Lymphedema Journeys
Read along as lymphedema patients and therapists share their inspiring stories.
Alana Moss
Patient
“Finally! I’m no longer embarrassed by the sight of my calves and ankles.”
destiny braudrick
Therapist
“When I first started at the clinic, I got my first pair of medi comfort compression knee high socks for my personal use and fell in love with them instantly. Since then, I have recommended medi comfort to most of our patients at the clinic with much success.”
Nanyamka Payne
Patient
“Your products help me regain my sexy when showing my legs. I love being me and I am bolder in this journey due to wearing your products for #lymphies. I am the #intensifiedwinner who overcame my fear of showing my legs, feet and ankles. I am for to carry this cross, this burden to show the world #lympies are awesome!”
“I am created to both shine but #win! When I first saw the swelling in my lower extremities I thought it was due to my water or food intake but it was far more advanced than I could have ever understood. After taking fluid pills to urinate off the excess fluid collecting in my feet and ankles, I finally realized that I needed to seek answers that would make sense. It was only 2 years ago was I given this devastating news of “no cure.” I mustered up the nerve to tell my family and friends so that I could manage the emotional blow. I am in a much happier place since finding out ways to manage my lymphedema. It’s not ALWAYS easy but I am here in this moment and proud!
Ashley Long
Therapist
“My first patient with lymphedema ended up being a very involved, chronic patient. I truly believe that we would not have been able to achieve these results without the medi circaid compression wraps. I think this product is extremely helpful because it provides ease in don/doffing, which enforces compliance.”
“My last clinical rotation prior to graduation was with patients that were undergoing treatment for lymphedema and I immediately fell in love with this field. The reward and gratification that patient’s constantly had for this skill-set that, not many therapists have, for an under-served population was overwhelming. I became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist right after graduating from Physical Therapy School in 2019. My first patient with lymphedema ended up being a very involved, chronic patient. I believe that we both gained a trusting relationship shortly after beginning treatment. He was compliant and did everything that he needed to, with what he had. Katie Hanley, my local medi representative, was constantly there for me and offered me a plethora of options in terms of compression options for this patient, as well as financial assistance for this patient. With her help and the compliance of this patient, we had a successful result. I truly believe that we would not have been able to achieve these results without the medi circaid compression wraps. I think this product is extremely helpful because it provides ease in don/doffing, which enforces compliance. It is useful when trying to reduce the fluid in a person’s extremity because it accommodates fluctuations during this phase of treatment. I would recommend this product to any therapist who is in the intensive phase of treatment that is not using short-stretch bandages.”
Amy Kuhn
Patient
“I was diagnosed with lymphedema in both legs from the waist down in the fall of 2011. I had ankles that were the size of some peoples waists. I weighed nearly 500 lbs. I had mobility issues through those years and was walking with a cane most of the time. I worked to reduce and had many manual lymph drainage therapists over the years who helped me. These angels taught me a lot. I wrapped and worked out. I was finally able to wear compression and tried several brands. I chose medi for the flat-knit compression which seems to work well. Plus the colors available were and are wonderful!”
“I learned a movement technique in the 90’s before my lymphedema diagnosis called Feldenkrais. I was able to return to Feldenkrais in 2017. This technique makes it easier for my body to move with lymphedema. Due to my Feldenkrais work, I was able to stop using a cane to walk at the end of 2017. I had always wanted to study Tai Chi but was unable to because of the condition of my l
egs. In 2018, I began taking classes. I earned my yellow belt in 2020. I am working on my next Tai Chi belt. I know that with practice and wearing my compression garments, I will earn the next belt soon perhaps by my next birthday when I turn 65.”
Sheree King
Therapist
“Without the circaid reduction kits, I would be unable to service as many patients as I am currently able to see. With compression bandaging, the patients must be seen on a daily basis because as they reduce, the bandages fall off and have to be re-wrapped. The reduction kits allow for the patient to snug the garment tighter in between visits as they reduce due to the hook & loop closures. This allows me to see my patients 3x week instead of daily and I have the ability to service more patients. The hook and loop closures also allow the patient to remove the garments easily for bathing and reapply.”
“Also the lobe kit has made patients with misshapen LE’s easier to handle vs. difficult bandaging situations. Josh Perkins, the TN medi rep, has been invaluable to my practice. He is always available by text or email to answer any questions I may have and he is very timely in answering my questions. Erin Sokalsky has also been invaluable – teaching me how to measure for difficult custom arm garments. She too is always timely in answering my questions by email. I might add that no other garment company has provided me with such excellent support.”
