June 13, 2025 • 26 mins
Betrayed by my body and dismissed by doctors — this is my story of facing an invisible epidemic affecting 250 million people worldwide. When I inexplicably gained 40 pounds despite maintaining my athlete's lifestyle, five different medical professionals told me to simply embrace the weight gain or suggested I had mental health issues. One even questioned my gender identity rather than investigating my physical symptoms.
The truth finally emerged when a small-town doctor took my concerns seriously and discovered dangerously high inflammation markers in my blood — a potential precursor to serious illness. My diagnosis? Lymphedema, a chronic condition affecting the lymphatic system that causes persistent swelling, fatigue, and potential complications when left untreated. Despite affecting more Americans than HIV, ALS, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis combined, lymphedema remains widely misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed.
This episode takes you through my personal journey from sponsored adventure athlete to struggling with mobility, the frustrating experience of medical gaslighting, and the natural approaches that helped me regain control of my health. I share the diagnostic indicators of lymphedema, treatment options including pneumatic compression devices like the FlexiTouch system, and how targeted exercise, lymphatic massage, and specific nutritional strategies helped put parts of my condition into remission. For anyone facing unexplained weight gain, persistent swelling, or dismissive healthcare experiences, this conversation offers validation, information, and hope. Your symptoms aren't in your head — and you're not alone in this fight.
Tag new normal big life on X, Formerly Twitter at NNBLBlog to connect with our community of wellness warriors. Have you experienced medical gaslighting? Share your story in the comments or message us about health topics you'd like covered in future episodes.
Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
New, normal big life.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Swollen, dismissed, your body's betraying you.
Picture this 250 million peopleworldwide, 10 million in the US
, more than HIV and ALS combined, trapped by lymphedema.
A silent wrecker.
Me I ate clean, hit the trails,lived big.
Then, bam, 40 pounds piled on,no explanation.
(00:28):
Dr Smirk cast, lit me, justembrace it, they said, or even
asked if I'm in the wrong gender.
It took a small town doctor tocrack it.
Sky high inflammation, aticking bomb in my blood.
Stick with me Today's aboutlymphedema, spotting it and
fighting it.
Naturally, you're not crazy andyou're not alone.
(00:50):
Hi friends, welcome to the newnormal big life podcast.
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure, along
with a step-by-step plan to helpyou practice what you've
learned and create your own newnormal and live the biggest life
you can dream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the Wellness Warrior.
Let's start by understandingthe connection between
(01:13):
lymphedema and weight gain.
Is lymphedema causing yourweight gain?
My legs, core, face, neck hadswollen to three times their
normal size, but I was gaslit byfive doctors.
In 2020, I was at the peak of myphysical health as a sponsored
adventure sports athlete.
(01:33):
Over four weeks, I challengedmyself with intense activities,
including whitewater kayaking onthe Arkansas River and
Caché-Laputa River in Colorado,followed by summiting Medicine,
boat Peak and Baxter's Pinnaclein Wyoming.
Mere days later, I pushed mylimits even further by
attempting to climb the GrandTeton.
(01:53):
But by January 2024, myphysical condition had
deteriorated dramatically.
I now required the support of acane to walk.
Dramatically, I now requiredthe support of a cane to walk.
Despite following a strict wholefood diet, maintaining regular
exercise and continuing myadventures several times a week,
I inexplicably gained 40 pounds.
(02:15):
The swelling and weight gainwere confusing, as they seemed
to defy my otherwise healthylifestyle and dedication to
fitness.
This unexpected decline inhealth left me searching for
answers, trying to understandwhy my body had betrayed me in
such a baffling way.
Of course, two generalpractitioners and three
specialists a nephrologist,rheumatologist and cardiologist
(02:39):
didn't believe my story aboutunexplained waking.
They gaslit me.
They all said I'm just puttingon a little weight and talked
about body positivity.
We'll talk about the bodypositivity movement and its
negative consequences in afuture podcast For this
conversation.
I know that one specialistasked me if I thought I might be
(03:00):
living in the wrong gender.
