Compression Garments

These are NOT the legs of someone with Lymphedema

I've been lazy. Lazy about my garments. Those things that cost $100 per pair. Those things, that luckily now for me, are covered by my husband's insurance. Yes, lazy. I don't wear them all the time like I'm supposed to. I used to…I used to wear them all the time for fear my legs would swell up and not go back to where they are now. After my CDT* treatment I had ankles again. I had legs that looked normal. It made me feel normal. Sure, I still had swelling and my legs and ankles weren't perfect, but they looked close to it…at least to me. The only thing I had to do - have to do is wear my garments morning, noon, and night. 

Stupid silicone that makes indentations  on my thighs

The thing is, I am always rushing in the morning. Not a very good excuse, I know. But it takes time and energy to put those damn things   on. My husband gets mad when I don't wear them. He's always saying things like, "you don't want your legs to get worse, do you?" Umm, no, I don't. My legs do feel good when  I wear the garments, but they also feel tired or heavy. Another downfall to wearing them is that when my legs swell while wearing them, the garments cut into my skin at my ankles, behind my knees, and at my upper thighs. I guess there's always "side effects" to all medicine…even compression garments.

At least my toes get air in the summer time

* Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) used primarily in the treatment of lymphedema and venous insufficiency edema. It is a combination of MLD, bandaging exercises and skin care. CDT may also involve breathing exercises, compressive garments and dietary measures. A frequent indication for CDT is lymphedema caused by irradiation or surgery due to cancer. It can relieve edema, fibrosis and the accompanying pain and discomfort.

Also known as Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP), this treatment therapy was pioneered in the United States by Dr. Robert Lerner.