“Drop The Skirt”

WHEN YOUR LYMPHEDEMA BECOMES YOUR SUPERPOWER!

Any condition can be a burden, but it can be incredibly challenging when that disease is chronic. Around 10 million people in the United States have chronic lymphedema disease. Many more may be afflicted but have not been appropriately diagnosed because this disease is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Lymphedema is a chronic disease caused by a problem with the lymphatic system. This often causes limb swelling, varying in severity from mild to disabling. I just read a fabulous book by a friend who took her disabling condition and turned it into her new superpower. She is such an inspiration to me and a hero to many. Would you like to hear more?

DROP THE SKIRT

Amy Rivera’s new book, “Drop The Skirt,” was released in September. It’s the inspiring story of how one person took life’s challenges and turned them around to empower her.

Amy was born with primary lymphedema, although she was misdiagnosed for the first 30 years of her life. She often wore long skirts to hide her leg, which at one point was twice as big as her other leg. Have you ever felt like you had to hide the parts of you that were unacceptable?

BECOMING HER OWN ADVOCATE

After years of not knowing what was wrong with her leg, Amy had had enough! She decided she was no longer going to hide her disability. No longer was the diagnosis of “it’s just swelling” that she had been given for years acceptable. She started her research and began Googling things like “big leg,” “elephant leg,” and “swollen leg.” Here she began to find answers. When it comes to our health, we are often our own best advocates.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

For the first time in her life, Amy felt that she was not alone and that there might be hope for her and her condition. Through much research and many phone calls, she finally got a proper diagnosis and the help she needed. She took this newfound information and began to reach out on social media to educate, inform and advocate for others with lymphedema.

After many years of struggling with her condition, Amy finally came to a place of acceptance and embraced her lymphedema challenges. I encourage you to check out her story for yourself. Let this beautiful soul inspire you as well!

Once she could change her Perception of her condition, she could change her life. Amy said, “Perception is reality. How well you cope with a disability will determine your quality of life—especially with your mental health.”

Disclaimer – This blog is for general information purposes only. Furthermore, the information contained in this blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for advice on your specific condition.