Kaye Hougan
Patient
“I lost eleven lymph nodes on August 29, 2013 during my mastectomy on my left side and my lumpectomy on my right side surgeries. What was supposed to be an overnight stay, ended up putting me on life support in the ICU, because I had quit breathing immediately following my surgery. After my recovery from surgery, I was lucky to attend a weekly class for breast cancer survivors at the YMCA in Indianapolis, Indiana. Most of my class members wore a compression garment on one arm. That was when I learned about lymphedema for the first time. I was so thankful I did not have it. Six months after I thought I had escaped, my arm started swelling. I immediately started having treatments.”
“After I completed my first treatment for lymphedema, I moved to Arkansas for the winter months. I was mailed my compression pump from Indianapolis, Indiana, and began pumping everyday for one hour. At first, my arm reduced back to its normal size. I felt very confident when I wore my sleeve each day. Occasionally, I had to adjust my blouse size to fit the sleeve over my compression garment. As time went on, my arm began to swell more and more. In 2015, I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a third of my right lung removed on September 14. The swelling in my arm became so severe that it was no longer possible to return it to it’s normal size. This is when my elbow became hidden. A little while after, I decided to enjoy a 7 day cruise to Mexico with my daughter and best girlfriend. My arm swelled during this cruise so severely that I was unable to wear some of my outfits. The doctor reported this was due to the consumption of alcoholic drinks – I no longer drink, because it will make my swelling worse. Again, in 2019, I was diagnosed with cancer. This time, I had colon cancer, and my swelling was once again out of control. My swelling has become a sign that something is wrong with my body. Once again, I had cancer surgery on June 4, 2019. Last summer, my arm once again became very swollen due to a spider bite. We think it was a brown recluse spider bite due to the size of the bite and the amount of infection. Two weeks ago, I had a major allergic reaction for the first time to an unknown substance. I had to have a steroid shot, which immediately caused increased swelling in my arm. Unfortunately, Arkansas was also hit with a major snow storm, and I was unable to receive treatment right away. My hands and fingers were swollen for the first time, and we could not find anything to fit over my arm. My daughter tried to wrap my arm/hand, but wrapped too tightly. I was able to attempt a loose wrap until I could finally reach my therapist. This is where we are today. I am on my countless treatment round to reduce my arm once again. We do not expect my arm to return to normal size, or even to reduce to previous sizes. We hope to decrease swelling to maintain my ability to perform daily activities, to maintain my ability to work, and to allow me to babysit my grandbabies.”
beth wood
Therapist
“I enjoy being a lymphedema therapist more every day. I have seen it be life changing and life saving in some cases. As a 40+ year OT and 15+ year certified hand therapist, I have had the opportunity to treat many severely injured patients. But late in my career, I think my favorite area of treatment is in lymphedema. Although the work is physically demanding, such as when lifting a severely involved limb, it is just as rewarding to see someone fully incapacitated get their life back. I enjoy the challenges of creatively managing overhanging tissues, lobules, and extensive scarring. The circaid garments and their reps have been tremendously helpful to me to offer options to patients.”
“Although I still have much to learn, it has been a joy to see a patient who could not walk 100 feet into the clinic w/o 3 rest breaks over a 15 minute period with severe shortness of breath, then walk 200 ft. w/ no rest breaks and no shortness of breath. To see someone who had become totally dependent on their family for self care, had hardly any clothing options, and had no idea why they continued to swell, become nearly fully independent. It just doesn’t get much more dramatic than that in the therapy world. I am thankful to medi for serving this population and hiring such wonderful reps to help me provide this much underserved and misunderstood population. I do not think I will ever grow tired of treating these lymphedema patients and hope more clinicians learn to share the passion.”
Carrie Clem
Patient
“In May 2020 while planning my wedding, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I’m just a few weeks away from completing radiation and now am trying to deal with lymphedema. I am being fitted for a sleeve and glove so I don’t really know what my favorite is yet! Thanks for letting me share my story!”
