Tag Archives: summer

Summer Tips & Promises

It’s June, lymphies! Can you believe it? This year is already halfway over; it’s amazing how quickly the months pass.

I wish I could be as excited about the summer as everyone else seems to be, but I’m already a little panicky. We’re right at the cusp of one of the most uncomfortable seasons for sufferers of lymphedema: the dreaded summertime, a season of increased swelling, awkward compression garments, and feeling self-conscious. Whoa, mama! That’s quite the trifecta.

Styling in my Mediven stocking.

I don’t mean to sound so negative; summer is a great season. I’m still learning, though, how to enjoy summertime without sacrificing my lymphedema care (something I do more often than I’d like to admit). I want my leg to be healthy.. but I also want to wear shorts and sundresses.. so where’s the balance?

I’m making a promise to myself and to all of you that I’ll be more consistent about taking care of my leg (and I hope you’ll do the same). This summer, I’m determined to wear my compression garment daily, fearlessly, without worrying about what other people may think or say about it. As for the short shorts and sundresses.. well, I’m making peace with the fact that it is what it is and instead of moping around, I’ve been slowly forming a new wardrobe of lymphie-friendly clothing that’s cool enough for the warm weather but will also help camouflage my compression garment. Maxi dresses, linen pants, wrap skirts.. they’re my new staples. I’ve even found some shoes that hide the stocking on top of my foot (peep-toe shoes are great for this!).

I’m trying to work with my lymphedema, instead of ignoring or obsessing over it – a happy, healthy medium! I’ll try to get some pictures of my clothes on here soon, but in the meantime, check out this post for tips on how to manage your lymphedema without compromising your summertime fun.

What are some things you do to beat the heat? How do you manage your lymphedema in the summer? Share your story in the comments section!

It has begun..

The warm weather, that is.

Where I live in Vermont, it has crawled into the 70s and 80s already. Yesterday, I got my first sunburn! Has nature forgotten that it’s only MARCH? Yikes.

Today, though, I’m prepared: I donned my compression garments, put on a pair of linen pants, and a light top. I’m a little nervous about how I’ll feel after a couple of days of this heat, because the stockings make my legs even hotter and more uncomfortable – it’s sort of a vicious cycle, isn’t it? – but my health has to come before comfort. (At least that’s what I keep telling myself.)

Last year in Vermont, we got snow in May, so here’s to hoping there’s a few more days of chilly weather before summer stays for good..!

Has it begun warming up where you live? What are you doing to beat the heat?

End of Summer Juice Fast

August is halfway over, can you believe it? I haven’t been posting a lot because I’ve been super busy getting ready for the new school year and my move up to Vermont. I arrived home yesterday after a week-long trip to Burlington with my parents, where we moved all my stuff into the apartment. I even got a cat condo for my kitten! I’m so excited albeit a little nervous about living completely on my own. The independence will be good for me, though, because it will force me to foster a lot of good habits, such as cooking and doing yoga. I think I’m ready for it. Time will tell!

About a week ago, my family and I watched the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, where a man completed a sixty day juice fast and reaped wonderful health benefits as a result. After we finished the film, my mom went online and ordered a juicer. Tomorrow, I’m starting a ten day juice fast with my family. For ten days, I won’t consume anything that hasn’t been through the juicer first – apples, carrots, peaches, berries, spinach, kale, ginger.. you name it, and I’ll probably juice it. I am doing this for health reasons, because I’ve read that it can do wonders for your body in terms of detox and healing. I believe it could help rejuvenate my various internal systems, which have been ravaged by years of having an eating disorder.

I’m curious to see how this will affect my lymphedema. It could possibly make the fluids drain easier since I will be consuming less junk. I’m going to pay close attention to my legs during this fast and see if things are better, worse, or the same. Obviously, I’ll be sharing my observations with you all!

What do you think? Have any of you tried a juice fast before? Share your stories in the comments below!

Cool Tips for Summer

Me and my sister a few summers ago.

Summer’s here! This is a lot of people’s favorite season for a reason, although the increased heat can be difficult on lymphies. Before you go out into the sun, it’s important to keep in mind that people with lymphedema are more susceptible to risks brought on by the heat.

