Hello, lymphies! My name is Alexa Ercolano, and I have primary lymphedema in my right leg.

In 2011, I created this blog as a way to cope with my diagnosis; today, it’s evolved into a means to educate, connect, and support lymphedema patients and advocates across the globe. It’s also a means of spreading awareness of lymphedema to those who maybe aren’t so aware, with the hope that one day no one will go without treatment or care simply due to lack of awareness.

I’ve had symptoms of lymphedema since I was an infant, and although my parents took me to a number of doctors and specialists, no one knew why my leg was swollen or what to do about it. This lack of information and awareness turned into almost fifteen years of my living with untreated, undiagnosed lymphedema.

Before my diagnosis (and even for a few years after), I used to think my lymphedema was secondary: I had corrective casts on my legs when I was an infant, so I assumed one had been applied too tightly, thus damaging the lymphatic system in my right leg.

Today, my lymphedema therapist believes my lymphedema may actually be primary. Because I went so long without a diagnosis, however, we just don’t know for sure how I developed my lymphedema or whether it’s primary or secondary.

The ambiguity and lack of answers are, unfortunately, a frustrating and common reality for many of us living with lymphedema. But I believe we can change that together: we are our own best advocates, after all.

If you have any questions about me or the blog, please send me an email using the contact form.

Please Note —
Although I’m pretty knowledgeable about the feelings that come along with having this disease, I’m by no means an expert on lymphedema — I am not a doctor. If you are seeking medical advice, please consult your doctor or lymphedema therapist.

The Lymphie Life® and “Stay elevated.”® are both registered trademarks of Alexa Ercolano. All rights reserved.

Get to know me further! Check out some interviews and presentations I’ve done over the years:

• Interview with Alexa Ercolano, Founder of The Lymphie Life – Pandere Shoes (2021)
• The Lymphie Life interview with Pandere Shoes (2021)
• Episodes 68-70: Community vs. Comparison Part One | Part Two | Part Three (Lymphedema Podcast, 2021)
• Stay Elevated™: The Alexa Ercolano Interview (Medical Solutions Supplier, 2021)
• Episode 61: Happy Birthday The Lymphie Life Blog!! (Lymphedema Podcast, 2021)
• The Language of Lymphedema (National Lymphedema Network Conference, 2019)
• Catching Up With Alexa Ercolano, of the Lymphie Life (Devon Medical Products, 2015)
• Alexa Ercolano on the Challenges and Misconceptions of Life with Lymphedema (Devon Medical Products, 2012)

I am honored to have the opportunity to share my patient perspective beyond the pages of my blog. Below are a few of the boards and committees on which I have served, past and present:

• NHLBI National Commission on Lymphatic Diseases, The National Institutes of Health (2023-present)
• LymphaSense Advisory Board, The Johns Hopkins Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (2022)
• Lymphatic Education and Research Network Centers of Excellence Advisory Board, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (2021-2023)