Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg illness

[Guest guest]

Okay... running down the list....

I had RAI about fifteen years ago to kill my thyroid.

I've never had surgery.. well, microsurgery on my finger.. with a local... and they let me watch through the microscope! That was about five years before the RAI.

I pulled a butt muscle about the time this leg stuff started... but can think of no other injury.

I was under a lot of emotional stress at the time this started... a couple of 'friends' stabbed me in the back. I was so hurt by what they said that I came close to pulling out of the groups and dropping the web site... some of you may have noticed that I was gone from here for a couple of weeks.... I was doing some thinking about whether or not I belonged here. I kinda decided that they were wrong and that I'd stick around.

Now, looking at the treatments... they really like message.. I am often doing that.. an odd posture, with my large tummy.... sitting on a chair.. feet up on another chair and doing these figure 8s on both shins! hehehehehe But they mention that the belly area is involved in the lymph system.. Here's another thought... I was losing a lot of weight... but still had a lot of excess stomach skin.. a lot of that has filled in again... even thought I've not gained inches elsewhere... If that is linked.. that would mean that self massage is not a good thing because of the pressure on my stomach bending... that means looking at the bandages.

I cringe at the thought of wrapping them... compression bandage... I can't even stand a sheet on them when I sleep... but, I'm will to experiment... I try it on the lesser affected leg... (less pain area) and see what happens... if it doesn't hurt as bad as I fear and/or lets up after a while.. I'm game.... I want to heal.

Thanks for the research. They do mention Lymphedema Tarda... having no cause and affecting one or both.... it affected just one, first... and I kept that one elevated.. then it started bothering the one that wasn't elevated.... Hmmmmmmm

So.. the bathing is good.. with lotion to follow.. keeping bandaged... We have a plan.. a good experiment.

Looks like the stuff that you already had me trying, , was the right direction.... now I got to kick it up a notch!

The stuff they mention about exercise.. that hit's home too... my muscles have shrunk... the left leg actually looks sunk in... So... I'll continue with the stretches until I'm ready (loosened up enough) to go back to the other stuff that I was doing. I know that toes and foot bopping feels good... so that is a muscle contraction condition.... I can start that right now... I just have to learn bop my feet in time to my typing!!! and do it more that I normally do!!! heheheheheh

Now... for the others that my face this.. if it is lymph.. that means that it's and I... so it could hit others..... does it start with edema.. then pitting edema... are those clues that the lymph system is compromised? Or is that totally unrelated?

Topper ()

On Thu, 02 Sep 2004 21:56:30 -0000 "De" writes:

Found this online....love the internet!CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMASecondary and PrimarySurgical procedures and/or radiation therapy in the treatment of Breast, Gynecological, Head , Neck, Prostate or Testicular, Bladder, Colon Cancers or Melanomas.( Due to treatment, there is removal of, or damage to the lymph nodes or vessels so that lymph fluid is no longer able to be transported properly in the body).Trauma - injuries and accidents in which the lymphatic system is interrupted or damaged Infections - which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway functionPrimaryPresent at birth for unknown causes or associated with arterial-venous abnormalities.Lymphedema Praecox - appears during puberty, mostly in girls, and usually affects one lower extremity.Lymphedema Tarda - occurs in both male and female adults. The onset is sudden with no apparent cause and can affect one or both extremities.TREATMENT FOR LYMPHEDEMA Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, (CDP) or Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)Manual Lymphatic DrainageThis treatment is a gentle light touch massage. This prevents damage to the tissues. It promotes lymph flow through the collateral (superficial) lymph vessels to channel the lymph into the abdominal area ( the "watershed") and into normal functioning lymphatic vessels and nodes. These collateral lymph vessels are usually working normally and the problem lies in the deeper vessels which were damaged and scarred.BandagingThe therapist places compression bandaging around the limb. Often foam chip pads are placed under the bandaging to increase pressure on fibrotic area to break down scar tissue. These bandages stay on 24 hours a day throughout the treatment period. They come off only to shower, do skin care, assess the swelling reduction and to do the MLD.Skin CareUse a soap with a low pH., unscented and not antibacterial soaps. A good liquid soap is Cetaphil. The skin must be moisturized after bathing. Use a lotion like Eucerin or Nivea. If there are any irritations use an antibacterial cream. Always dry the area very well,and gently, after washing.ExercisesAn individualized exercise program will be given by the therapist to each patient. They will improve muscular contractions and joint mobility.There will also be strengthening exercises for the limb that will reduce muscle atrophy. Muscular contractions along with the low-stretch bandages provide constant counter pressure to keep the lymph fluid moving.

[Guest guest]

Okay... running down the list....

I had RAI about fifteen years ago to kill my thyroid.

I've never had surgery.. well, microsurgery on my finger.. with a local... and they let me watch through the microscope! That was about five years before the RAI.

I pulled a butt muscle about the time this leg stuff started... but can think of no other injury.

I was under a lot of emotional stress at the time this started... a couple of 'friends' stabbed me in the back. I was so hurt by what they said that I came close to pulling out of the groups and dropping the web site... some of you may have noticed that I was gone from here for a couple of weeks.... I was doing some thinking about whether or not I belonged here. I kinda decided that they were wrong and that I'd stick around.

Now, looking at the treatments... they really like message.. I am often doing that.. an odd posture, with my large tummy.... sitting on a chair.. feet up on another chair and doing these figure 8s on both shins! hehehehehe But they mention that the belly area is involved in the lymph system.. Here's another thought... I was losing a lot of weight... but still had a lot of excess stomach skin.. a lot of that has filled in again... even thought I've not gained inches elsewhere... If that is linked.. that would mean that self massage is not a good thing because of the pressure on my stomach bending... that means looking at the bandages.

