Lymphatic Drainage Informational Video

ZOMG HOME COMPUTERS? IZZAT REALLY POSSIBLE?

More Questions!

• Will I be able to do yoga?
• Will I be able to drive more than short distances? 
• Will I be able to sleep comfortably?
• Will I be able to walk the dogs for at least 30 minutes per day as I have been (60 minutes when The Husband is traveling)?

Into the Void

Maybe it sounds melodramatic, but I don't really know what happens from here on. Not that I usually know, but I have questions:

• Is the diagnosis lipoedema or primary lymphedema?
• Will this treatment work?
• How long will the treatment take?
• Will I have underlying fat deposits that show up when the fluid retention is gone?
• What will my reality be like from here on?

3D Sistine Chapel

See the Sistine Chapel without air fare and hotel costs!

New online portal, app provide information on tsunami zones in the Northwest

New online portal, app provide information on tsunami zones in the Northwest

My Anchors

Today at the Weight Watchers meeting, we discussed anchors. An anchor can be a saying, or an object, which has positive associations and which is mentally connected to ideas of achieving the goal. 


Years ago, I hiked in the Olympic Mountains and the end point of the hike was an alpine meadow something like this one. It was magical and thrilling! I felt very rewarded for all the struggle of getting up there. That feeling I want to attach to my anchor.


Also years ago also, I bought a small pewter ocarina that I wore on a silver chain around my neck. When I made the decision to quit smoking "cold turkey", I used that ocarina to help me accomplish my goal. When I wanted to smoke, I would play my ocarina (not very well, but who cares?). It engaged my mouth, breath and hands, which is what smoking did. After some time, I only had to reach up and hold onto my ocarina. Like Dumbo's feather, it had no power of its own, but for me it was plenty. I have never smoked since. What happened to that ocarina, I have no clue. Somewhere along the line it fell out of my life. I hope someone has it and cherishes it now.


I sent for another pendant ocarina, which I plan to use as my weight-loss anchor. I will attach the feelings of accomplishment I got from quitting smoking, and that wonderful joyous accomplishment of seeing the alpine meadow. I will also repeat a saying from my yoga teacher, "I may not be perfect, but I am going in the right direction."

The Adventure Continues!

Today I had my evaluation at the Lymphedema and Wound Care Institute near my house, and it was interesting. I received a pump and compression garments like the ones in the photo, for home use, and I received a different diagnosis. This doctor says I have primary lymphedema, which means it is not fat that is absorbing fluids, but the lymph nodes are inadequate and have been for a long time.
Friday I have a Doppler ultrasound of my legs to determine whether I have Deep Vein Thrombosis, and if not, I begin Complete Decongestion Therapy on Monday afternoon. They took a photo of my legs, and measured the circumference at 4-cm intervals up the leg, then re-measured after I had a 15-minute pump treatment as shown in the photo. There was a difference, so this will work. I am hopeful.

Our Fabulous Rescue Dogs ...

Yoga Schmoga!

When I told this orthopedic surgeon I did yoga he told me because yoga is now popular, they are seeing more injuries. I countered with the information that Iyengar Yoga is very precise, and cautious. Then I showed him a pose I use to help my hip pain and he warned that I could fall over and break a bone. Well, doh, I hold onto the wall when I stand on one leg. He made it sound like just torquing my hip I could snap the neck of my Trochanter, which I think is unlikely.

OK GO AGAIN!