How do others cope with lymphoedema?
For most people, lymphoedema will be mild and easy to manage. It might have very little impact on daily life. Even a small amount of swelling, though, can have a negative effect on how the person feels about their body and the way they look. If the lymphoedema is mild, other people may not even notice the swelling. If your lymphoedema was caused by cancer treatment, it can make it hard to feel you have recovered and that the cancer is behind you. If lymphoedema gets severe, it can be hard to do some things for yourself, which is difficult to adjust to. If you really hate the way your swollen limb looks and, for example, need help getting dressed, that can make your negative feelings even stronger. It is very common to feel embarrassed about how the affected arm or leg looks if the swelling is very bad. It can help to realise that other people probably do not notice it as much as you do. Do not let the embarrassment keep you at home and away from other people. If your lymphoedema is rea
