Re: Lymphedema & Disability Insurance

May 7, 2002

Hi Debbie,

The worst thing you can do is carrying all that heavy equipment. Absolutely NO

blood pressure on that arm, blood draws etc. I had my surgery almost 12 yrs ago

and they still do not use that arm. They are right with everything they are

telling you about weight etc. Also wear a thimble when sewing, gloves if you

garden. There are about 15 different things you have to be VERY careful with.

I have so far been lucky and have not had to deal with the insurance co. about

lymphedema. I think some of the other ladies here might have and I am sure they

will get back with you. I will keep you in my prayers and send my angel to watch

over you.

Hugs

nne

Lymphedema & Disability Insurance

Hi! I've got 2 questions for all of you.

First, have any of you had any bouts with lymphedema? I finished chemo

in February of '98 and developed lymphedema in my right arm (the one

they took the 19 lymph nodes out of) in September of '98. I've been

battling with the doctors who are " experts " in the field of lymphedema

ever since. On one hand they're telling me not to not have blood taken

out of that arm, no blood pressure cuffs, no saunas, no lifting anything

over 10 pounds, no gardening, no steambaths, etc., etc., etc.. But then

when I say to them, " if I cannot lift heavy objects with that arm, I am,

therefore, disabled. " All they can say to me is that I could do other

work.

I'm a filmmaker by trade. This is what I know how to do and this is how

I make my living. When I'm shooting I have to put a 28-32 pound camera

on my shoulder and basically keep it there for hours on end. I lug

around gear consisting of lights, which weighs around 75-100 pounds,

depending on how much you take. I also carry any and all the stuff that

we will need on the shoot. Then I go back and edit on a computerized

system for hours, sometimes pulling 12 hour days. The docs also say

don't do any repetitive motions, like mouse work. It is so infuriating

to go and see a doctor who will tell me, right to my face, not to light

anything heavy with that arm and then will not write me a letter saying

what he just said. Has this happened to anyone?

The second question is: has anyone's insurance company agreed that

lymphedema is a permanent disability? Or is anyone in dispute with

their insurance company over an issue like this.

Many, many thanks,

Debbie (aka side-effect Queen)

DX 10/23/97, A/C 12/10/97-2/29/98, Radiation 32 TX, Tamoxifen 4/98 -

4/2003 Lymphedema 9/98, heart failure due to A/C 11/20/98, ablation of

heart & pacemaker implant 7/19/99, Hyperthyroidism due to toxicity of

heart drug (Amiadarone) they gave me 2/2001, Thyroidectomy (they took my

thyroid out) 5/3/02, DX with glaucoma 3/02.

May 7, 2002

Hi Debbie, I am also having a small bout with Lymphodema. My Dr also said no

heavy lifting, pulling pallets. No needles, bloodpressure cuffs. But in my job I

am able to accomadate this easily. I just dont do it. But in your case fight him

for a letter stating you cant do the lifting. You certaintly dont want to get to

the point you have to have a compression sleeve. RIGHT......Good luck maybe call

your insurance company, or better yet call the social security office and ask

them their thoughts. They will probably not give you a clear answer tho lol

Jeana

Debbie Dorsey wrote: Hi! I've got 2 questions for all

of you.