Renee’s Story

im not a typist so forgive the mistakes i developed lymphedema about a year after my bc treatments and surgeries were done with i was spring cleaning and i pinched my arm ever so slightly in a sliding closet door witch caused a black and blue mark then wouldnt u know it i noticed my hand swelling that eve so i went to emergency room they checked for blood clots and sent me home with no diagnosis i figureed it out myself so i called lymphedema clinic which consist of an occupational therapist i had two appointments to show me how to wrap my arm and that was it i was not told about any other possible treatments besides the garments. medicare pays for one every six months but wearing them 24/7 they dont last that long this disease has really put a damper on my life im not college educated so i cant work at fast food fear of getting burnt or cut i dont go outside with a bare arm fear of getting bit by bug not to mention it made my bug phobia a 1000 xs worse im right handed its so hard learning to do with the left and asking for help.im on disability and i cant afford massage or pumps or ried sleeve or even extra compression sleeves. if it wasnt for the computer i wouldnt even know about these things and im still not sure what this is or what it could lead too. i really hope my story helps raise awareness of this awful condition my arm is getting bigger if insurance covered this problem i would be able to go out and live my life with less fear and worry and less er visits. even stds r covered and people get those from stupid choices come on people we didnt get lymphedema by any choice we made insurance paid for taking out the lyphnodes but not the results i just dont understand