“My surgeon went over and above to make sure that my mastectomy happened in enough time to heal for the wedding. We were to be married on Aug 1 after a year and half of counseling and annulments so we could marry in the church. I wasn’t able to have reconstruction beforehand so I needed a different wedding dress – 3 weeks before the wedding I found a stocked dress and they worked so hard to make sure that it was fitted with enough stuffing and it looked beautiful. While undergoing chemo, my husband passed away suddenly on Sept 22. As I was dealing with chemo and losing him and trying to sell the house, I didn’t want to live there without him. I stayed several weeks at my parents home while healing both physically and mentally and emotionally. I just got the house sold and bought a little house of my own. I’ve questioned god many times as to what he wants from me. But looking back now the past several months I’ve seen his hand working for me and my life.”
Gail
Patient
“No matter what activity I participate in and throughout my waking hours, mediven is my constant companion. Without mediven, I would have difficulty maintaining and keeping my lymphedema stable. The compression garment that medi manufactures is highly appreciated for its comfort, styling and compression value.”
“I wasn’t always in need of compression stockings. As a young woman I contracted HPV, which led to Stage IV cervical cancer. In 1989, a radical hysterectomy was performed to remove the tumor and 3” of lymph node tissue was abstracted on either side of my uterus. Following several years of being cancer free, in 1991, I made the decision to endeavor upon my lifelong dream of bicycling across America, coast to coast. However, this was not to be. After cycling through Washington, Idaho, Glacier/Waterton National Park and part of Montana, I contracted a bacterial infection. It entered my body through a sore derived from long distance cycling, known as a saddle sore. This infection led to chronic lymphedema in my right lower extremity. Since 1991, I have been battling lymphedema in my right leg. In spite of this condition, I attempt to lead an active lifestyle which is a part of my identity and which I derive great pleasure from. I have completed 17 marathons, 10 of them with lymphedema. Additionally, I continue bicycling. Every year, I aspire to meet my goal of bicycling my age in miles on my birthday. In 2020, I completed my 65 mile “birthday ride” (1 extra mile for good luck). For me, the prominence and significance of the mediven stockings in my life is comparable to gold. Thank you for being a crucial part of my life.”
Gordon Harrier
Patient
“I am a retired 70 year old who enjoyed being physically active my entire life. I have a long history of severe degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis resulting in several joint replacement surgeries. I returned to work after each surgery, never giving up, and continued to be as physically active as possible. Resulting in severe ankle and lower leg lymphedema and inflammation. This was controlled with 20-30 mmHg knee high medical compression socks but left me with upper leg fatigue. More recently, I use duomed advantage 20-30 thigh-high medical compression stockings which effectively control daytime lymphedema and leg fatigue. I enjoy more physical activity and volunteer services. I never enjoyed a sedentary lifestyle. I have a renewed energy with the thigh-high medical compression stockings. I will enjoy retirement with your help. You have amazing products.”
Donna Thomas
Therapist
“I have a patient with primary lymphedema in his left leg. His lymphedema is severe stage 3 with recurrent cellulitis requiring 5-6 hospitalizations in the year before coming to see me. Because of the size of his left leg, he would not fit in the post op leg pumps to prevent blood clots. We got him fitted with the adjustable leg reduction kits. My local rep, Josh, came and helped me to fit my patient because the size and shape of his leg made it very difficult and I had not done this before. Josh made it very easy and I have been able to duplicate the fitting at each visit. We have successfully reduced the patient’s leg over 100 cm! And we are not done. I have been able to adjust the wraps to continue to provide appropriate compression and continue to reduce his leg. The reduction wraps have made a daunting treatment of a compressing a large multi-lobuled limb easy and effective! They are (currently) my favorite product!”
kate Obermiller
Therapist
“I utilize the circaid reduction kits frequently in my clinic, so when I was presented with an unusual request to treat a horse that was scheduled to be euthanized, I thought “what could it hurt”! I had less than a week to make a difference to give “Everest” a chance at life. Desperate times led to desperate measures. She was in a lot of pain and was not able to bear w
eight on left back leg. Swelling had been progressively getting worse over past 6 months following a snake bite. The swelling was starting to separate her hoof. I measured her leg and fitted her with the full leg pieces. She had wounds that had to be treated daily, so the access to the reduction kit was perfect. After three days, she was able to walk with minimal limp. Several weeks and many adjustments later, she was running in the pasture. So thankful they worked and the owner was very pleased to cancel the vet visit.”