I cringe at the thought of wrapping them... compression bandage... I can't even stand a sheet on them when I sleep... but, I'm will to experiment... I try it on the lesser affected leg... (less pain area) and see what happens... if it doesn't hurt as bad as I fear and/or lets up after a while.. I'm game.... I want to heal.

Thanks for the research. They do mention Lymphedema Tarda... having no cause and affecting one or both.... it affected just one, first... and I kept that one elevated.. then it started bothering the one that wasn't elevated.... Hmmmmmmm

So.. the bathing is good.. with lotion to follow.. keeping bandaged... We have a plan.. a good experiment.

Looks like the stuff that you already had me trying, , was the right direction.... now I got to kick it up a notch!

The stuff they mention about exercise.. that hit's home too... my muscles have shrunk... the left leg actually looks sunk in... So... I'll continue with the stretches until I'm ready (loosened up enough) to go back to the other stuff that I was doing. I know that toes and foot bopping feels good... so that is a muscle contraction condition.... I can start that right now... I just have to learn bop my feet in time to my typing!!! and do it more that I normally do!!! heheheheheh

Now... for the others that my face this.. if it is lymph.. that means that it's and I... so it could hit others..... does it start with edema.. then pitting edema... are those clues that the lymph system is compromised? Or is that totally unrelated?

Topper ()

On Thu, 02 Sep 2004 21:56:30 -0000 "De" writes:

Found this online....love the internet!CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMASecondary and PrimarySurgical procedures and/or radiation therapy in the treatment of Breast, Gynecological, Head , Neck, Prostate or Testicular, Bladder, Colon Cancers or Melanomas.( Due to treatment, there is removal of, or damage to the lymph nodes or vessels so that lymph fluid is no longer able to be transported properly in the body).Trauma - injuries and accidents in which the lymphatic system is interrupted or damaged Infections - which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway functionPrimaryPresent at birth for unknown causes or associated with arterial-venous abnormalities.Lymphedema Praecox - appears during puberty, mostly in girls, and usually affects one lower extremity.Lymphedema Tarda - occurs in both male and female adults. The onset is sudden with no apparent cause and can affect one or both extremities.TREATMENT FOR LYMPHEDEMA Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, (CDP) or Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)Manual Lymphatic DrainageThis treatment is a gentle light touch massage. This prevents damage to the tissues. It promotes lymph flow through the collateral (superficial) lymph vessels to channel the lymph into the abdominal area ( the "watershed") and into normal functioning lymphatic vessels and nodes. These collateral lymph vessels are usually working normally and the problem lies in the deeper vessels which were damaged and scarred.BandagingThe therapist places compression bandaging around the limb. Often foam chip pads are placed under the bandaging to increase pressure on fibrotic area to break down scar tissue. These bandages stay on 24 hours a day throughout the treatment period. They come off only to shower, do skin care, assess the swelling reduction and to do the MLD.Skin CareUse a soap with a low pH., unscented and not antibacterial soaps. A good liquid soap is Cetaphil. The skin must be moisturized after bathing. Use a lotion like Eucerin or Nivea. If there are any irritations use an antibacterial cream. Always dry the area very well,and gently, after washing.ExercisesAn individualized exercise program will be given by the therapist to each patient. They will improve muscular contractions and joint mobility.There will also be strengthening exercises for the limb that will reduce muscle atrophy. Muscular contractions along with the low-stretch bandages provide constant counter pressure to keep the lymph fluid moving.

[Guest guest]

Okay... running down the list....

I had RAI about fifteen years ago to kill my thyroid.

I've never had surgery.. well, microsurgery on my finger.. with a local... and they let me watch through the microscope! That was about five years before the RAI.

I pulled a butt muscle about the time this leg stuff started... but can think of no other injury.

I was under a lot of emotional stress at the time this started... a couple of 'friends' stabbed me in the back. I was so hurt by what they said that I came close to pulling out of the groups and dropping the web site... some of you may have noticed that I was gone from here for a couple of weeks.... I was doing some thinking about whether or not I belonged here. I kinda decided that they were wrong and that I'd stick around.

Now, looking at the treatments... they really like message.. I am often doing that.. an odd posture, with my large tummy.... sitting on a chair.. feet up on another chair and doing these figure 8s on both shins! hehehehehe But they mention that the belly area is involved in the lymph system.. Here's another thought... I was losing a lot of weight... but still had a lot of excess stomach skin.. a lot of that has filled in again... even thought I've not gained inches elsewhere... If that is linked.. that would mean that self massage is not a good thing because of the pressure on my stomach bending... that means looking at the bandages.

I cringe at the thought of wrapping them... compression bandage... I can't even stand a sheet on them when I sleep... but, I'm will to experiment... I try it on the lesser affected leg... (less pain area) and see what happens... if it doesn't hurt as bad as I fear and/or lets up after a while.. I'm game.... I want to heal.

Thanks for the research. They do mention Lymphedema Tarda... having no cause and affecting one or both.... it affected just one, first... and I kept that one elevated.. then it started bothering the one that wasn't elevated.... Hmmmmmmm

So.. the bathing is good.. with lotion to follow.. keeping bandaged... We have a plan.. a good experiment.

Looks like the stuff that you already had me trying, , was the right direction.... now I got to kick it up a notch!

The stuff they mention about exercise.. that hit's home too... my muscles have shrunk... the left leg actually looks sunk in... So... I'll continue with the stretches until I'm ready (loosened up enough) to go back to the other stuff that I was doing. I know that toes and foot bopping feels good... so that is a muscle contraction condition.... I can start that right now... I just have to learn bop my feet in time to my typing!!! and do it more that I normally do!!! heheheheheh

Now... for the others that my face this.. if it is lymph.. that means that it's and I... so it could hit others..... does it start with edema.. then pitting edema... are those clues that the lymph system is compromised? Or is that totally unrelated?

