Tuesday 12 August 2014

I've moved...

I've moved to WORDPRESS! Still unsure if I have done the right thing.

Find me here...

http://lymphasion.wordpress.com

I've ensured all posts have moved over to my new page so you can still check my archive- clever me! Haha. 

I'm now also part of this lovely network...
<a href="http://nbn.next.co.uk" target="_blank"><img src="http://nbn.next.co.uk/images/next-blogger-network-badge.png" alt="Part of the next blogger network" width="170" height="145px"/></a>

Lots of love 
xoxox

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Eat me, drink me.

Hey gorgeous people!
I've been doing lots of lovely research lately. Research in to any particular foods that affect your lymphatics. I've compressed everything I have found out from other sources in to this article for you. 
There are lots of articles to sieve through with different suggestions that aid your lymphatic system. 

DISCLAIMER- I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT DIET ALONE CAN 'CURE' LYMPHOEDEMA, BUT CHANGING YOUR DAILY DIET CAN HELP REDUCE THE STRAIN ON YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM WHICH WILL AID YOUR LYMPHOEDEMA. 
THESE ARE THINGS THAT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND TRIED AND THAT I HAVE SEEN A POSITIVE OUTCOME FROM IE LESS ACHING ETC.

I'm the type of person who will give anything a go, especially if it's natural. 

ALCOHOL, CAFFEINE, SUGARY DRINKS- Try and keep these to a minimum, same goes for fruit juice. JUNK FOOD (McDonalds, KFC, Dominoes). Don't eat what comes with a label. Although, every now and then won't hurt (you are human after all!).

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES- A bit obvious I hear you say. Here's the important part- RAW. They are also more beneficial on an empty stomach- the enzymes and acids in fruit and powerful lymph cleansers, so by eating them on an empty stomach it means better digestion and maximum lymph benefits.

GOOD OLD GREENS- The leafy variety. These help cleanse and purify your blood and lymph via their chlorophyll. 

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS- Yes, fats. You need them. I hear you saying 'But you just said no junk food, now you're saying eat fat!?' Foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, tofu, olives and avocado have a different type of fat to junk food. Unsaturated fats instead of trans fats and saturated fats. Essential fatty acids help power up your lymphatic vessels. 

CITRUS FRUITS- These help increase your lymphatic flow- add citrus fruit to your water for a kick or twist. There's a reason the internet is going crazy for 'detox water'.

MELON- This is great for keeping your body alkaline  which allows your lymphatics to work at their best. 

BERRIES- These are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are the fashionable food of the moment. However, they help to stop the lymphatic vessels overworking by aiding the removal of toxins from the lymph fluid.

HERBAL AND GREEN TEA- These still contain some caffeine. You can find some lymphatic boosting teas. PLEASE CONSULT A NATURAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST BEFORE COMBINING OR CREATING YOUR OWN INFUSIONS OR WHEN TAKING MEDICATION OR WHEN SUFFERING FROM ANY SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION. Some of the herbal teas that are said to boost the lymphatic system are astragalus, echinacea, goldenseal, pokeroot or wild indigo root tea ( yes, these all sound a bit Harry Potter). But, even good old peppermint or camomile or green tea have a soothing effect and will do your system some good.

WATER- Lots of it. Your lymphatic fluid cannot flow correctly without adequate water. Adding lemon can ensure that water is readily absorbed by your cells. I like adding berries as well as lemon and mint to my water to top up my antioxidants (tastes good too).

POTASSIUM RICH FOODS- These can aid and improve the functioning and drainage of your lymphatic system. Foods such as apricots, bananas, dried figs, raisins, dates, spinach, lima beans and white potato all contain high levels of potassium.


I've tried various way of eating to help my condition.
Vegetarian and vegan diets days are of use to me. I find my system works quicker and feels less sluggish when eating vegetarian and vegan for a few days per week.
Juice detoxes. I've tried 2 different detoxes. I've not noticed much difference to my system but I continue to juice fresh vegetable and fruit for other additional benefits.
Acai. This has been a controversial one. Some lymphie friends have been taking acai supplements (as to find acai berries in the UK is a needle in a haystack) from a health food store and have seen positive results. I'm currently taking these supplements too as a trial (I did say I'll try anything). I haven't changed any other part of my diet to see if they male a difference. Personally, I haven't noticed any size difference, but I've found my leg returns to its normal size quicker than before. 

