b'A cure for lymphedema would mean that I, like many other Americans, would get my life back. I believe a cure is attainable in the foreseeable future. It cannot happen soon enough for me and so many other Americans.Carey Haws, Spanish Springs, NVpainting, to be much of a caretaker for my grandchild, or care fordiagnosis. No one had any idea what to do with me. I was medically my garden lest I get bit or scratched and develop cellulitis. I cant discharged from the Coast Guard.go into NYC by train because it involves more walking than myFor 15 years, lymphedema has caused me to miss out on creating compression stockings can hold back. It makes me feel old toolasting memories with my family. My condition seriously limits soon. And maybe it could have been prevented with the rightmy physical capability. A cure for lymphedema would help care and information. restore my honor, give me my freedom back, and give me anew future to look forward to.MELANIE SPEARNew York, NY PAT GRAINGERI have secondary bilateral lymphedema of the lower extremities.Cary, NCMine was caused by radiation. One doctor told me I couldntTwo of the most thrilling moments in my life were the births of my possibly have lymphedema because it was on both sides! Anotherdaughter and my son. My excitement was dampened by the fact doctor told me the swelling was not lymphedema and I just neededthat I had a clot with each child; first the right leg and then the left. to restrict fluid and sodium and keep my legs propped up. AnotherThe surgeon explained the danger of leaving the clots alone and his doctor told me the swelling would go away if I wore supportrecommendation was surgery to remove the clots. I had no idea stockings. I had essentially diagnosed myself and I kept persistingthat the removal would hamper my life style for the rest of my life.until finally I got confirmation and treatment. It is a curse thatI immediately had swelling of the legs with a great deal of pain.never goes away. My joints are stiff and inflexible, my skin isThe greatest thrill is to have your children run to you so they can fibrotic, and I can never find shoes that fit. It is a very painful,give you a big hug. I never made a sound but I clenched my teeth to limiting condition. I wear compression garments all the time.stop screaming. When my children squeezed my legs Id want to Insurance will only cover two pairs of garments at a time, scream with pain but I knew I couldnt do that to loving children. which is woefully inadequate and they will not pay for manualTo add insult to injury most insurance companies were not willing lymph drainage. to give any financial aid to pay for support garments, therapy Doctors have no understanding and need to be trained tosessions, and other unexpected expenses. I am more fortunate than recognize this condition, as it is progressive and requiresmany in that I did have some assistance financially and a good constant vigilance. There are millions of sufferers out there, fewsupport network of family and friends. resources, and little hope offered. I believe a cure could be foundThis disease is not requested by anyone and should be treatedif only this condition were properly addressed. It would mean aas seriously as cancer. Please search your hearts and think how release from hell for all of us. youd feel it this happened to your mother, wife, or daughter. Also men are affected so it could be a son or grandson who is KELLY BELL stressed for life.Southport, NC KAREN GRIFFINLymphedema cost me my 25-year career in the Coast Guard.My lymphatic system was damaged during a simple medicalRural Hall, NCprocedure which almost ended my life. The damage caused me toI have had lymphedema for 20+ years and have been hospitalized start gaining weight, which was presumed to be fat but was actuallywith severe cellulitis numerous times as a result. I have severe scars fluid building in my tissues. Due to the lack knowledge of thefrom massive blistering that could have been prevented had doctors lymphatic system and what happens when it is damaged, known what to do with me! Instead, I was sent home while still I was administratively punished for being overweight while suffering from major infection and needing IV antibiotics.I was in the battle for my life. The honor I worked to achieve wasDoctors rarely know what to do with this disorder. I have significantly diminished. I was treated like I had suddenly becomebasically had to learn enough on my own to tell them how to lazy and fat. For years I fought to have the test that proved mytreat me! Compression garments help my leg swelling minimally. lymphatics were damaged and a statement, We finally see whatAny tiny scratch can lead to cellulitis, which for me causes you have been trying to tell us. And yet, that only helped with adangerously high fever, extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, and leg AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 30'