Topper ()

On Thu, 02 Sep 2004 21:56:30 -0000 "De" writes:

Found this online....love the internet!CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMASecondary and PrimarySurgical procedures and/or radiation therapy in the treatment of Breast, Gynecological, Head , Neck, Prostate or Testicular, Bladder, Colon Cancers or Melanomas.( Due to treatment, there is removal of, or damage to the lymph nodes or vessels so that lymph fluid is no longer able to be transported properly in the body).Trauma - injuries and accidents in which the lymphatic system is interrupted or damaged Infections - which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway functionPrimaryPresent at birth for unknown causes or associated with arterial-venous abnormalities.Lymphedema Praecox - appears during puberty, mostly in girls, and usually affects one lower extremity.Lymphedema Tarda - occurs in both male and female adults. The onset is sudden with no apparent cause and can affect one or both extremities.TREATMENT FOR LYMPHEDEMA Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, (CDP) or Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)Manual Lymphatic DrainageThis treatment is a gentle light touch massage. This prevents damage to the tissues. It promotes lymph flow through the collateral (superficial) lymph vessels to channel the lymph into the abdominal area ( the "watershed") and into normal functioning lymphatic vessels and nodes. These collateral lymph vessels are usually working normally and the problem lies in the deeper vessels which were damaged and scarred.BandagingThe therapist places compression bandaging around the limb. Often foam chip pads are placed under the bandaging to increase pressure on fibrotic area to break down scar tissue. These bandages stay on 24 hours a day throughout the treatment period. They come off only to shower, do skin care, assess the swelling reduction and to do the MLD.Skin CareUse a soap with a low pH., unscented and not antibacterial soaps. A good liquid soap is Cetaphil. The skin must be moisturized after bathing. Use a lotion like Eucerin or Nivea. If there are any irritations use an antibacterial cream. Always dry the area very well,and gently, after washing.ExercisesAn individualized exercise program will be given by the therapist to each patient. They will improve muscular contractions and joint mobility.There will also be strengthening exercises for the limb that will reduce muscle atrophy. Muscular contractions along with the low-stretch bandages provide constant counter pressure to keep the lymph fluid moving.

[Guest guest]

Peppermint is also good to aid digestion........not to mention it's

just yummy, hot or cold.  Very refreshing iced, I think, especially if you

like teas anyway.And it does, in fact, tend to make you flush

through a lot of fluids.  Heh.shannon in LA> Peppermint

tea is a non caffeine kidney enhancer.??? I don't want to use >

the word stimulant... it really makes you push through a lot of fluid...

----------------------------------------- Get a LosAngeles.com email address! To sign up for your own account, visit http://mail.LosAngeles.com

[Guest guest]

Peppermint is also good to aid digestion........not to mention it's

just yummy, hot or cold.  Very refreshing iced, I think, especially if you

like teas anyway.And it does, in fact, tend to make you flush

through a lot of fluids.  Heh.shannon in LA> Peppermint

tea is a non caffeine kidney enhancer.??? I don't want to use >

the word stimulant... it really makes you push through a lot of fluid...

----------------------------------------- Get a LosAngeles.com email address! To sign up for your own account, visit http://mail.LosAngeles.com

[Guest guest]

It's the best thing for colds and flu.... I take no meds for that stuff.. just drink my tea and take vitamin c... you suck as much tea down as you can... and make sure that you're near a bathroom.... I've over it in a couple of days rather than a couple of weeks.

Topper ()

On Thu, 2 Sep 2004 22:38:48 -0700 (PDT) craftygirl@... writes:

Peppermint is also good to aid digestion........not to mention it's just yummy, hot or cold. Very refreshing iced, I think, especially if you like teas anyway.

And it does, in fact, tend to make you flush through a lot of fluids. Heh.

shannon in LA

[Guest guest]

Topper

There should be no guessing on this. If you can send me some closeup shots of it in the email, then I might be able to guess, but, even at that, you still need emergency treatment. The fact that it is not going away in such a long period of time makes it more than dangerous. You should be in an emergency room ER for this. And, look at it this way, they probably would run blood counts and iron values, etc...to rule stuff out, just as a matter of routine. At least you would probably find out these things. I would not mess around with this at all, as I said before.

Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg illness

All the time.. over two months now.. closer to three?.... It started out as pitting edema.. then turned solid/hard.... and painful. It's red, and hot most of the time... started in the second leg about a month or five weeks after the first.

Ruth and I are both feeling lumps on the sides... she is thinking mulitple blood clots... but I can't imagine that I could have that many in both legs and still be alive.... The hard area on the left is the largest, on the front of the shin mostly.... but now moving around the back.. ummmm... the part of the back of the ankle that would be covered by the boot of an ice skate.

The hard part on the shin has a definite edge.... in many parts you can feel it... almost 'cliff' like.

As this has progressed I have virtually no soft swelling of the ankles and feet even though they used to swell horribly before.

My feet and toes are of normal color, not painful, not cold or tingling.. and I have normal feeling and motion in them. Nails are heathy and normal.. and when the nail beds are pressed they return to normal color as they should.

When the right leg started, it started in the exact same spot on the shin as the left did...

It seems as though the areas that were pitting edema are turning to rock.... except the rock has feeling (gentle touch, scratch, hot, cold, air blowing across) But it hurts to add any pressure. Even to wear slacks or to put a sheet on in bed.. the pressure/weight of the fabric is as if I'm being kicked in the shins.

