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Pump it up!

posted by:
Lindy

I developed lymphedema on my back and part of my upper right arm because of the removal of my lymph nodes in November 2009.  The fluid doesn’t know where to go and starts to collect.  I went to physical therapy for this and she suggested I get a pump.  Thankfully our insurance covered this pump and I now get to wear it every day for one hour. 

It comes in three pieces.  One for my leg, one for my trunk and one for my arm.  They attach to eachother and have hoses coming out of them going into a machine.  The machine pumps air into the suit to push the fluid around to lymph nodes that I do have.  It works really well!  After one hour the fluid has gone down quite a bit. 

The twins are scared of it.  Samantha cries and says “mama off, mama off”.  It makes Brooklyn cry because I have to wear it laying down and I have restricted movement and it just looks kind of scary.  Max gets annoyed because mama’s not playing with him for a while.   I must admit, it’s not very becoming.  (excuse the messy house) 

lymphedema-pump-blog.jpg

Dusty and I are going to U of M on Thursday.  I’m always anxious when these weeks come.  I just pray that everything turns out okay. 

I’ve been tapering off my steroid and I can tell my adrenal gland is being lazy to start working again.  Please pray that I can continue to taper off and my body will start to work like it’s supposed to. 

Thank you for your wonderful emails and cards. 

 

27 Responses to “Pump it up!”

  1. Lynette says:

    I’m glad it’s working, but I agree, it may be a bit scary! Praying for a great trip to UofM!

  2. Megan Van Kampen says:

    I just love how you still have a smile on your face. You are such a good sport Lindy and you continue to amaze me! Praying for great results Thursday.

  3. Heather says:

    Sorry you are experiencing lymphodema but glad you are seeing some improvement. Praying for restful sleep as you await your appt and the results. Keeping you in my prayers continually!
    ~Heather

  4. Jana Ver Beek says:

    Hmmm….wonder if that machine would squash my fat. You’re only using it for 1 hour a day, that leaves 23 hours for me!!!! Just kidding. You look adorable in the picture.
    Sorry the kids are scared…they’ll adjust to it. Kids are so resilent and adaptable.
    Praying you have safe travels on Thursday and good reports, too!
    ((HUGS))–Jana

  5. Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Ken says:

    Praying for a good report on Thursday. I think maybe you could make a Halloween costume from that machine. I’m sure someone could come up with something creative. House looks good to me. Three kids, two year old twins, one husband. UMMM it looks REALLY good.

  6. patti schonfeld says:

    You ARE a WONDERFUL WOMAN OF GOD!!! SUCH A DELIGHT, SUCH an ENCOURAGEMENT TO others and SUCH a MIRACLE of GOD!!!! HE IS ABLE!!!!!
    Asking for a GOOD REPORT!!! May you continue to know HE HAS YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND!!!!
    Blessings and praying,
    Patti

  7. Michelle says:

    I just laughed outloud and snorted at this pic! Funny! Doesn’t it make you laugh at the medical “wonders” of the world? Like, who came up with the hideous machine? And was he intoxicated at the time? I’m glad you’re smiling!
    Take care!

  8. holly heeres says:

    cute! that could be a new fashion accessory! you do look really skinny there! Praying for great news….

  9. Julia Masterson says:

    I will pray for you as you go to U of M Thursday!
    Hope its a good report! 🙂
    -Julia

  10. Amy Sluiter says:

    Lindy…you crack me up, as always! What a great sport you are… I’m glad the machine is working to relieve the pain. We’ll be praying for a great report on Thursday. “Our God is Greater, Our God is Stronger. Our God is Higher than any other. Our God is Healer…Awesome in Power…Our God.” He WILL come through for you! Love you guys!

  11. Mindy Tibbs says:

    You look STUNNING as usual !! Many prayers for safe travels and wonderful news at
    Uof M !!!

  12. Tina Amaya says:

    Lindy – what a positive attitude you always have! And you even take the picture with a smile…. You look great and I am so glad to see the smile back in your eyes. We will pray for you tomorrow especially. Hugs! Tina

  13. Marcia Hoeksema says:

    Prayers for a great report on Thurs… the suite looks quite cute too!!!

  14. Aunt Carole says:

    Pink & brown and blue & brown always go good together, and they look good on you too. I never even knew such a thing exsisted! Is that a one size fits all? Life brings us blessings is surprising ways, doesn’t it. As God’s child, Lindy, may you also feel the effects of God’s full body wrap of His constant love! He does amazing things for us too, doesn’t He! Waiting and praying with your family for an amazing report from U of M. Love & Prayers…

  15. Dani says:

    Lindy…that is awesome. I can see why the kids really don’t like it. I will be praying for you guy.

  16. Laura says:

    The latest on the street is that brown is the new black, right? That might be on the cover of Cosmo next month, you never know!
    Praying you had a good report today!
    Keep up the GREAT attitude!

  17. dad ver beek says:

    Hello Lindy…… Happy Birthday to you. You are very special. Love you so…….Your Dad called and said you and Dusty had a GOOD visit with your doctor. Praise God !!!!! Hope to you on your birthday today…. Love, Dad

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