Thanks to the following sites for aiding my top lymphatic foods:
www.care2.com
www.livestrong.com
www.womentowomen.com
www.jessainscough.com (please check out this inspiring young lady and wellness warrior)
On instagram follow @detoxwater and @detoxtips for some lush recipes for your water!

Lots of Love
xoxox

Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014




Sunday 3 August 2014

Wearing and Writing

Hey you gorgeous readers!

Little mini update. My notebook has died :( this means I've had to revert back to my old trusty laptop. Can't believe I'll be without my poor baby for 20 working days! 20!! At least I'll see it soon. Still, don't fancy lugging my massive old one around so I can write in Starbucks!

In other news, I'm over halfway into my Multi Layer Bandaging. There have been a few twists and turns. I've seen great results (again) so far. But on Friday I got asked if I would like to try a bandaging called KTwo. This type of bandaging meant that I'd be able to wear my ACTUAL SHOES while being compressed. I jumped at the chance. 

All was going great. I was loving that I could wear flip flops. BUT I soon was unable to feel my toes- they had gone numb with pins and needles. As soon as I arrived home I unwrapped all the good, hard work my therapist had done. Colour soon flooded back. I re-wrapped as well as I could only to then awake through the night in yet more pain. In order to sleep, I left the top layer off. 
The next day I was taking my notebook to the tech hospital, so re-wrapped. I had less issues until later in the night. I had gone to sleep in just the one layer, but was in so much pain I unravelled it all. Better safe than thrombosis. 

All of today I have been in 2 compression garments and stayed off my feet as much as possible. At least I'm not in pain. What is good is that I've finally finished watching both seasons of Grimm and started Orange Is The New Black on Netflix. Swings and roundabouts. 

So my post is misleading so far... I haven't spoken about wearing yet!
To the clothing... I donned a stunning canary yellow UK GLAMOROUS 60s inspired shift dress with sandals for the tech appointment, complete with beehive quiff. I also bought a cute magnetic academic diary from Paperchase. I adore floral.  

For MY hospital appointments I've been living in my Nike shorts and Ralp Lauren Polo Shirts. 

I've also added a picture of me drinking butterbeer in Harry Potter World Studio Tour, with all this time on my hands, I'm trying to find a great butterbeer recipe... Suggestions welcome :)

Top & Jeans- H&M 
Bag- Mulberry
Sunglasses- Bvlgari

Dress- UK GLAMOROUS at Bank
Sandals- Primark
Ring- Pandora

Diary- Paperchase £12

The before picture

Shorts- Nike
Polo Shirt- Ralph Lauren
Sunglasses- Dorothy Perkins
Ring- Pandora
Flip Flops- Trespass

The KTwo bandaging. Looks attractive...

Multi Layer Bandaging progress so far

Lots of love 
xoxox

Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014

Wednesday 30 July 2014

Lymphoedema- The Ticking Time Bomb

I've had Lymphoedema for 15 years; 13 diagnosed. During these defiant years I've had lots of time to observe- from the sides of a hockey pitch or netball court when my leg was too painful for participation in school sport lessons (only thankful for this when it was raining or freezing cold), but also from sun loungers in holiday, at a bar or nightclub, on social media. During this observation time I have finally decided to rename Lymphoedema, what I suffer with, as Ticking Time Bomb Syndrome (TTBS). 

TTBS falls on many scales. Just as with a time bomb, you are ever waiting for the explosion, except, with Lymphoedema it's an explosion of emotions (or the next bout of cellulitis). Life with Lymphoedema is constant countdown. Counting down to the humid, irritating summers, counting down to treatment (and how many days until it's over with), counting down to cooler temperatures, counting down until new garments and hosiery arrive. You then either explode with happiness (new garments) or with annoyance at the rest of the general public swanning around in cute flip flops and sun dresses. The countdown stems from previous experiences of knowing what discomfort is ahead in the summer, that you'll struggle to find suitable clothing and shoes in the winter that will disguise the swelling. 