When I started I was under a lot of emotional stress (friendship betrayal type stress), then I'd had to cut back on my adrenal glandular as I was running low and was trying to stretch it... and I'd run out of DHEA (I'd been on 12.5 mcg for over a year and doing well). I have no idea if any of that pertains directly... but I include it so that if anyone else sees something that I don't.. they have the info. I increased my adrenal glandular back up to the dose before I'd reduced, about a month ago... I'm picking up more DHEA tomorrow (finally have the money to).

Alison sent me some herbal soap that helps a lot.... I feel best keeping the legs up... doing a lot of toe and feet wiggling.. and when they are very sore, like these last two and a half weeks short on sleep.. they really like cool compresses (damp wash cloth laid on the hot areas, refreshing them as the 'fever' heats the cloth)

At times I have severe/sharp pain, but not in the same spot... in both legs, around the sides of the hot/hard areas, with the 'lumps' are. The rest of the time it's like a walked into a low board and whacked my shins HARD and it's just not stopping hurting...

I have no fever.. do not feel in any way ill.... I started a low dose of aspirin (81mg) 6 weeks ago... thinking that a little blood thinning couldn't hurt. Normal cuts on my skin are healing normally... but a 2nd degree burn that I got from a cookie sheet got infected and has left a scar.

I'm nervous about what this is... but can't afford a doc.. and the hospital here... well put it this way.. I was in for an accident in a work truck... the company didn't show up quick enough with the paper work for worker's comp.. and they went after my dad... even though I was living 40 miles away... they came after him.... Now I do live with him.. and he doesn't need them to sue... If this is something that needs medical care.. that will be faced when needed.. but for right now.. I have no idea what this is....

Ruth is a retired ER nurse... she's helping me watch... she's not concerned to the point of hauling me in.. but she's not all that sure what it is either.. she's never seen anything like in some 40 years of medical experience. She's the one that does the 'toe tests' every morning... so that we can be sure that I really can feel and it's not just me knowing that I'm touching my toes. But even probing the lumps.. she's just not sure...

If anyone wants to do a twenty questions and see if this can be identified... give me a holler off list.... topper2@...

Because of it I've stopped my exercises.. just recently started stretches again cause I'm getting so stiff sitting with my feet up most of the time.... I haven't even been able to reach my walking goal and spend time down by the river cause of this bulltweet....

Oh... I just sighed... when I sigh it's like there is some pressure surge through the bad parts and it hurts more.. like a tingling just under the skin... it doesn't happen during a cough or sneeze... but sometimes does if I have a really deep, long 'jaw cracker' yawn.

Are you sorry you asked? Or (closing eyes and wishing) any ideas what the heck it is?

Topper ()

[Guest guest]

Topper

There should be no guessing on this. If you can send me some closeup shots of it in the email, then I might be able to guess, but, even at that, you still need emergency treatment. The fact that it is not going away in such a long period of time makes it more than dangerous. You should be in an emergency room ER for this. And, look at it this way, they probably would run blood counts and iron values, etc...to rule stuff out, just as a matter of routine. At least you would probably find out these things. I would not mess around with this at all, as I said before.

Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg illness

All the time.. over two months now.. closer to three?.... It started out as pitting edema.. then turned solid/hard.... and painful. It's red, and hot most of the time... started in the second leg about a month or five weeks after the first.

Ruth and I are both feeling lumps on the sides... she is thinking mulitple blood clots... but I can't imagine that I could have that many in both legs and still be alive.... The hard area on the left is the largest, on the front of the shin mostly.... but now moving around the back.. ummmm... the part of the back of the ankle that would be covered by the boot of an ice skate.

The hard part on the shin has a definite edge.... in many parts you can feel it... almost 'cliff' like.

As this has progressed I have virtually no soft swelling of the ankles and feet even though they used to swell horribly before.

My feet and toes are of normal color, not painful, not cold or tingling.. and I have normal feeling and motion in them. Nails are heathy and normal.. and when the nail beds are pressed they return to normal color as they should.

When the right leg started, it started in the exact same spot on the shin as the left did...

It seems as though the areas that were pitting edema are turning to rock.... except the rock has feeling (gentle touch, scratch, hot, cold, air blowing across) But it hurts to add any pressure. Even to wear slacks or to put a sheet on in bed.. the pressure/weight of the fabric is as if I'm being kicked in the shins.

When I started I was under a lot of emotional stress (friendship betrayal type stress), then I'd had to cut back on my adrenal glandular as I was running low and was trying to stretch it... and I'd run out of DHEA (I'd been on 12.5 mcg for over a year and doing well). I have no idea if any of that pertains directly... but I include it so that if anyone else sees something that I don't.. they have the info. I increased my adrenal glandular back up to the dose before I'd reduced, about a month ago... I'm picking up more DHEA tomorrow (finally have the money to).

Alison sent me some herbal soap that helps a lot.... I feel best keeping the legs up... doing a lot of toe and feet wiggling.. and when they are very sore, like these last two and a half weeks short on sleep.. they really like cool compresses (damp wash cloth laid on the hot areas, refreshing them as the 'fever' heats the cloth)

At times I have severe/sharp pain, but not in the same spot... in both legs, around the sides of the hot/hard areas, with the 'lumps' are. The rest of the time it's like a walked into a low board and whacked my shins HARD and it's just not stopping hurting...

I have no fever.. do not feel in any way ill.... I started a low dose of aspirin (81mg) 6 weeks ago... thinking that a little blood thinning couldn't hurt. Normal cuts on my skin are healing normally... but a 2nd degree burn that I got from a cookie sheet got infected and has left a scar.

