphedema, emotional reactions, insurance, treatment, fashion and resources. Some days are good days and some have left me not wanting to leave my apartment but I will talk about it all and share others to comment and talk about their experiences as well.
I also want to focus on fashion quite a bit because I am not ready to live my life in sweatpants and sneakers! Self esteem is a huge factor in dealing with this condition and wearing well fitted clothes that accommodate the infected limb and make you feel attractive are important factors in maintaining a healthy self image.
Read on!
Feel free to leave comments and advice.
Lindsay
7 comments:
I am so proud of you! I think it's great that you're doing this. Love you!
Wow so proud of you its a fantastic idea and I'm sure it will be a huge success!! Goodluck and I look forward to reading it. Xoxoxoxoxoxox
This is a wonerful thing you are doing for yourself, others with this condition and to educate, namely me, your mom.
Hi Lindsey! I too have primary lymphedema of the left leg, so I can TOTALLY empathize with you, especially about the fashion and self-esteem issues. I've had the big L since birth; I was misdiagnosed as a baby, they thought my left leg just "grew faster." At 16, I was finally correctly diagnosed with lymphedema and went through treatment. I struggle a lot with adhering to the "rules" of wrapping, compression, low heat, elevating, etc. It's nice to hear the thoughts of someone similar in age (I'm 29) with the exact same limb problem; most people I know have it in the arms or both legs, not just one. Thanks for your blog, I hope you keep it up! :-)
Hey Lindsey, i just stumbled onto your journal and am about to start reading from the begining. i've been diagnosed with primary lymphedema of the lower extremeties (left leg, right foot) since i was age 9 or 10.. that was 16 years ago. and i still have plenty of the same issues and struggles you do.. i'm so overwhelemed to see you and your condition and this blog about it..makes me feel less alone in this world. i can't wait to read it all. i wish you the best, health and happiness. good vibes and energy. xo
Hi Lees,
Thank you for reading my blog. I'm sorry to hear you have been dealing with this since such a young age. Do you feel you have it under control and how have you managed it over time? I hope to hear from you again :)
Hi Lindsay,
I just stumbled upon your blog, and I will start reading from the beginning. I too have lymphedema. I have it in my right leg. I totally understand where you are coming from about the fashion aspect and everything else. I have had it since about a month after my 20th bday, and I am now about to be 27. It has been an emotional rollercoaster! Mine was set off from my preganancy. But I was told at 18 I couldnt have children, so I look at it as sacrificing my leg for having my daughter. She has been the biggest blessing in my life.
It helps to read and hear from others with the Big L.
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