I don't know how theconversation with my
cardiologist went fromdiscussing concerns about
unexplained weight gain,swelling, fatigue and worries
for my heart as a result ofthese conditions, moved to his
suggestion that I had genderdysphoria.
But there we were, and in totalfive doctors tried to refer me
(03:23):
to mental health rather thantake my symptoms seriously.
When I finally found a countrydoctor who did believe me and
ran some tests, it turned out Ihad dangerously high
inflammation markers.
Doctors often use blood tests totest for white blood
inflammation in the body, andone standard marker is
(03:43):
C-reactive protein, or CRP.
Crp is produced by the liverand it rises when there's
inflammation, making it areliable indicator.
Another key marker is theerythrocyte sedimentation rate,
or ESR, which measures howquickly red blood cells settle
in a test tube.
Faster rate signal inflammation.
(04:05):
Beyond CRP and ESR, doctorsmight also look at other markers
, depending on the situation.
For example, procalcitonin PCTis sometimes used to detect
inflammation tied to bacterialinfections or sepsis.
Cytokines like interleukin-6,il-6 can also be measured, as
(04:29):
they are a protein that ramp upduring an inflammatory response.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha, orTNF alpha, is also often linked
to chronic inflammation orautoimmune conditions.
In some cases, they might checkwhite blood cell count, or WBC,
since an elevated count canhint at an inflammatory process,
(04:52):
though it's less specific.
Each marker gives slightlydifferent marker on inflammation
, so doctors pick based on whatthey suspect is happening.
Crp and ASR are the go-tostarting points, but the others
come into play for more specificdiagnoses.
The dismissal of my symptoms bymy medical professionals led to
(05:13):
a sense of betrayal and mistrustin healthcare providers, mainly
when dealing with complex orless understood conditions.
This issue of medicalgaslighting with sufferers like
me is prolific.
Medical gaslighting is whenhealthcare providers dismiss or
downplay a patient's symptoms,contributing them to
(05:33):
psychological issues orlifestyle choices, without
adequate information orinvestigation.
This can be particularlyharmful when it comes to
conditions that don't fit intocommon diagnostic patterns or
when symptoms are unclear.
Experiencing skepticism frommultiple doctors, especially
when they suggested my symptomsmight be related to
(05:54):
psychological or identity issueswithout basis, is a profound
form of gaslighting.
This not only delays properdiagnosis, but it can also
exacerbate or make worse thehealth issue due to prolonged
exposure to untreated symptoms.
(06:17):
So let's look at the role ofinflammation with lymphedema,
inflammation in the body andelevated levels, like what I
experienced, can indicate a widearray of problems, like
infectious diseases orautoimmune disorders, and even
certain cancers.
Higher levels can lead toswelling, weight gain and
general fatigue, which explainmy physical changes.
(06:38):
According to the LymphaticEducation and Research Network,
up to 250 million peopleworldwide have lymphedema, with
an estimated 10 million in theUnited States.
More than HIV, parkinson's,multiple sclerosis and multiple
dystrophy and ALS combined, andI inexplicably gained 40 pounds
(07:01):
and experienced severe swellingin my legs, core, face and neck.
So, with my story in mind, yourweight gain could be related to
lymphedema, so consider talkingto your naturopath or medical
doctor if you have hadunexplained, swelling World
events are constantly teachingeveryone some very painful
lessons.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Swelling World events are constantly teaching
everyone some very painfullessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
fail, and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
(07:42):
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie-, reliable
and delicious nourishment forlife's unexpected situations and
(08:02):
critical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
(08:23):
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision,your smartest decision Be ready
for tomorrow, today, trust ReadyHour, ready to shop.
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
My persistence in finding a doctor who would take
me seriously and, at a minimumrun, some tests might have saved
my life.
High C-reactive proteinproblems are linked to cancer,
infection, cardiovasculardisease, autoimmune disease like
lupus, pericarditis andinflammation in the lining in
the heart, type 2 diabetes andother potentially
(09:07):
life-threatening diseases if nottreated.