I'm nervous about what this is... but can't afford a doc.. and the hospital here... well put it this way.. I was in for an accident in a work truck... the company didn't show up quick enough with the paper work for worker's comp.. and they went after my dad... even though I was living 40 miles away... they came after him.... Now I do live with him.. and he doesn't need them to sue... If this is something that needs medical care.. that will be faced when needed.. but for right now.. I have no idea what this is....

Ruth is a retired ER nurse... she's helping me watch... she's not concerned to the point of hauling me in.. but she's not all that sure what it is either.. she's never seen anything like in some 40 years of medical experience. She's the one that does the 'toe tests' every morning... so that we can be sure that I really can feel and it's not just me knowing that I'm touching my toes. But even probing the lumps.. she's just not sure...

If anyone wants to do a twenty questions and see if this can be identified... give me a holler off list.... topper2@...

Because of it I've stopped my exercises.. just recently started stretches again cause I'm getting so stiff sitting with my feet up most of the time.... I haven't even been able to reach my walking goal and spend time down by the river cause of this bulltweet....

Oh... I just sighed... when I sigh it's like there is some pressure surge through the bad parts and it hurts more.. like a tingling just under the skin... it doesn't happen during a cough or sneeze... but sometimes does if I have a really deep, long 'jaw cracker' yawn.

Are you sorry you asked? Or (closing eyes and wishing) any ideas what the heck it is?

Topper ()

[Guest guest]

Topper

There should be no guessing on this. If you can send me some closeup shots of it in the email, then I might be able to guess, but, even at that, you still need emergency treatment. The fact that it is not going away in such a long period of time makes it more than dangerous. You should be in an emergency room ER for this. And, look at it this way, they probably would run blood counts and iron values, etc...to rule stuff out, just as a matter of routine. At least you would probably find out these things. I would not mess around with this at all, as I said before.

Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg illness

All the time.. over two months now.. closer to three?.... It started out as pitting edema.. then turned solid/hard.... and painful. It's red, and hot most of the time... started in the second leg about a month or five weeks after the first.

Ruth and I are both feeling lumps on the sides... she is thinking mulitple blood clots... but I can't imagine that I could have that many in both legs and still be alive.... The hard area on the left is the largest, on the front of the shin mostly.... but now moving around the back.. ummmm... the part of the back of the ankle that would be covered by the boot of an ice skate.

The hard part on the shin has a definite edge.... in many parts you can feel it... almost 'cliff' like.

As this has progressed I have virtually no soft swelling of the ankles and feet even though they used to swell horribly before.

My feet and toes are of normal color, not painful, not cold or tingling.. and I have normal feeling and motion in them. Nails are heathy and normal.. and when the nail beds are pressed they return to normal color as they should.

When the right leg started, it started in the exact same spot on the shin as the left did...

It seems as though the areas that were pitting edema are turning to rock.... except the rock has feeling (gentle touch, scratch, hot, cold, air blowing across) But it hurts to add any pressure. Even to wear slacks or to put a sheet on in bed.. the pressure/weight of the fabric is as if I'm being kicked in the shins.

When I started I was under a lot of emotional stress (friendship betrayal type stress), then I'd had to cut back on my adrenal glandular as I was running low and was trying to stretch it... and I'd run out of DHEA (I'd been on 12.5 mcg for over a year and doing well). I have no idea if any of that pertains directly... but I include it so that if anyone else sees something that I don't.. they have the info. I increased my adrenal glandular back up to the dose before I'd reduced, about a month ago... I'm picking up more DHEA tomorrow (finally have the money to).

Alison sent me some herbal soap that helps a lot.... I feel best keeping the legs up... doing a lot of toe and feet wiggling.. and when they are very sore, like these last two and a half weeks short on sleep.. they really like cool compresses (damp wash cloth laid on the hot areas, refreshing them as the 'fever' heats the cloth)

At times I have severe/sharp pain, but not in the same spot... in both legs, around the sides of the hot/hard areas, with the 'lumps' are. The rest of the time it's like a walked into a low board and whacked my shins HARD and it's just not stopping hurting...

I have no fever.. do not feel in any way ill.... I started a low dose of aspirin (81mg) 6 weeks ago... thinking that a little blood thinning couldn't hurt. Normal cuts on my skin are healing normally... but a 2nd degree burn that I got from a cookie sheet got infected and has left a scar.

I'm nervous about what this is... but can't afford a doc.. and the hospital here... well put it this way.. I was in for an accident in a work truck... the company didn't show up quick enough with the paper work for worker's comp.. and they went after my dad... even though I was living 40 miles away... they came after him.... Now I do live with him.. and he doesn't need them to sue... If this is something that needs medical care.. that will be faced when needed.. but for right now.. I have no idea what this is....

Ruth is a retired ER nurse... she's helping me watch... she's not concerned to the point of hauling me in.. but she's not all that sure what it is either.. she's never seen anything like in some 40 years of medical experience. She's the one that does the 'toe tests' every morning... so that we can be sure that I really can feel and it's not just me knowing that I'm touching my toes. But even probing the lumps.. she's just not sure...

If anyone wants to do a twenty questions and see if this can be identified... give me a holler off list.... topper2@...

Because of it I've stopped my exercises.. just recently started stretches again cause I'm getting so stiff sitting with my feet up most of the time.... I haven't even been able to reach my walking goal and spend time down by the river cause of this bulltweet....

Oh... I just sighed... when I sigh it's like there is some pressure surge through the bad parts and it hurts more.. like a tingling just under the skin... it doesn't happen during a cough or sneeze... but sometimes does if I have a really deep, long 'jaw cracker' yawn.

