Lesia
I have lymphedema also of both legs and pelvic area. Mine is also secondary. Possible cause is radiation therapy. Yes it is hard to deal with but, you can do it with support and encouragement from your spouse. I have had lymphedema since 1995. Back then we had to push our doctors to agree that it was lymphedema. Are you having the message therapy with wraps everyday? Once you get your legs down make sure they get you JUZO support hose. Juzo last longer and have very high compression. Cautions to watch that I found out the hard way. 1. No hot hot showers. 2. No Saunas 3. No tanning 4. Do not shave your legs. 5. Keep lotion on your feet to prevent cracking heels. 6. Wear your Juzo everyday. 7. Watch for any sign of infection 8. If you get a high fever or chills call your doctor quickly. No time to waste. With Lymphedema an infection can go septic (septic means life threating) very quickly (2-3hours). Make sure that your doctor gives you an RX for an antibiotic for more than 1 refill. Fill & keep that antibiotic with you at all times. The reason is one time I was at work, I felt great, actually very great. About lunch time my low back started to hurt, after a 30 min lunch I went back to work. I started to feel as if I had the flu and my back was hurting bad. I started the chills and could not get warm. My boss and co workers gave me their coats and I laid down in the staff lounge. I was not getting better. By 2:30 I went to the DR and was admitted directly from his office to the hospital. I started getting very sick to my stomach. They put me on IV Antibiotics and in 2 days I felt better, but the rash from the waist down took a week to disappear. After that attack they gave me antibiotic that, I take as soon as I see the rash start and I feel bad. But of course I call the Dr when an attack starts and get in and see him. I have had ups & downs with this but more UPS. E-mail me with your questions if you want. We can learn alot from each other.Your not alone. Thank Positive Lesia