Dorothy’s Story

I developed lymphedema in 1997 after stage 4 cervical cancer. I had radiation and it caused scaring in my left groin and they done a lymphedema discetion . At this time I had insurance and it paid for my garments. I couldn’t run or get on the floor to play with my grandkids. I worked to raise 3 kids. I should of never been working. Then I was working and I keep getting celulitius in my leg all the time. I finally had to quit work in 2003. I had no way to get my garments I went though United Way and other places to try to get help. This is a worry on you and this changes your life so much. It caused so much stress because you didn’t know where to go for help to get the garments I finally got social security after two and half years. I couldn’t get help to get my stockings. this changed my life so much. I was embrassed because of the size of my leg. It drags your health down. You cant do a lot of thing in everyday living. bending standing squatting things you take for granted. Like getting in the tub and crossing your knees. Getting on the floor with grandkids. Also you cant do a lot of other thing . your whole life changes. I don’t know what I would of done when I came home from the hospital with infection in my leg, with out my family. They have gave me moral support. I have been forced to give up running makes it hard to get into the tub. And climiimg a ladder to hang cutains and just a lot of everyday living. If they pass this act it will help me to get my stockings and updates on my machine or get a new one ,because they have new and improved equipment that will help you so much more. I just got a new machine and within a four days time it took 2 inches off my intire leg. This will help to be able to keep my leg maintained better and smalled and now if I can find a place to help me buy mu custom compression stockings they told me my leg could be a lot samller. I do hope they approve this act because if you don’t have the supplies and equipment you leg can get ulcers and very large where you wont be able to walk. I don’t understand why they don’t want to prevent things from getting worse. this is a preventive for a lot of chronic condition. Thank you! This will give a lot of people back a life. and a lot less medical visits. and stress!