I am writing this 24 hours after one of the worst experiences I've had in a very long time. It was 100 degrees and my left leg was wrapped OMG! I cannot begin to express what it feels like. My mind says there has got to be a better way...but sadly there is not:-(
The heat really makes this a miserable time. The swelling, the pain and the discomfort feels like much more than I can bear, but the good thing is I said something similar last year and I "did" make it. So at the very least I know that I'll survive. Bear with me now I'm trying to encourage myself!
Walk with me, if you will...It started at about 7:00 pm I pumped my leg (circulator machine) this process takes 1/2 hour then I begin to wrap. First I put on the net like stocking, then the cotton (like under a cast) from my toes to the knee. Next I wrap the same area with a (sponge like material) now this is the fun part (sarcastically said) I begin to wrap (the same area) with short stretch bandages (similar to ace bandages but it doesn't stretch) I start at my toes very meticulously wrapping, then taping. Now I take the next size short stretch bandage and I begin to wrap, half way up the leg I drop the bandage and in unrolls, falls on the floor and under the bed! After saying some choice words I have to start over, I get the bandage re-roll it and start over holding my breath and praying, I continue. Now I'm on the next step I am taping it at the top of my knee and I reach for the tape (pre cut by the way)and the bandage begins to unravel...now I'm biting my lip and breathing rather hard. Please keep in mind I still have 3 more layers and each layer I dropped the bandage. The more frustrated I became the more I dropped and fumbled. OK let's fast forward. It's 9:00 and I am done. I'm tired and having a woe it's me moment, tears and all. The emotions go from frustration to anger in a very short period of time. It's now 9:45 and my leg starts to hurt, what I feel is unbearable pain. Ummm I will not undo this leg...it took way too long. The pain increases, I am now bargaining with myself, If I can just make it till morning. HA I made it, now if I can make it till 5:00 when I get off from work...oh yeah baby I made it, now if I can make it till 9-- Tah Dahhhh I made it 24 hours of agony. But I did I.
With a huge smile on my face, I unwrap and the leg is very very tender, so much so that even the sheets on the bed hurt, but who cares it's free and it's getting air.
You have just experienced a day in the life of this lymphedema-maniac!
If you know Jesus--pray for me.
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