Kimberly’s Story

I have suffered from Lymphedema since I was 13 years old. It started so unexpectedly in my left leg and foot while I was sitting in my 8th grade classroom. I didn’t have a clue but went through various operations from exploratory surgery through my abdomen and open left top foot surgery twice. They told me it was Lymphedema but had little to offer on how to treat or cure it. Then at the age of 17, while at work, my right leg began to swell, my skin was very tight, and the pain was tremendous. I am now 47 and the Lymphedema has spread to my legs, feet, thighs, and hips. I believe my Lymphedema was due to injury to my body, abuse, while growing up in a most abusive household. I cannot be entirely sure, but nothing else makes sense. For a long time, I thought my condition was primary, but over the years I continued concentrating on why I am the only one in my family with this disease. I am currently undergoing treatment service with massage and wrappings but there is much more effort and action for this disease/disorder. It is very painful, especially to the touch of the tops of my legs from my ankles to my knees. I don’t feel enough has been done to find a cure, and to discover more apparati and biomedical devices that would help the suffering and pain for those of us with this disease/disorder. Medicare needs to really understand that this is a serious medical condition that requires their utmost attention and coverage for any new technology and medical treatment or cures. For 34 years my condition has gotten worse; pumps and treatment are helping, but much more must still be done in the way of insurance coverage to pay for new technology that can only help the sufferers of Lymphedema and improve our life quality. Not only is it painful, but unsightly. Thank you for opening the avenue for more medical advances and treatment; maybe even a cure.