Keri Claybourn
Therapist
“I am a breast cancer survivor myself as well as a physical therapist that specializes in lymphedema and oncology rehab. We love our medi products and recommend them to all patients, as long as they have proper fit. We also love our customs and love the customer service aspect of the company. medi is very easy to work with and delivers compression garments promptly for our patients. We have a wonderful rep, Rebecca, who really takes care of our clinic and our patients, working to give our patient’s the best options available. I personally love the medi comfort and harmony arm sleeves and the seamless gloves. Not only do I recommend to my patients but that is what I wear daily. The hot pink is my favorite and I am so excited that you all now have a matching glove. We love our medi and our proud to support your products.”
Missy Baylor
Therapist
“When I began treating lymphedema patients in 1998, there were very few compression options for the intensive phase of lymphedema other than short stretch bandages. The circaid reduction kit made therapy and patient self-care easier than ever due to the ease of don/doffing and care of the garment, which eliminated a time-consuming occupation for both therapist and patient. In one way, it took less time to remove at the beginning of a therapy session and thereby allowing more “hands on” therapy time. For the patient, it provided easier access for skin hygiene, and required less time for garment washing.”
Anne Koncki
Patient
“Finding mediven compression garments was a huge turning point in my treatment. While I had been wearing off-the-shelf knee-high compression for years prior, the added custom compression I discovered with medi garments enabled me to move forward in my daily life without detrimental effects to my legs, feet and ankles. Thank you, medi, for being reliable and helping me live a life I love.”
“I grew up watching my younger sister live with lymphedema. While heartbreaking to see her bandage her legs every night and wear compression daily since she was 11, I never thought it was something that could affect me too. I knew lymphedema was in my family because my mom has a mild version affecting both of her feet and ankles as well, and as I entered my mid-twenties, I started wearing compression during long days at work and on flights because it made me feel better. It wasn’t until 29, when I was on a weekend trip to Denver, that my life would change forever. My left ankle swelled like it never had before, making me think I’d sprained it. When I saw my doctor and got an X-Ray, however, nothing showed. Weeks passed and the swelling continued. I came to the devastating realization that my lymphedema had progressed to stage II. This resulted in confusion, anger, frustration and hopelessness. I spent countless hours researching lymphedema and how to manage it. I visited an occupational therapist certified in MLD for the first time and learned valuable tips about the lymphatic system and how to slow down and listen to my body. I credit my occupational therapist and local Austin company P&H Services for steering me toward these products that would become so tightly woven into the fabric of my daily life.
Now, a year and a half after my lymphedema progressed, I have found a way to live with lymphedema without letting it define me. I bandage my feet and ankles every night and do not go a single day without wearing compression. Through MLD, diet changes, a tweaked exercise routine, quality compression and patience I have made strides forward emotionally and physically from the person I was when I first got this diagnosis. I have learned that this condition responds best to consistent care and a healthy lifestyle. Swimming, long walks, yoga and strength exercises have helped me live the active life I love and benefited my condition. After a long day of work or being on my feet it is such a comfort to know that mediven products have helped control my swelling for the day. It has been the single most important component of my treatment.”
Jemma Lopez
Therapist
“As a relatively new believer in the circaid reduction kit, I feel compelled to share my experience as a clinician who works in the field of outpatient lymphedema/oncology for the University of Miami. Back in the end of September of 2020, a patient presented with a long history of oncology-related lymphedema and a longer history of cognitive challenges. This patient and her elderly mother refused the traditional CDT wrapping due to the patient’s intolerance to past wrapping, which meant there would be lack of compliance. Out of desperation, I reached out to one of your medi reps, Jessica Lera-Rodriguez, who suggested I try the reduction kit. It was worth a shot and the patient and her mother were desperate to avoid another bout of cellulitis. You could not imagine the relief and joy I felt as a clinician. With your garment and the help of Jessica, we were able to improve this beautiful human being’s quality of life. She was able to tolerate the garment and remain compliant, which is the most important element in her success. I hope this story inspires others to not quit. Solutions are out there for our patients with the right tools and the right team striving to work for their best interest. Thank you.”
