Leg lymphedema

[charlieo]

Anyone here riding with leg lymphedema issues?

I shattered the tibial plateau in my right leg last November. Surgeon reconstructed it – long operation. OS said to expect some swelling. It kept getting worse, and I’d had 3 DVT’s during/shortly after surgery so my primary sent me in for a doppler. Good news, he says – Clots gone but “leg filled with fluid”. Primary suggests I wait until I’m walking to see if swelling abates. It doesn’t.

I go back to primary who takes a look and sends me to lymphedema therapist. Before treatment starts I get on the trail horse – first time on in 7 months. It’s horrible. Leg feels like a balloon about to pop. Plate at knee is also a problem, but one I know I can work with.

Does it get better after treatment ? (not the lymphedema, I know that’s a lifetime issue) but the riding? Any hope for light at the end of the tunnel would be appreciated.

[Heather1]

just in case

Hopefully your lymphedema specialist used combined decongestive therapy (MLD, compression bandaging, exersize, skin care and compresion garment) and your leg is much improved. But just in case not, you could look on the North America Dr Vodder School site for a therapist in your region, they are very highly qualified to treat LE, though maybe not as easy to get hold of as here in Europe. Believe there is also something in the States called the Norton School which may be able to help

[charlieo]

Therapist worked wonders, I rode last fall, but the joint failed so had a total knee 6 weeks ago – more problems. Returned to therapist and should be back in the compression garments by next weekend (after 4 weeks of bandages). Love my therapist. Love the new knee. Life is good, will get better! Thanks for asking!

[mickeydoodle]

wear a support stocking every day- put it on in the morning, take it off at night, wear it EVERY DAY. you will feel better, it will help in the long term, think of it like the standing bandages you put on a horse on stall rest

[charlieo]

I wear made to measure thigh high stocking on rt. leg (the bad one) and a knee high on the left leg. Wear them religiously or couldn’t get into them. Getting out is actually harder!. I feel almost normal with them on. They do get hot, but it’s a small price to pay for the freedom and ability to move. Rode today – for the first time in a long time. It went well. I really do love that therapist!