b'HEATHER MACLAUGHLIN DEANNA WILSONGARBES Veradale, WASeattle, WA My daughter, Amanda, got lymphedema in both legs, from a cut As an active and athletic person, I had noticed a few times that mythat the emergency room didnt treat properly. It has caused such feet were starting to swell after a long run or hard workout. Then itpain and a huge play in her emotions. She is a wreck! A younger, started happening more and more and there was more intense painvibrant, hard working gal now ready to go insane and on anxiety associated with it. Finally, my feet and legs would swell and hurtand depression meds! during a regular day, not just after a workout or long event. I wasShe lost her job as can hardly walk at times. State insurance wont finally diagnosed with primary lymphedema at age 38 when I wentpay for the physical therapists that she needs to work with to to a physical therapist for a curling injury to my ankle and she saidunderstand lymphedema and learn what to do to ease the pain. she could help with that. But I also needed extensive wrapping andAmanda applied for disability, but that can take a very long time manual lymph drainage for my lymphedema. I had no idea that wasshe was told. what I had until she diagnosed it! I had always had larger legs andExperts state that there is no other disease affecting Americansno matter how much I exercised, they didnt get smaller.so much and yet receives so little attention. WashingtonA cure would mean I could go back to exercising and beingstate doesnt even recognizeMarch 6th, which is World active like I have been in the past and less (or hopefully no) painLymphedema Day!during long events when I have to stand. It would also boost my self-confidence a considerable amount so I dont have to hide under long pants and skirts anymore and can wear normal shoes! KATHY SEDANEgg Harbor, WICAROL VOJIR My lymphedema began in February 1971 with swelling in my left Lynnwood, WA foot. It took many years, many misdiagnoses and many trips to many doctors to be properly diagnosed. When it was finally It all began after age 70! Its bicycling related, mores the pity. diagnosed, the doctor told me Well, the dice rolled and you got it. After one ride of 35 miles, I noticed fairly severe swelling in myOne vascular doctor told me I would never be able to bear children groin area, which interfered with urination. That has happenedas the pressure would be too great; that if I became pregnant, my every time since after biking. I had no idea what the problem legs would have to be amputated so at the age of 25, I had an was!! People laughed at the idea of a fat groin, and I did too! irreversible tubal ligation.My physicians didnt have a clue. Because I moved to Seattle inNow, 49 years later, the lymphedema has spread to both legs and2017, I havent been biking as frequently so it hasnt been as muchup into my torso,stretching almost to my rib cage.of an issue. But now? I want to bike more but I also want a betterIt is my fervent hope and prayer that no other lymphedema aftermath!! I need the exercise. Fortunately, I have an injurysufferer would ever have to experience the things I have massage therapist, who helps. I also will try a compression garmentexperienced. That with better educated and trained doctors, specific for bicycling as well as lowering my saddle an inch. Staymore dedicated lymphedema therapists, better awarenesstuned. Id like to turn into a success story! and better research, lymphedemaespecially my primary lymphedema which no one can tell me what causes it would and could be cured. Thank you.It is my fervent hope and prayer that no other lymphedema sufferer would ever have to experience the things I have experienced.Kathy Sedan, Egg Harbor, WIAN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 44'