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Friday, June 10, 2011

Missing my legs (warning...rated scary)

I am not (okay maybe a little) trying to brag but I used to have the best legs, until my sweet Bella was about to enter our world. Late into my pregnancy with her my legs swelled to a ridiculous size, so much so that as I was delivering her I asked our dr. when I could expect for them to get better. He told me 2-4 weeks. Well I am just here to tell you almost 5 years later he was wrong. She was worth it just to be clear.

Trying to find answers for this crazy pitting swelling (which is mainly in my right leg) I have been to a cardiologist, a vein doc, had ultrasounds, had vein mapping done and worn compression stockings (like the old ladies I took care of in the nursing home) and finally been told last year I have Lymphedema.

I have always been in control of and taken pride in my physical appearance, so this has been very humbling to say the least. When I am pregnant it is obviously worse due to the extra weight, which is a large reason that this baby girl who will be here in 3 and a 1/2 weeks will be our last baby. The doctors have a hard time understanding why I have this condition since I have none of the symptoms a typical lymph patient has such as morbid obesity, previous cancer surgery, trauma to the leg, burns, brake or fracture. The only thing I can think is Heavenly Father is trying to keep me humble. I know that there are far worse conditions or afflictions I could have and so I have to take this all in stride. There is no cure..... only treatment, which really consists of compression with the stockings and elevation which I have loads of time for. But I just have to say I really miss my legs.....

those were my legs back when Ry and I were datingthese are my legs now on a bad day......when I've been on them all day
This was an especially bad day.
pretty sexy huh?!

5 comments:

Nicole Stucki

Oh my dear sexy friend! First off you are pregnant and almost due so those pictures aren't really what your legs look like when you're not :). I for one think your legs are smokin.....I might be into you :). Seriously though compression stockings is wear it's at. I kinda want a pair :).

Nicole Stucki

PS I realize I misspelled where (I went to college promise!)...and I think you need to share your whole engagement book on here. It's a classic! I'm still laughing. Ry and Jer sure do have a way with words.

Paula

With my last two pregnancies, I got SUPER swollen too. I'm sure that once this pregnancy is over, they will go back to a little more normal. But I'm with you. Not pregnant I still have to watch my salt intake and everything because when the weather gets warm, my legs get swollen. You are WAY braver than me to take pictures!

Alison

You're taking one for the team, sister!
I don't feel TOO bad for you, since I know you don't get stretch marks!!

I was feeling super sorry for myself when I was 22, my stomach was torn to pieces (still is) and I was incontinent. (still am) THANK YOU TWINS!

You are beautiful, Lady! BEAUTIFUL, I tell you!!!

I respect you for "putting it out there" :)
And I beg of you to not stop with 4. We need more of those ladies in this world!

Jeana

I agree with your friend nicole.. that is not how your legs look not pregnant! your still a hottie pants! But thank goodness its almost over right :) then you'll be back to your cute skinny self and i'll be ginormous and jealous!