Barbara’s Story

Although I am a college educated person, instead of being able to contribute to society, I am sidelined in life now with stage 3 lipolymphedema, with which I am in constant pain and increasingly becoming immobile. I feel I am trapped in my painful shell with no future. I SHOULD be receiving MLD treatments, but find it difficult to find caregivers. Insurance coverage is minimal and too expensive for me, so my condition worsens. I have been waiting three months now for my insurance company to approve a partial payment of needed compression garments and lymphedema pump – I cannot afford these items by myself. I am fighting off depression as best I can, but know what it feels like to want to give up. Daily I wrap my legs and arms and try to do what I can to keep my mobility. Besides no longer being able to continue my job, I find the pain and fatigue keeps me from family, friends and relationships – and no longer can walk to shop or go on vacation. Having more medical help and coverage will help me immensely to improve my condition and better my life.