Are you sorry you asked? Or (closing eyes and wishing) any ideas what the heck it is?

Topper ()

[Guest guest]

You're just catching up on emails .. you've had a busy week again.... This thread got going pretty good and I started treatment for lymphedema and my legs are responding nicely...

If I could afford to go it to get it checked.. I would have done that more than a month ago... but after the fights that we've had with the hospital here.... no thanks....

I do have pics... I took some last Sunday, and the Sunday before.... and will again tomorrow... I decided to keep a 'diary' of what they look like....

Give a holler at me off list and I'll send them if you still want to look...

Topper ()

On Sat, 4 Sep 2004 12:05:11 -0500 " " writes:

Topper

There should be no guessing on this. If you can send me some closeup shots of it in the email, then I might be able to guess, but, even at that, you still need emergency treatment. The fact that it is not going away in such a long period of time makes it more than dangerous. You should be in an emergency room ER for this. And, look at it this way, they probably would run blood counts and iron values, etc...to rule stuff out, just as a matter of routine. At least you would probably find out these things. I would not mess around with this at all, as I said before.

[Guest guest]

Hi

I agree totally with the lymph theory

I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to several

doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings and stay

off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps were

eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear after 10+

years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the indentation

which I think I am stuck with.

Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and dry skin

brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about $8.00 CDN.

I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part of a

general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought the

edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts had/have legs

like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU SHOULD NOT

BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less animal protein

and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

Regards

Helen

[Guest guest]

Hi

I agree totally with the lymph theory

I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to several

doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings and stay

off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps were

eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear after 10+

years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the indentation

which I think I am stuck with.

Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and dry skin

brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about $8.00 CDN.

I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part of a

general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought the

edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts had/have legs

like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU SHOULD NOT

BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less animal protein

and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

Regards

Helen

[Guest guest]

Hi

I agree totally with the lymph theory

I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to several

doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings and stay

off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps were

eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear after 10+

years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the indentation

which I think I am stuck with.

Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and dry skin

brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about $8.00 CDN.

I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part of a

general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought the

edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts had/have legs

like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU SHOULD NOT

BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less animal protein

and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

Regards

Helen

[Guest guest]

Now that is interesting.. I was read about skin brushing over on Bee's fitness group a few months back... I'm not regular with it, I should be.. but I really notice a strong sense of 'well being' after doing it.. I read up more on it and learned that you can also do it wet... so part of my routine after the herbal baths for my legs is either massage or skin brushing.

I've been really pushing it a lot this weekend, pro leg health, I mean... this little fantasy, virtual vacation that I'm on has me chair bound.. so I can still work on my legs while in this character.... (By the way.. anyone that can't afford a vacation has GOT to try this... I used to do it years ago.. a cheap escape.. have a picnic in the living room... or soak in the tub and pretend you're on the lake.... But this three days and just totally rejuvenated my spirit.)

I have NO pain in my legs. The discoloration is still there but much faded. There is no longer any fever. Most of the 'side' lumps are gone.. a few of the larger ones are still there... the hard ridges are less hard. My skin moves, I can massage the skin and it moves with my hands... The skin no longer feels like wax. The pitting edema stage is back. I can press on the skin and cause the pit with NO pain.

It was chilly, our heat wave broke yesterday afternoon.. when I woke this morning I was curled up under my quilt.. all comfy... For weeks I'd not even been able to put a sheet on my legs cause the weight of the fabric hurt.. and I'd crawled under the quilt, in my sleep!!! No pain.

I can really see now how much muscle I've lost in my calves.. it's scarry.. no wonder I had so much trouble walking, tiring so easily....

I've started working on stretching out the leg muscles.. getting them used to moving more in preparation for getting some more activity.

I'm not over this.. not by a long shot.. but I believe I'm off to a good start. I just have to keep it up and encourage my body to continue healing.

I'm going back to chair exercises.. right now, starting slow, with stretches.. but the alarms are back on the puter starting tomorrow morning (I'm still at the virtual cabin til then) and I'll be stopping every 15 minutes to do a minute or two of mild stretches... and every hour a 10 minute break to be up and walking around. See, I'm one of those folks that can hunch over the keyboard for hours and not notice time go by... so I need reminders to stop and do something else for a minute or two.. long enough to get blood (and lymph fluid) moving, but not so long as to lose my train of thought - I HOPE!!!

hehehehhee

Topper ()

On Mon, 6 Sep 2004 08:49:42 -0700 "helen" writes:

Hi I agree totally with the lymph theoryI have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to severaldoctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings and stayoff my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps wereeczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear after 10+years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the indentationwhich I think I am stuck with.Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and dry skinbrushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about $8.00 CDN.I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part of ageneral body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought theedema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts had/have legslike elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU SHOULD NOTBRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less animal proteinand more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger andlicorice and celery seed and dandilion.Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htmhttp://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htmRegardsHelen

[Guest guest]

Now that is interesting.. I was read about skin brushing over on Bee's fitness group a few months back... I'm not regular with it, I should be.. but I really notice a strong sense of 'well being' after doing it.. I read up more on it and learned that you can also do it wet... so part of my routine after the herbal baths for my legs is either massage or skin brushing.

I've been really pushing it a lot this weekend, pro leg health, I mean... this little fantasy, virtual vacation that I'm on has me chair bound.. so I can still work on my legs while in this character.... (By the way.. anyone that can't afford a vacation has GOT to try this... I used to do it years ago.. a cheap escape.. have a picnic in the living room... or soak in the tub and pretend you're on the lake.... But this three days and just totally rejuvenated my spirit.)

