This will be a very short post because my arms are extremely swollen. I was trying to do some sewing today for my grandchildren and was making a good bit of headway until my arms started swelling. I took a little time away from my sewing machine to do the manual lymphatic massage and got the swelling down enough to put on my compression top. After putting it on, I went back into my office/sewing/craft room to resume my projects.
The compression top was extremely uncomfortable and I haven't worn it in a long time so it was rubbing underneath my armpits. It was really tight and I wanted to take it off, but knew if I wanted to keep on sewing, I'd have to keep it on. I managed to wear the compression top and do a couple of hours of sewing before giving in to defeat. I had done all I could do and I knew I had to take off the top.
About the time I was realizing my limitations, my husband came in from work. He's always so sweet to me and started chit chatting about his day. I burst into tears and told him I had to get this top off right now. I reached up underneath my t shirt and unzipped the compression top. I unfastened the hook and eyes and undid the Velcro, pulling the compression top off in one quick motion. What a relief to have that torture device off!
My arms are so swollen now that I can't do another thing. Hubby tells me to go put them up on pillows and rest. I'm so frustrated. I can't get used to being unable to do the things I used to do...lymphedema sucks big time and it will never, ever, ever go away. I'm stuck with it for the rest of my life. Isn't it enough to have your breasts removed? Did I have to end up with non-stop swelling too?
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Lymphedema is the pits! I am so sorry you are swollen and miserable. I understand. I never know what will set mine off - from weather to activities to well anything that involves moving my arm. I often feel that no one understands. It is not that they are unsupportive, but it is almost impossible to grasp what having lymphedema is like unless you have it. It is every day. It affects everything you do. It never goes away! I wish I was closer so we could flop our swollen bodies in a chair covered with pillows and laugh at ourselves!!!
ReplyDeleteYour rant is forgiven, just as you are. I can't imagine what it's like and I can't say that I want to. So sorry you have to go through this....like you said "isn't having your breasts removed enough???" I hope you are feeling better now!
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