Lymphadema and weight loss motivation

juliebethgom941
juliebethgom941 Posts: 3 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi~ I could use some support. If anyone else has lymphadema and is also overweight ~ it can be really overwhelming. Addressing both, the Self massage, wrapping and dieting. 2 years ago I got on a plan, lost 30 pounds. Back up 20. Lymphadema expanding. I’m back to keeping up with both. The dieting I know I can tackle. Anyone else have lymphadema and also trying to manage that? Any improvements in lymphadema as you loose weight? Tips?

Replies

  • juliebethgom941
    juliebethgom941 Posts: 3 Member
    Starting a week ago- logging in 5/7 days, 3 days ago back to slowly starting better lymphadema management. Lost 2 pounds. Goals for next this week, walking dogs as much as possible for at least half hour.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    I had one bout with lymphedema, which was the kick I needed to lose weight. Basically, first the veins in my legs collapsed due to being forced to carry too much me (chronic venous insufficiency). At the same time, the extra weight impacted my lymphatic system. As it was explained to me, it compressed the ducts through which lymph fluid travels, and caused pressure. Then I got cellulitus. And, my leg erupted into water blisters, one of which became infected and took multiple courses of antibiotics and daily visits from home-care nurses to treat.

    Thankfully, it's in remission now, thanks in no small part to weight-loss and compression stockings. I do worry about being prescribed antibiotics now, because I can see how likely it is that I'll build up tolerances. It's at the point where I specifically tell doctors, "If I actually need them, fine. But if this is just a preventative measure and you're not sure whether they're necessary, I'd prefer to hold off until we are sure." I had surgery and was on Cipro for 3 days to avoid infection? No argument. I had a symptom that could have been a UTI, could have been something else? I waited. (And it turned out not to need the antibiotics). I don't fly with head colds anymore, because of the risk of ear infection.

    In the last 16 months, I've dropped 100lbs and had no flare ups except for one 14 months ago, when my treadmill flung me off at 5.3 mph and I ground my shin into the carpet (aka The Night My Treadmill Tried To Kill Me). THAT led to an infection and two courses of antibiotics until everything got back to normal.

    I'm not sure I've got any tips beyond my motivation for weight loss is trying to avoid further flare-ups. If this is managed with weight loss and compression stockings, I'm losing weight and wearing the stockings. Not debatable.

    Good luck!

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