I have NO pain in my legs. The discoloration is still there but much faded. There is no longer any fever. Most of the 'side' lumps are gone.. a few of the larger ones are still there... the hard ridges are less hard. My skin moves, I can massage the skin and it moves with my hands... The skin no longer feels like wax. The pitting edema stage is back. I can press on the skin and cause the pit with NO pain.

It was chilly, our heat wave broke yesterday afternoon.. when I woke this morning I was curled up under my quilt.. all comfy... For weeks I'd not even been able to put a sheet on my legs cause the weight of the fabric hurt.. and I'd crawled under the quilt, in my sleep!!! No pain.

I can really see now how much muscle I've lost in my calves.. it's scarry.. no wonder I had so much trouble walking, tiring so easily....

I've started working on stretching out the leg muscles.. getting them used to moving more in preparation for getting some more activity.

I'm not over this.. not by a long shot.. but I believe I'm off to a good start. I just have to keep it up and encourage my body to continue healing.

I'm going back to chair exercises.. right now, starting slow, with stretches.. but the alarms are back on the puter starting tomorrow morning (I'm still at the virtual cabin til then) and I'll be stopping every 15 minutes to do a minute or two of mild stretches... and every hour a 10 minute break to be up and walking around. See, I'm one of those folks that can hunch over the keyboard for hours and not notice time go by... so I need reminders to stop and do something else for a minute or two.. long enough to get blood (and lymph fluid) moving, but not so long as to lose my train of thought - I HOPE!!!

hehehehhee

Topper ()

On Mon, 6 Sep 2004 08:49:42 -0700 "helen" writes:

Hi I agree totally with the lymph theoryI have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to severaldoctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings and stayoff my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps wereeczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear after 10+years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the indentationwhich I think I am stuck with.Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and dry skinbrushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about $8.00 CDN.I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part of ageneral body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought theedema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts had/have legslike elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU SHOULD NOTBRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less animal proteinand more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger andlicorice and celery seed and dandilion.Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htmhttp://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htmRegardsHelen

[Guest guest]

thank you Helen!!!!!

the booklet link.. I just went there and down loaded it.. they

actually have a pic of my legs EXACTLY.. even showing more

involvement with the left.. showing the same starting point in the

right...

The other pics terrify me... but now I have no doubt what is going

on.... I'm going to be reading through everything and then try to

pull out the pic like my legs.. and the legs as they looked further

on in this example...

thank you thankyou

and thankyou to EVERYONE that had input for this and helped me to

figure out what is going on... I still have a bunch of reading to

do....

....off I go!!!

Topper ()

> Hi

>

> I agree totally with the lymph theory

>

> I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to

several

> doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings

and stay

> off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps

were

> eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

>

> The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear

after 10+

> years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the

indentation

> which I think I am stuck with.

>

> Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and

dry skin

> brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about

$8.00 CDN.

>

> I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part

of a

> general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought

the

> edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts

had/have legs

> like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU

SHOULD NOT

> BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

>

> Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less

animal protein

> and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

> licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

>

> Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

> http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

> http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

>

> Regards

> Helen

[Guest guest]

thank you Helen!!!!!

the booklet link.. I just went there and down loaded it.. they

actually have a pic of my legs EXACTLY.. even showing more

involvement with the left.. showing the same starting point in the

right...

The other pics terrify me... but now I have no doubt what is going

on.... I'm going to be reading through everything and then try to

pull out the pic like my legs.. and the legs as they looked further

on in this example...

thank you thankyou

and thankyou to EVERYONE that had input for this and helped me to

figure out what is going on... I still have a bunch of reading to

do....

....off I go!!!

Topper ()

> Hi

>

> I agree totally with the lymph theory

>

> I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to

several

> doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings

and stay

> off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps

were

> eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

>

> The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear

after 10+

> years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the

indentation

> which I think I am stuck with.

>

> Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and

dry skin

> brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about

$8.00 CDN.

>

> I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part

of a

> general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought

the

> edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts

had/have legs

> like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU

SHOULD NOT

> BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

>

> Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less

animal protein

> and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

> licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

>

> Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

> http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

> http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

>

> Regards

> Helen

[Guest guest]

Mine was more involved with the left too!

Feisty

Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg

illness

> thank you Helen!!!!!

>

> the booklet link.. I just went there and down loaded it.. they

> actually have a pic of my legs EXACTLY.. even showing more

> involvement with the left.. showing the same starting point in the

> right...

>

> The other pics terrify me... but now I have no doubt what is going

> on.... I'm going to be reading through everything and then try to

> pull out the pic like my legs.. and the legs as they looked further

> on in this example...

>

> thank you thankyou

>

> and thankyou to EVERYONE that had input for this and helped me to

> figure out what is going on... I still have a bunch of reading to

> do....

>

> ...off I go!!!

>

> Topper ()

>

>

> > Hi

> >

> > I agree totally with the lymph theory

> >

> > I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to

> several

> > doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings

> and stay

> > off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps

> were

> > eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

> >

> > The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear

> after 10+

> > years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the

> indentation

> > which I think I am stuck with.

> >

> > Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and

> dry skin

> > brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about

> $8.00 CDN.

> >

> > I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part

> of a

> > general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought

> the

> > edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts

> had/have legs

> > like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU

> SHOULD NOT

> > BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

> >

> > Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less

> animal protein

> > and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

> > licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

> >

> > Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

> > http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

> > http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

> >

> > Regards

> > Helen

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Mine was more involved with the left too!

Feisty

Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg

illness

> thank you Helen!!!!!

>

> the booklet link.. I just went there and down loaded it.. they

> actually have a pic of my legs EXACTLY.. even showing more

> involvement with the left.. showing the same starting point in the

> right...