Another symptom of TTBS is the jealousy. On too many accounts I've happily admitted that I'm jealous (no point hiding it), jealous of my friends... not for their new play-suit, car or engagement ring, but for their 'normal' legs. Sometimes wishing they knew what it felt like to be you for a day; to feel the stares of strangers, to witness the looks of pity, to feel discomfort in a shoe shop when the assistant gawks at your inability to fit a 'wide fit' shoe on as though you are one of Cinderella's ugly sisters! 

On social media I've noticed an increase in TTBS. I've been running my Facebook group 'Lymphoedema Fashion' for a few years and have noticed of late, that lymphies are now highlighting their jealousy of other lymphies. This is a whole new territory! We all wish we had 'normal' limbs, but surely sufferes of the same condition should be united in helping each other, encouraging each other and showing support for the victories of downsized limbs from hard work. Reading the words 'Do you even have the condition?' etc. breaks my heart. We have enough to deal with regardless of other lymphies joining in on the abuse... especially regarding limb size. Some people are further into their lymphie journey than others. We should learn from each other. I know individuals who have been abused with taunts about their limb size, but they have tried every diet, treatment, exercise regime available to help their lymphatic system function. Everyone has a day where they don't feel the most positive- it's what life is about- the ups and downs. What's not the correct attitude is to lash out at others for their effort to maintain their limb, to make yourself feel better. 

I think having Lymphoedema is empowering... another TTBS symptom. It forces you to take a stand. You want to help others in the same situation, even make their life easier. You try and allow an insight into your life- your day to day routines that aid you. Also, sharing is caring. By both sharing and caring, it encourages others to care and share their experiences, but also it helps the nervous newcomers to the condition cope a little easier, by giving out knowledge you wish you'd known when first diagnosed. 

I sometimes feel blessed to have this condition (yes I have a fat leg, but not all is bad). I feel I've had to love myself and my shell- it's the only one we have, mine is far from perfect but you have no choice to alter some features. Suck it up princess attitude kicks in. I think I have a better sixth sense- I can usually tell if something will go my way and the reason behind it. I feel extremely blessed that I have an excuse to buy that extra pair of shoes or trousers in every possible colour 'because these ones actually fit'. 
Most of all, I would never have started up a group, blog, twitter feed, pinterest and instagram accounts if I didn't have this condition. It has made me confident in who I am and what I want in life. This condition has given me the opportunity to meet individuals who I am honoured to call my friends (some of the strongest women and men I have encountered). 

All in all, TTBS isn't a BAD thing as long as it stays under control... as long as you do everything in your power with all your effort to keep it under control. Don't ask 'Do you even have LE?', ask 'How did you get your leg to look that great? I need to know your tricks!' Politeness is a MASSIVE deal when you've been stared at most your life. Positivity is another important factor, especially between lymphies. Our confidence needs all the boosting it can get. You get given the diagnosis followed by the words 'You'll have this forever, it's one of those things', face it, it's an ugly looking condition. By telling us, your limb looks really great today or that's a cute pair of shoes, I love your scarf... it makes us feel appreciated and valued and that we are doing a pretty good job on the surface of the iceberg. 

Hopefully, we'll become as well known as the cancer treatments that cause a lot of Lymphoedema. We should be positive rather than settling for the ugly face of jealousy. With twice as many Lymphoedema sufferers as those with Parkinsons, surely we need to embrace who we are and what we have on our side- each other, support, and a good reason to shop...

Love you all lots 
xoxox   

Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Starbucks and other banned substances...

Hey you beauties!

From the time you are diagnosed you are told what you should and shouldn't do. You get treated like a child who has no self control. One of the hardest things to do is cut out sugar, caffeine and alcohol from your diet. ENTIRELY!

I'm A LITTLE BIT OF A REBEL- I also have very little self-control. I'm not saying I'm right to rebel, but surely as the saying goes, everything in moderation, can't be too wrong... can it? I pretty much stick to a particular way of eating due to training and my lymphatics but even so, I'm not one to avoid social situations.

