In April 2010 at age 50 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I had a hysterectomy and 18 lymph nodes removed for biopsy. In September 2010 I flew to Italy for a two- week vacation. As soon as I got off the plane I had swelling in my feet and ankles. The swelling lasted the two weeks of my trip.
I called the oncologist as soon as I returned home. He examined me and said I probably had too much salt on my vacation and gave me diuretics. I did a lot of web searching and started to think that I may have this condition called “lymphedema.” I went back to the doctor and told him I suspected I have secondary lymphedema. He told me that I didn’t have enough lymph nodes removed to develop that. Finally in December 2010 he sent me to see a lymphedema specialist. I spent two weeks learning to bandage, do my daily self massage, skin and nail care and learned the importance of wearing compression garments to prevent swelling.
I am a fit woman who exercises regularly, eats a balanced healthy diet and practices excellent hygiene with my skin care. I am doing my daily self massage and bandaging. Lymphedema is something I had never heard of before finding it on the web. I now know it is something I will have to live with and manage for the rest of my life.
It is very frustrating to have to appeal to the insurance company for something that should be covered. Mentally it is draining to have lived through cancer and then have to keep writing appeals and letters to get coverage for compression garments.
My insurance has denied my claims for compression garments. I was told that unless I have open wounds they are not a covered benefit. My insurance will cover compression garments for lymphedema of the arms but not legs. They told me that treatment for the lower extremities is experimental.
My need for the garments on both of my legs is a medical necessity in order to maintain the proper size of my legs and not develop open wounds, hospitalization and life threatening infections.
