You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.
Michelle Obama
Having Lymphedema has been very challenging, to say the least. I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions: Fear of the unknown, something different, an obstacle, a nuisance. Upsetting, nerve-wracking, stressful, embarrassing. I have noticed the awkward looks, heard the chit-chatter. Blatant remarks like “Oh my gosh, look at her leg” are a normal occurrence. Some are more tactful.
During a vacation with my husband, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a man approached me at the beach, and asked: “What happened to your leg?” After explaining Lymphedema, he simply responded with, “Oh, okay. Wow,” and a touching, “God bless you.”
Every once in a while I come across someone whose words make a profound impact. Most recently, it was at a nail salon, while I was getting a pedicure. A woman said, “Don’t worry, at least your issue is on the outside that people ca see. A lot of people deal with stuff you can’t see.” Though it was a little awkward, it was comforting and appreciated.
Over time, I’ve come to learn that people are…people. We are ALL imperfect beings.
Sometimes we may say ignorant things. Other times we may not know what to say at all. We might be rude, or empathic. We may feel sympathy or seek understanding.
While some comments are absolutely offensive, I’ve learned not to take things to heart. I’ve adopted a tough exterior. Most people are genuine in their approach and want to know about Lymphedema. Others, not so much. Having a good sense of humor about it helps me get through it.
I’ve come to acknowledge lymphedema as disease I have…but it doesn’t have me.
Up until five years ago, I never discussed the disease with anyone outside of my immediate family. I was a little defensive and thought it was my personal health business that I did not have to share with anyone. I felt they wouldn’t understand, and sometimes I just didn’t feel like talking about it.
But according to the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:11 Verse 11: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Growth, understanding, and evolving is what you do as an adult. I’ve come to acknowledge lymphedema as a disease I have but it doesn’t have me.
I hope to educate, enlighten, inspire, and inform Lymphies around the world. You are not alone.
DISCLAIMER
These are my personal feelings and experiences with lymphedema. Everyone has their own story to tell. This is mine.
