....well, a bit weird actually. When you think about it, having to wear a compression stocking every day is not like taking tablets or using an inhaler, or all the other things that people have to do to control a chronic condition. Most of the time I don't think about it. After 13 years of living with lymphoedema, wearing a compression stocking feels more or less normal. You get up, you get dressed, you wear a compression garment. But I was walking along today and was suddenly aware that my stocking was there and I thought how unusual it was really, how unusual a whole heap of things are in relation to lymphoedema and what an achievement it is to aim to live with the condition.
Living with lymphoedema, things that are unusual become commonplace. We wear compression garments, we moisturise, we do simple lymphatic drainage, we exercise. We may or may not be lucky enough to be able to access a good specialist lymphoedema service. We live with the condition and aim to be able to manage it in the best way we can, but do not forget that what you are aiming to do takes exceptional determination. It takes a special kind of mindset to manage lymphoedema and getting to this place is not always easy. Some people never get to this stage in the management of their care. They refuse to wear a garment or to engage with their specialists. With lymphoedema we cope with the unusual every day. Always remember the fact that in working to manage your lymphoedema, you have achieved a great deal. Never let the discomfort of a swollen limb, a bout of cellulitis or the ordeal of bandaging take this achievement away from you. You have faced unusual circumstances and evolved to take transform these circumstances into your usual life. With lymphoedema you achieve so much every day.
That's it. I've finished bigging us all up. Give yourself a round of applause lymphies!
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