Southern Craft Junkie - (912) 225-9776

Crafting is my addiction, and spending time doing what I love most is the best feeling in the world!

Crafting while being able to put a smile on someone's face is something I enjoy doing. I also wanted to come up with a way to contribute to a cause that is so near and dear to my heart. If you would please take the time to read my story below.

Proceeds from each sale made with Southern Craft Junkie will be donated to the Lymphedema Network.

Well it's been a little over 4 years since I posted the note below, and since then I still take things day by day, and I'm so greatful for all of my family and friends that help brighten each day.


So I'm able to post any other random thought that pops into my head.......why is it so hard for me to consider posting this one. Well I guess because I'll be sharing a lot of myself in this note. For the past 15 years or so I have been suffering with a condition known as Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition caused by injury, trauma (Mine being pregnancy) or congenital defects involving the lymph system, and is also a chronic and potentially debilitating condition with no currently known cure.
When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, swelling results as an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. There are two types of lymphedema. Primary lymphedema can be present at birth (congenital), develop at the onset of puberty (praecox) or in adulthood (tarda). Secondary Lymphedema can be caused by surgeries or radiation treatments and is a common side effect of cancer treatments that remove or damage lymph nodes or vessels.
Over time, untreated lymphedema results in disfigurement, disability and even death. But lymphedema can be very effectively managed. The recognized standard of treatment for lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT comprises four interacting protocols applied in two phases (acute and ongoing): manual lymph drainage (MLD); compression therapy; lymph drainage exercises; and skin care.
My time spent in Decatur was because of this treatment. I was able to meet an incredible specialist by the name of Sandi Stephens, and I appreciate and thank God for her more than she will ever know.
It is estimated that at least three million American's suffer from lymphedema, and probably many more. Due to a shortage of awareness, information, and understanding, even amongst the medical community, lymphedema is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Several of you probablly didn't even realize anything was ever wrong with me, unless you are really close friends or family and noticed that my lower limbs were very disproportioned and enourmous in size at times. Even in this state I was able to tolerate what was going on and continue daily living as normal as I could. It was not until the summer of 2011 when things changed drastically. I was in constant agonizing pain, and lost my ability to be mobile for awhile. I don't know about you but it's hard to adapt to change, so not being able to walk was a very "hard pill" for me to swallow. Anyway things are a bit better now, I have good and bad days. My faith is strong enough to know that the good will out weigh the bad...even if I have to cry about it sometimes..lol.

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