Time moves along and I thought I would just check in with my GP who I hadn’t seen since pre surgery partly because I was handed over to another hospital and partly because I know our surgery was down a doctor and I really had no need to see anyone. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable as I felt like I might be taking up valuable time, I had the most wonderful welcome from her! She gave me a big hug ( don’t even know her that well!) saying she was so pleased to see me! How nice was that!
GP was concerned that I had a couple of months before my check up at hospital and that Lymphoedema at the front of thighs was not reducing she arranged for me to see the team at the local hospital’s Lymphoedema clinic. An appointment came through fairly quickly and off I trotted to see a lovely nurse who explained about wearing compression garment and doing exercises. When she explained that I would be measured up for a pair of what can only be described as Bradley Wiggins style shorts which would have to be worn all the time forever, I lost it and sobbed! How would I manage in the heat? How would I even get them on as they would be super tight? Nurse duly measured me up and told me the garment would come in the post, I would get another appointment with a more experienced nurse and by the way did I want them in bright pink?
I went home feeling wretched.
After a couple of weeks the garment arrived and I didn’t even open it until the day of my next appointment at the clinic. This lady was great, had a lovely sense of humour and was a bit more realistic about the amount of time spent wearing them! Getting them on was hilarious and difficult for anyone to help. I ended up pogo-ing around the room, yanking the blasted things upward but not getting anywhere. Sweating buckets, I must have looked ridiculous and I suddenly had a total fit of the giggles and had to rest on the couch until I was in a state to try again.
Long story short - I am persevering because I want to reduce the swelling and manage the problem. But I seriously feel that as I walk across the room my legs feel like they are suddenly going to give one almighty ping and I will be bouncing off the ceiling without warning.
Will I ever get used to them? Anyone out there who has similar experience?