Jeffrey Lynn Jones
Patient
“After many years of working on my feet and likewise having hereditary vein issues, I started to notice pain in my legs in my 30s. As I got closer to 40, the pain got so bad that traveling in a car more than a couple hours was simply unbearable. After an initial consultation with a doctor, it resulted in either surgery or compression hosiery. I mulled both options and preferred to resolve the issue with a more holistic approach as opposed to collapsing or cutting veins. This started my journey into the world of compression hosiery. For me, my vein issues run about mid calf up to my thighs, so pantyhose and thigh highs are my only option. I’ve tried just about every brand out there, from name brands to the cheapest and hands down medi compression stockings are the absolute best! While some other name brands are close, I still find myself going back to medi comfort every time. They are cool in the summer, and warm under pants in the winter. They are opaque enough to hide blemishes on the legs. They make your legs look great on top of the medical benefits and are by far the most comfortable fabric of any compression hosiery I’ve ever worn. medi has and will continue to be my go-to brand for compression stockings!”
Patricia Blankenbaker
Patient
“I got lymphedema after I had a breast and three lymph nodes removed. While in the hospital, I had a visit from a lymphedema therapist who gave me some edema sleeves and explained about therapy available. After healing, I began therapy which included wrapping my arm and getting a mediven sleeve & glove. About a year later, my other arm swelled so I had therapy done on left arm and then got a mediven sleeve and glove for that arm as well. I also got a pump for my arms and pump each arm for an hour each night.”
Sabrina Korentager
Therapist
“In my prevention clinic at the University of Kansas Health System, we see thousands of patients each year that are at risk of developing breast cancer related lymphedema. Over the past 8 years, I have used mediven products for both prophylactic and treatment related patients. The mediven products provide consistent results. Often times, I will have patients using another brand of sleeve come to our clinics having issues maintaining reduction or resolution of symptoms. By changing them to a mediven product I often times will achieve my treatment goals. I use mediven products as a first line treatment intervention.”
Angie Hintz
Patient
“I’m a survivor! In 2010, after a car accident, I began my lifelong journey to control and maintain my lymphedema. I am the “Girl with the Sleeves”. It is a part of me and will be forever.
It’s hot and uncomfortable and I do have a level of pain in my arm constantly. I need to elevate my arm to help relieve pressure and I plan my days around the 88 minutes I need to use my lymph drainage machine. I’m super impressed with medical technology in my medi compression sleeves and gloves. I’m appreciative of brilliant nurses, doctors and therapists and generous friends and family that have helped me along the way. And I am very thankful I’m here.”
Cathy Krebel Nevois
Therapist
“I love just about every product that mediven has made. If I had to choose my ultimate favorite, I would probably pick the circaid reduction kit. The reduction kit has been such a wonderful alternative to short stretch compression bandaging. Using the reduction kits has allowed so many of my patients to succeed in their treatment who otherwise may have struggled or failed due to their inability to don traditional compression wraps independently or their inability to keep them on or fit over very large or misshapen legs. The reduction kits are the only ones on the market of their kind that are completely customizable. I love their flexibility in the ability to modify the circumference, add foam, add velcro, and fit over very misshapen limbs. I offer it as an alternative to compression bandaging for just about every one of my patients when appropriate.”
“My second favorite product would have to be the medi vision. It has saved me SOOO much time when measuring for custom flat-knit! It is wonderful! My third favorite product is the butler. My patients are SO very thankful when I show them how to use this to don their compression garments. It alleviates so much anxiety and saves them so much time donning their garments. There are other donning aides on the market- none of them work as good as the butler.”
Dominique Rogers
Patient
“My name is Dominique Rogers and I am 32 years old. I was born and raised in Hartford Ct. I am a career Fire Fighter and a part time EMT. When I was 15, I rolled my ankle playing ball and it started to swell. My Mom had me to put ice on it but the next day my whole leg was swollen. That year I was diagnosed with Primary Lymphedema at Children’s Med Center but no one knew about treatment. When I was 17, my Mom learned about a Lymph Program at Mt Sinai Rehab and we meet Michelle. Michelle not only treated me but also my Mom after she developed Lymphedema due to breast cancer. To this day, many people are still unaware of this disease and 17 years later I am still battling the condition but I do not let it define me or anything I choose to do in life.”
“Because of my experiences, I have created an awareness brand called:@the
process2progress” (Instagram) where I am promoting awareness for lymphedema while letting other people like myself know the importance of never giving up on yourself. On the website, I will post interviews, educational information and “feel good” stories. I want everyone to know that everything takes time, everything is a process and I do not let my condition define me. Instead, I incorporate controlling my lymphedema into my everyday life.”