This is my story and how Congress can get help for the MILLIONS of us who are afflicted with Lymphedema.
1. DOCTORS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEED TRAINING:
I had been asking my primary care physician for years to help me with my painfully swollen feet and ankles. He always said I was swollen because I was overweight. I accepted that diagnosis of my issues figuring the doctor knew more than I.
Then I lost 65 pounds and the swelling only slightly improved. So again, I asked my doctor for help that even with a significant weight loss I was still swollen. He then referred me to a Vascular Surgeon who said I have Lymphedema, CVI, and Lipedema.
Had my PCP been educated in the Lymphatic System, he would have referred me years earlier instead of my condition worsening, I could have received treatment so that it did not become as bad as it has.
2. MEDICARE AND INSURANCE COVERAGE:
Insurance won’t pay for bandaging, compression garments, compression pumps, including Medicare. Those insurance companies that do have high deductibles that have to be met first, which means that most of us will never have help paying for it.
3. HIGHER COSTS FOR TAXPAYERS:
When someone with Lymphedema cannot get it under control because they cannot afford to buy bandaging, compression pumps and garments , it ends of costing Medicare and insurance companies MORE money due to hospitalizations. It costs taxpayers more money because people have to go on unemployment, get on Social Security Disability, food stamps, welfare programs, etc. because they are too sick to work any longer.
4. AFFECTS YOUR FAMILY and FRIENDS:
When one has this disease and if left untreated or manageable, you are unable to enjoy life. Your loved ones end up being caregivers which is a hard thing for them and takes up their time. You become depressed, needing anti-depressions meds or hospitalization or mental help.
5. PLEASE HELP US, THERE ARE MILLIONS OF US:
This is not a disease that only affects a few people, there are millions of us. We are your Constituents. Many people (like myself) go undiagnosed for years due to doctors know little to nothing about it.
