Laura’s Story

I was diagnosed with Primary and secondary Lymphedema in 2005. Since then, I’ve tried the flexitouch pump to no avail. I have been to 2 Lymphedema therapists; one at St. Francis and one at Baptist Memorial Hospital. However since I live on a fixed income, I cannot afford the cost of replacing the bandages every 4 to 6 months, the cotton that goes underneath them or the foam rubber that goes over the cotton. My legs are so large, I have been hospitalized twice with a skin infection called Cellulitis twice and it looks like I don’t have an ankle anymore because my leg overlaps my ankle. My doctor says to elevate them but in most cases, it’s not practical for me because I am trying to take care of my only living parent who is 81 and has cancer.It is very painful most of the time when I walk and there are times when I can’t get my shoes on due to the swelling.