Coping Emotionally with Lymphedema

INTRODUCTION

In her book, Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema Dr. McMahon helps the reader recognize which responses to lymphedema are normal as opposed to those responses that are problematic. 

In keeping with her practical approach to coping with lymphedema, she also provides helpful suggestions and worksheets to assist the reader overcome problematic responses and to seek out positive solutions.

LYMPHEDEMA IS MORE THAN PHYSICAL PAIN AND SWELLING

Being diagnosed with lymphedema is a life-altering event. Suddenly your body doesn’t function as it did before. In addition it does not look, or feel, as it did before the lymphedema developed.

• Your self-image, and many interactions with others, change.
• The activities you once took for granted, are now difficult.
• You find that you cannot do some of the things you used to do.
• In addition to your busy lifestyle, suddenly you also must cope with cumbersome daily routine of self-care.
• Lymphedema has moved into your life uninvited and acts like an unwelcomed guest who refuses to leave.
• Naturally, you will have emotional reactions to this state of affairs!
• In additions, at times you may find yourself feeling blind sided by emotional reactions.

YOU MAY FEEL AS IF YOU ARE IN A MINEFIELD 
WITHOUT A MAP!

WHAT ARE THE NORMAL REACTIONS TO BEING DIAGNOSED WITH LYMPHEDEMA?

You will want to know if what you are feeling as a result of this diagnosis is a normal  and predictable emotional reaction. Having this knowledge is reassuring, and comforting, because it helps you realize that:

• You are not alone, crazy, or weak.
• You do not have to criticize yourself about your emotional reactions.
• You do not need to berate yourself about feeling distressed.
• You can concentrate on strengthening your positive reactions. 

NORMAL REACTIONS TO RECEIVING A DIAGNOSIS OF LYMPHEMA

• When you are diagnosed with lymphedema, you may feel confused, sad, angry, and even scared!
• In addition, you may feel trapped, helpless, hopeless, and/or betrayed by your own body.
• You may grapple with questions such as, "Why did this happened to me?"
• Or It may stir up past emotions and this can make you feel more distressed about the present.

NORMAL REACTIONS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL STRESSED

• The bad news is that these common and normal reactions can be distressing. They can strain your relations with other people or make it harder for you to do what is needed to manage your lymphedema.
• The good news is that the more you know about what to expect, the less you will feel overwhelmed by your emotions.
• You can come to recognize that you are able to cope with these normal reactions.

AN OVERVIEW OF PROBLEMATIC RESPONSES

• While understandable, sometimes your emotional reactions may be less common, and more problematic, than the more predictable emotional reactions to lymphedema.
• For example, a normal, expected feeling can change into a problematic response if, instead of improving, it spirals into a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and actions and keeps getting worse.

WHAT ARE "PROBLEMATIC REACTIONS?"

• Problematic emotional reactions are long lasting, more severe, and/or more pervasive than common, normal reactions.
• They interfere with your functioning in ways that are important to you.  For example, if your normal feeling of anger or sadness becomes so strong or so ever-present that you end all your relationship or you completely stop caring for your lymphedema even though it is getting worse, then natural reactions have become problematic.

"Sometimes emotional reactions qualify as problematic not because they are particularly intense, but because they are a chronic, ongoing burden that eats away at you over time, undermining your happiness and your capacities."

POWERFUL TOOLS THAT WORK!

In the remainder of this book, Dr. McMahon identifies the Twelve Predictable Emotional Reactions.

• She suggests ways to manage them when they are “normal,” and what steps to be taken to overcome them should they become “abnormal.” In addition, there are specialized sections for family members, healthcare, and mental health professionals.

ADDITIONAL BOOKS BY DR. McMAHON

• Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich MA, A. Harrwinjn PT CLT-LANA, and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes 2005.
• Voices of Lymphedema edited by A. Ehrlich MA and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes 2007.
  This book contains life stories as told by lymphedema patients as they share their experiences with honesty and humor.
• Lymphedema Caregiver's Guide by M.K. Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA, E. McMahon, PhD., and A. Ehrlich, MA Lymph Notes 2009.

@ LymphNotes.com 2015. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: Living With Lymphedema Updated: 2015-06-10