Tag: lymphedema
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Happy Lymphedema Awareness Day!
March 6th is Awareness Day for us lymphies, a day to honor and celebrate all who are living and coping with the disease. It’s also a day to show the world that this is no longer a rare condition, and that we need proper treatment, coverage, and support. How can you participate? Show…
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Warm Weather Blues
Here in Vermont, we’ve been having extremely fickle weather: last week was full of beautiful sunny days in the 40s and 50s, but last night we got a nice snowfall. I’m glad that it snowed, because I love the cold weather. The town looks so beautiful covered in snow, too – like a little snow…
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Comparing our two Circulatory Systems
Were you aware that our bodies have two circulatory systems? I know – I had no clue either. In addition to the familiar cardiovascular system, we also have the lymphatic system moving fluid throughout our bodies. This chart from LymphNotes.com explains the different functions of each system and what roles they play within our bodies: Cardiovascular…
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Wishful Thinking vs Acceptance
How many times have you wanted to hear those words? I can’t even begin to count how often I have wished my lymphedema would just magically disappear, that someday I would wake up and my leg would be normal and I’d have the delicate ankles I had always wanted. How badly I’ve wanted to wear shorts…
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Tattoos and You!
Tattoos, although not for everybody, are a wonderful form of expression for some people. I love tattoos with meaning, and hearing the stories behind them. When I was in treatment for my eating disorder, my twin sister got my childhood nickname (“Xa”) tattooed behind her right ear, and later I got her initials behind mine.…
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Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, lymphies! I got a feeling that this year will bring on a lot of changes – good changes – and I can only hope you all are feeling similar positive vibes. One of my resolutions for 2012 is to keep up with my MLD and wear my compression garments more regularly. I’ve been…
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Types of Lymphedema
Hello, lymphies! I hope you all have had a relaxing and happy holiday season, and are excitedly preparing for the New Year. Recently, I’ve asked readers to send in ideas for posts and things that they would most like to see discussed, and a majority of you said you’d like to learn about the different…
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Raise money this holiday season with The Lymphie Life!
It’s the season of giving, and therefore the season of promoting the fundraiser for the Lymphatic Research Foundation! Currently, the Lymphie Life is 40% of the way towards the $2,500 donation goal, which is really really great. We still have 60% to go, but with your help, we can make it. Every little bit counts, and…
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Decongestive Exercises for Lymphies
In tonight’s post, I’m going to discuss decongestive exercises that help pump lymphatic fluid up and out of your affected limb. First of all, though, it’s important to note that these exercises should be performed while wearing your compression garment or bandages and loose-fitting clothing – nothing tight or restrictive! Ideally, these exercises are performed…