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Lymphedema: Don't Walk In My Shoes, It's Painful
How many people have lymphedema and are looked at as if the disability is not deliberating? Hidden disability of the limbs and body parts that act as a defense to trying to be “strong” and “courageous”. Through the pain I endure it is challenging to accept I will never be the same again. Merely to stand, my legs feel like they are on fire, the tingling sensation takes over and you feel your legs trebling. Swelling takes over and then the redness starts to develop. My legs are fall colors no just red, but hues of brown, dark brown, and red, with my skin pitting from the edema that visits and does not want to leave.
Faced with problems with my mobility I do not walk as fast as I use to and I can’t run and stand for long periods of time. Arthritis adds to the onset of pain and inflammation. Would you want to walk in my shoes? Being the DIVA that I am, I had to give away all my heels and shoes I use to rock. I did some modeling years ago, so I knew how to walk in heels and give a great presentation modeling clothing. I remember those times because now, I can only recall going through the pages of a magazine and watching commercials highlighting the next new ensemble.
To walk in my shoes, you would be a survivor of so much more and to struggle with knowing that you aren’t who you use to be. Accepting your disability is a process of self-discovery and allowing your strengths to become your resource to stay balanced and focused. Every day, I find my legs in various conditions, I pray over my body for strength and tolerance. I am on a journey of self-discovery. Come walk with me, but just know, don’t call me “slow”, I am walking at my own pace. #disability #lymphedema #awareness #invisbledisability
