I was about 32 when I went to the hospital for high fever and red skin. The doctors weren't even sure what it was. I was told after awhile it was cellulitis. Later I was told I had lymphedema. There was nothing to be done about it. Only a few even knew what it was. I was in and out of the hospital for years. I would hit my leg, I'd get fever, it would go away. I grew puffy in my legs then my arms. I have severe lymphedema, I'm told. I have learned to live with the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. I won't go out of the house without a long sleeve shirt to cover my arms. It's hot in Texas. People stare. The brave ones ask why I'm so puffy. I've been called fat most of my life. I've never really been sick. I DIDN'T have high blood pressure. My cholesterol was normal. I don't have diabetes. Now I have so much pain walking, using my arms. I hate to leave the house. Doctors are few and far between.