Being told by a doctor that you have an incurable medical condition that will inevitably deteriorate over time is one of the most soul destroying things a person can experience. In my case this is Primary Lymphedema (aka chronic swelling of the legs due to a failure of the body's ability to drain excess fluid through the lymphatic system). It might not sound much, but on a daily basis I experience
tiredness and lack of energy through heaviness of the excess lymph fluid in my legs, pain, discomfort and feelings of extreme self consciousness. I have to keep my legs elevated and wear tight compression garments whenever possible which are extremely difficult to put on. I struggle to buy shoes that fit and don't cause pain and constantly compare myself to others. Probably the worst part of all, is the lack of hope that it will ever get better. It strips you of any hope for a normal future, makes you feel alone, limits your abilities and crushes your self confidence. Doctors have told me time and again that I have to 'learn to live with' and 'accept it' and that there's 'nothing that can be done' but I disagree. Joining support groups and 'dealing with it' isn't good enough for me I'm afraid. I want to fight to find a cure and I'm going to do my all to raise awareness of this horrible condition that anyone is capable of developing at any stage in their lives. March 6th has been officially recognised as World Lymphedema Day and I couldn't be happier to see LE starting to get the air time it deserves.