Have no fear, though! There are things you can do to beat the heat and still enjoy your summertime.

Staying Cool

  • When indoors, try to stay where it’s well air-conditioned.
  • The hottest parts of the day are between 11 am and 3 pm – try to limit your time outside during these hours!
  • If you get overheated, elevate your affected limb and place a cold, wet towel over it.
  • Drink plenty of water! Staying well hydrated makes it easier for your body to regulate its temperature.
  • Wear light, loose, non-constricting clothing. This creates better lymphatic flow, as well as keeping you cooler!
  • Powder the inside of your shoes with an unscented bath powder or anti-fungal powder to help prevent fungal infections.

Take Care of Your Garment

  • Get measured for a garment after the hot weather starts, and again after it has ended. This way, your garments will be better fitted to the seasonal changes your edema goes through.
  • Clean your garment regularly to avoid deterioration from sweat, body oils, and sunscreen!

Insect Bites

  • Apply insect repellent before going outside. Avoid using ones with DEET, however. You can do this by purchasing natural repellents from health food stores.
  • Treat insect bites immediately to avoid increased swelling or itching in that area. Wash and dry the area completely before applying antibiotic cream or ointment.
  • If you’re going camping, bring along a specialized first aid kit that includes alcohol wipes to clean any skin breaks, antibiotic cream, and bandages.

Summer Traveling

  • If you are prone to cellulitis or infections, you may want to ask your doctor for antibiotics to bring along, just in case your limb becomes infected while you are away from home.
  • If traveling by car, use air conditioning so you don’t overheat.
  • If traveling by car and your arm is affected, do not drive for long periods of time.
  • If traveling by bus or car, be sure to get off at each rest stop to walk around.
  • Do frequent in-seat exercises to keep the fluid moving!
  • Click here to read more travel tips.

Sunburn

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, as sunburn will place an extra burden on your lymphatic system.
  • Remember that even if you are wearing a compression garment, it is still possible to get sunburn.
  • Be sure to wear sunscreen when going outside!

Swimming

  • Chlorine can be drying to your skin. You can combat this by applying a moisture barrier cream before getting into the water, as well as after you get out of the pool.
  • Avoid a fungal infection by wearing footwear at all times when you aren’t in the pool, especially in the shower area!
  • When swimming in a natural body of water, wear water shoes to avoid cutting your feet on shells or stones.
  • If you have a skin break on your affected limb, it’s best not to go into the water.
  • While swimming, you can wear an old compression garment or none at all – just be sure to don some form of compression once you get out!
  • Take a bath or shower after swimming, and be sure to dry off completely afterward.

Sports and Other Physical Activity

  • The combination of heat and physical activity can put a lot of stress on your affected limb, so be sure to pace yourself.
  • Play for shorter periods of time, taking breaks at regular intervals.
  • As soon as your affected limb feels uncomfortable, stop and take a break. Elevate the limb until your symptoms subside.

I know that summer can be daunting because it seems like everyone is out there living it up while you’re sitting on the sofa with your leg propped up – at least, that’s what I’ve been doing – but you cannot let your lymphedema get in the way of enjoying your life! With a little mindfulness and care, you can still do the things that you enjoy.

Have a great summer, lymphies, and please submit any tips or stories of your own in the comments section below!

Tips provided by an article from the National Lymphedema Network – here.

Apologies!!

Hey, everyone. I am so sorry for the lack of updates lately – we have no internet access in my apartment and so the only way I get to post and check my email is through my phone. We should be getting internet back soon, but in the meantime there will be a sort of hiatus. I will try to post some little things when I can!

How have you all been doing? The heat in Baltimore has been a nuisance for my leg. I have been more swollen than I’ve been in months and I hate it. And summer has just begun!

I have a few ideas for upcoming posts once I get internet access again: sunburns and tanning, insect bites, and short shorts. What do you think? What would you like to discuss?

Alright, lymphies – I’m off! I encourage you to comment and let me know how you’re doing, and what you’d like to see discussed on the site! Much love always!