>

> The other pics terrify me... but now I have no doubt what is going

> on.... I'm going to be reading through everything and then try to

> pull out the pic like my legs.. and the legs as they looked further

> on in this example...

>

> thank you thankyou

>

> and thankyou to EVERYONE that had input for this and helped me to

> figure out what is going on... I still have a bunch of reading to

> do....

>

> ...off I go!!!

>

> Topper ()

>

>

> > Hi

> >

> > I agree totally with the lymph theory

> >

> > I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to

> several

> > doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings

> and stay

> > off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps

> were

> > eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

> >

> > The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear

> after 10+

> > years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the

> indentation

> > which I think I am stuck with.

> >

> > Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and

> dry skin

> > brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about

> $8.00 CDN.

> >

> > I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part

> of a

> > general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought

> the

> > edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts

> had/have legs

> > like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU

> SHOULD NOT

> > BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

> >

> > Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less

> animal protein

> > and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

> > licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

> >

> > Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

> > http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

> > http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

> >

> > Regards

> > Helen

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Mine was more involved with the left too!

Feisty

Re: Discussing Topper's funky leg

illness

> thank you Helen!!!!!

>

> the booklet link.. I just went there and down loaded it.. they

> actually have a pic of my legs EXACTLY.. even showing more

> involvement with the left.. showing the same starting point in the

> right...

>

> The other pics terrify me... but now I have no doubt what is going

> on.... I'm going to be reading through everything and then try to

> pull out the pic like my legs.. and the legs as they looked further

> on in this example...

>

> thank you thankyou

>

> and thankyou to EVERYONE that had input for this and helped me to

> figure out what is going on... I still have a bunch of reading to

> do....

>

> ...off I go!!!

>

> Topper ()

>

>

> > Hi

> >

> > I agree totally with the lymph theory

> >

> > I have a permanent indentation on one of my legs too. Went to

> several

> > doctors for it and all they suggested were compression stockings

> and stay

> > off my feet. Hah Lot of good that did. They also told me the lumps

> were

> > eczema although steroids seemed to make them worse.

> >

> > The good news for me is that it has recently started to dissapear

> after 10+

> > years except for two lumps that are going down slowly and the

> indentation

> > which I think I am stuck with.

> >

> > Two inexpensive ways of draining the lymphs are deep breathing, and

> dry skin

> > brushing. Deep breathing is free and a dry skin brush is about

> $8.00 CDN.

> >

> > I have been doing the dry skin brushing for about a month as part

> of a

> > general body detoxing program, liver, kidney, bowel etc. (I thought

> the

> > edema was hereditary as both my grandma's and various aunts

> had/have legs

> > like elephants) but it seems to have made a huge difference. YOU

> SHOULD NOT

> > BRUSH THE AFFECTED AREA in case you are worried about more pain etc.

> >

> > Also recommended for cleaning the lymphs are more water, less

> animal protein

> > and more potasium. Digestive enzymes. Herbal teas such as ginger and

> > licorice and celery seed and dandilion.

> >

> > Hope this helps. I have some links if you are interested.

> > http://www.racingsmarter.com/skin_brushing.htm

> > http://www.uhealth.net/LymphBooklet.htm

> >

> > Regards

> > Helen

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Helen, and everyone!

I joined up there this morning.. then and I were in chat a bit later and she joined up. Then I went back to go through the files section and was just amazed at how close some of the stuff that I was doing was to being correct.. but just slightly off.. so I'm modifying to match.

We just got back from the store, I'm increasing my intake of potassium in small regular doses throughout the day, just as they suggest. My sources will be banana, potato, and dried apricots.

From all the reading that you got me started on after having seen those pics that you guided me to... I think a lot of the folks here, with having limited their mobility due to pain issues would be wise to check out some of the preventative 'exercises' that are suggested... All of them can be done from a seated position and would be of benefit for general circulation for anyone.

and I will be posting a lot of this on the ThyroPhoenix web site and link back the to LLLymphedema group, most likely, as we sort through this stuff and gain and understanding.

One thing that absolutely floored me.... I have an intermittent rash that hits my nose, chin or cheeks in random combinations. One of the pics in the group photo area showed a gal with that same facial coloration. After her lymph treatment and the leg swelling reducing down to normal, her face no longer showed that discoloration.

AND the frustrating itch that I had in my left groin coincides with one of the lymph node areas that are isolated for the message therapy involving the left leg, my worst one. I now wonder if that itching was one more indicator of my body hollerin' it needed some attention. I have never found anything on the skin in that area to indicate an irritation or injury yet the itching would be horrible for the first 15 minutes of so of going to bed at night for quite some time now.. an after scratching and rubbing and messing with it frantically it would finally just stop.. not to bother again until the next night, when I go to bed.

My theory.. was this my body's way of getting me to manipulate that point to free the flow of lymph fluid... My lower legs are skinny and sleek in the morning.. only the red to show there is a problem until I'm up and around for a couple of hours.. then they fill out again.

I'm just so deliriously happy to finally know what is going on and to know what to do about it.... not to mention having caught it before it became something that resulted in permanent damage.... I've caught it early enough to be able to effectively care for it.

HURRAY!!!!!

We just have the best group of folks here.. everyone has something to learn AND to teach the others... you guys are just the best!!!!

Topper () *still doing happy happy joy joy butt dancing!!! *

On Tue, 7 Sep 2004 10:26:07 -0700 "helen" writes:

You are more than welcome. You are such helpful people yourselves.You may have already found this but just in case:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLLymphedema2/This group has directions for MLD (manual lymph drainage) and leg excercisesin their files section.RegardsHelen