I'll address diet and foods that are 'great for the lymphatic flow' another time.

Us lymphies still like to live our lives socially. One of the hardest things is going out for cocktails or coffee with friends and family. Some people, who are controlled (yes, these people do exist!) will sip at their water smugly. I, however try to make it work out for me. I'm 27. I'm not missing out on the best years of my life where I'm not lumbered with baggage that comes in adorable baby form...

How do I do it?

  • Coffee dates

starbuckssecretmenu.net

CAFFEINE FREE FRAPPUCINO! You can cut the sugar too by asking for sugar free syrup etc. I've tried and tested the cake batter and mojito ones. Honestly, they are to die for. As long as you don't drink them every day.

  • Partying
Low alcohol wine. Low alcohol beer. Every other drink have a glass of water or a mocktail...
Some wines:
White- Natureo Muscat 2012
Miranda Summer Light Sauvignon Blanc
Red- Summer Light Shiraz

  • Sugar intake
The hardest of the lot. try and eat food that doesn't come in a packet. Fruit harbours lots of natural occurring sugars if you need a boost. natural sugars are better than added ones.

Lots of love xoxox

Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014

Reading, Writing, Wearing...

Hi all you lovelies!

MLB (Multi- Layer Bandaging) time is near! This means one thing... time to catch up on everything I've been meaning to do since Easter. Hopefully will get LOADS of reading done.
So far on my reading list:
  • Fear and loathing on the campaign trail '72
  • The perks of being a wallflower
  • The murder notebooks
  • The house of silk
  • Towards vascular and endovascular consensus
The last book on my list is one I have won through @mediukltd (the compression garments people). They ran a mini competition/ giveaway on twitter. I was lucky enough to win a copy. Can't wait to brush up my biological knowledge!

Another item I can't wait to do more of- writing! I have a few articles I'm writing at the moment. I'll have lots of free time to get these finished when I'm cocooned (as a fellow lymphie puts it).

WEARING- The most important of the 3. So far I've bought a gorgeous pair of crochet shorts from H&M to team with gladiator sandals to give an overall hippy look. These will be extremely handy if the weather continues heating up. I'll be trying to snap my outfits and progress over the 2 week period.

If you need some lymphspiration...
Follow me on TWITTER  @lymphasion OR CLICK THE LINK ON THE SIDE!
Add yourself to the group on FACEBOOK- Lymphoedema Fashion

Lots of love xoxox

Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Checking In

Hey Gorgeous people!

So what's been happening since I last spoke!?

I've agreed to write a blog post for Womb Cancer Support UK. Currently finalising my ideas. So excited to get writing. I'll update so you know when to keep an eye out. I feel so honoured to be asked to guest blog, especially as my Lymphoedema is primary not secondary. I can't imagine what it must be like to go through horrific treatment, think you're in the clear then be bombarded with information about Lymphoedema and realise that this new condition will last the rest of your life in place of the original disease. There are so many strong individuals out there who need their praises sung. My heart goes out to you.

My facebook group has steadily been increasing in member requests, which I'm super happy about but this also means it takes longer to vet the requests to ensure they are genuine. Sarah, owner of the group 'I live with lymphoedema but won't let it rule my life' has been a godsend, keeping me updated with suspicious individuals who might not have the sufferers in their best interest. Thank you Sarah. You will not understand how grateful I am for your input.

Keeping in line with my facebook group- it has received some support from the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN), I was so shocked to read 'our friends in lymphoedema fashion are very excited about...' 
We are becoming known... bigger, better (hopefully) with more and more information, friends and ideas being shared every day. It's an exciting place to be at the moment. Never thought it would reach over 700 friends!

Hopefully, will be starting a lymphie based Instagram page. We need to explore all the avenues possible. There's a niche in the market. The more awareness the better. I'm in talks with a good friend about us setting it up. WATCH THIS SPACE! 

In my personal battle... I've booked another stretch of Multi Layer Lymphoedema Bandaging for my leg to be at its best for my friend's hen. Can't wait to se the results again! Never thought I'd be so excited to look like a mummy.

Can't wait to keep you updated.
Lots of love xoxox

Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014