lymphodema and anorexia

[dazzlin_babe]

   Hi I need someones help. Ive suffered from anorexia for about 3 years now. I was addicted to take laxatives for the 3 years. I was hospitalised for 3 months to get my weight up. For about a year now ive suffered from a really swollen left leg. Its triple the size of my other leg, u cant see my knees thats how much fluid its retaining. Ive had all different test, ultrasound, mri, xray, been on dvt medication. Nothing was found. My doctor says that ive stuffed up my lymphatic system due to laxatives and its irreversible. Is this true? What can i do? I want the swelling to go down and have a normal leg agan. Please help!!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

lhughes69 has good ideas about getting a second opinion and getting your symptoms relieved even if you can't repair the damaged valves in the lymphatic system.    Compression stockings can be prescribed that help squeeze the swelling down, but follow your doctor's instructions carefully because if you let the top bunch up, you can end up with too much constriction there and it can lead to a DVT.  Elevating that limb over your heart can help decrease the swelling.

Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA

[lhughes69]

Lymphadema in breast cancer patients where the lymph nodes were removed can be "helped" with physical therapy and compression therapy.  Doesn't "cure" a damaged lymph system, but it can assist the lymph system to help remove the fluid.  Ask to be sent to a lymphadema Physical Therapist (warning, there's not a lot of folks out there...at least where I live) and get evaluated.