LYMPHEDEMA READING THIS SUMMER

   SUMMER READING

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, especially during the longer summer days. Science fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres. However, I also read a lot of nonfiction and have come across some good reads on lymphedema. I thought you might be interested in some of these books about lymphedema reading this summer. Written by lymphedema therapists and those living with lymphedema, I found all of them helpful in some way. Inspirational stories dealing with a lifelong diagnosis of lymphedema and case studies from therapists were informative and good resources for anyone dealing with lymphedema as a patient, family member, or therapist. Here are a few of my favorites!

DROP THE SKIRT

I will start with Drop The Skirt by Amy Rivera. Amy is an inspirational speaker, social media influencer, and author who has lived with lymphedema her entire life. Born with a leg twice the size of her other leg, it took her years to discover what caused her condition. Drop The Skirt is a truly inspiring story of how one woman took her disability and turned it into her superpower. Hiding her leg behind long skirts for years until she discovered the cause of her condition and began her journey of healing, self-discovery, and advocacy for those still lost in the darkness of this disease. If you want motivation to manage your lymphedema, check out Amy Rivera. 

SWOLLEN, BLOATED AND PUFFY

I read this book on a trip to Colorado last year. Swollen, Bloated, and Puffy by Kathleen Lisson CMT, CLT. It is a quick read with helpful hints to address swelling. Kathleen has a straightforward approach to her writing, offering many links to resources if you wish to explore the various subjects she discusses. She shares her knowledge as a lymphedema therapist and provides meditation and relaxation techniques. Kathleen has also written a book called Lipedema Treatment Guide, which is in my pile to read. It will be a valuable tool in dealing with lipedema as well.

THE BOOK OF LYMPH

This book provides self-care practices to enhance immunity, health, and beauty. The Book Of Lymph, written by Lisa Levitt Gainsley, CLT, was more of a reference than a reading book, but it’s full of helpful information. Lisa became interested in self-care and healing as a young girl while watching her mother go through cancer. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and lymphatic health educator. Step by step, Lisa provides various lymphatic self-massage sequences for any area of concern. Her book mainly focuses on massage, but there is also a good overview of the other four pillars of good lymphatic health, including diet and hydration, skin and body care, compression, and exercise. The Book of Lymph is excellent for anyone wanting to improve their lymphatic health. 

THE LYMPHATIC CODE

The Lymphatic Code, by Leslyn Keith, is one of my favorites. This book was written as a follow-up to Leslyn’s first book, The Ketogenic Solution to Lymphatic Disorders. Her first book was written more for the lymphedema therapists documenting the research Leslyn did on using a Ketogenic Diet to help with the symptoms of lymphedema. She discovered it was popular with the therapist and those dealing with lymphedema, so she wrote a second book specifically for them. Leslyn Keith, OTD CLT-LANA, has done extensive research on the Ketogenic Diet and has had great success in helping those with lymphatic disorders better manage their condition. If you are curious if this is an eating style that would benefit you, this is my go-to book to check out. 

SWANS IN DISGUISE

Another book I wanted to mention is the story of a woman who dealt with lipedema without being diagnosed for years. Swans In Disguise was an eye-opening book that helped me better understand the challenges of dealing with a disease no one seems to understand. Only after becoming a medical doctor did Anna-Theresa Bauer, MD, discover she had a condition that affects millions of women. Finally, having a diagnosis, she gained the confidence, hope, and ultimately liberation to manage her lipedema. Her goal now is to help others to realize that their ballooning legs are not their fault and that there are ways to treat and manage this disease. 

EDUCATING YOURSELF ON LYMPHEDEMA

I’ve worked with lymphedema therapists and their patients for almost 13 years. In that time, the information and knowledge about this condition has dramatically increased. However, many in the medical profession still know little, if anything, about these lymphatic disorders. The more you educate yourself about these diseases, the better you can care for and manage them. Please share any books you have found particularly helpful or informative in the comments below. I want to increase my knowledge and understanding of this condition. I would love your input to help me to serve this community better! 

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.