That's why you have to be yourown patient advocate and
advocate for people you love.
So let's talk about advocacy.
My experience highlights theimportance of patient advocacy.
Sometimes you have to persistagainst medical skepticism to
find a diagnosis.
It's crucial to seek outdifferent medical opinions,
especially when initialinteractions with your
(09:29):
healthcare provider don't leadto satisfactory outcomes.
Sometimes a doctor outside themainstream urban or suburban
medical center like my countrydoctor or a naturopath urban or
suburban medical center, like mycountry doctor or a naturopath
might have a differentperspective or approach.
Not all conditions fit neatlyinto well-known categories.
Chronic inflammation conditionsmight not be immediately
(09:51):
obvious or well understood byall practitioners.
So, after this experience ofgaslighting by my doctors, I
have this advice for you it'simportant to find health care
providers who will listen andvalidate your experience.
Building a relationship with adoctor who considers your
symptoms with seriousness can bevital for ongoing care and you
(10:13):
can't afford to sit back andblindly follow your doctor's
lead.
Blindly follow your doctor'slead.
Consider documenting yoursymptoms and preparing for
appointments with notes orquestions to ensure that your
questions are addressed.
My lymphedema diagnosis storyunderscores the need for empathy
and investigation and aholistic approach to medicine,
(10:34):
where each patient's story istaken seriously, regardless of
how unusual their symptoms mightbe.
Before we cover the next topicin this episode, I want to
introduce you to something thatI call the adventure sports
lifestyle, with what I like tocall a micro story about
adventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
is essential to my good health.
(10:54):
So here's the story.
After learning to whitewaterkayak with a club for injured
veterans, I went on more andmore challenging whitewater
kayaking adventures.
Before that, in 2015, I wasafraid to take even one step out
of my front door.
Then, on a rafting trip fiveyears later, my worst paddle
sports fear came true.
Our raft flipped and I ended upunderneath the raft.
(11:18):
Using my swift water rescuetraining, I successfully got to
safety and helped someone elseget saved as well.
We got help from a passing raftand we swam the Caché Laputa
River just before it wasdeclared at flood stage.
Now I can discern thedifference between real fear and
imagined danger.
I'm no longer paralyzed by fear.
(11:38):
I did that.
I hope this story inspires youto get outside and adventure
alone with friends or otherpeople that you love.
Now that you know, 10 millionAmericans have lymphedema, and
you might be one of them.
Let's understand how lymphedemahappens and how it's different
from other types of swelling.
Lymphedema is is caused byabnormal fat cell distribution,
(12:04):
while lymphedema is caused by ablockage in the lymphatic system
.
Lymphedema is when swellingsticks around for a long time
and doesn't go away.
It's like your body's plumbingsystem for cleaning up fluids
isn't working right.
This fluid called lymph issupposed to move around your
body through special tubes andstops called nodes or lymph
(12:25):
nodes, but if these tubes orlymph nodes or stops get blocked
or damaged, the fluid can'tmove properly and pulls up,
making your arms, legs, core oreven your face and neck swell up
.
When this happens, your bodymight start making more of stuff
called collagen, which is likea building material for your
(12:46):
skin and fat, making the swollenparts of your body feel heavy
and look bigger.
You might also feel very tired.
I suffered from chronic fatigueand had to stop driving for
fear of falling asleep at thewheel.
Also, when you have lymphedema,your skin might get dry, thick
or cracked, which can make iteasier for you to get skin
(13:08):
infections.
If the swelling continues foran extended period, lymph fluid
can burst through the skin andooze out, often causing
infection at the site.
Unlike regular swelling,lymphedema doesn't go down much,
even if you elevate your leg orarm or take medicine like
diuretics that makes you pee alot.
(13:29):
You might need special helpfrom doctors and lymphedema
therapists to manage yourlymphedema symptoms.
If you or someone you knowloves swelling that disappear,
it's good to check with thedoctor.
Lymphedema is a conditioncharacterized by the
accumulation of lymphatic fluid,causes swelling in parts of the
(13:51):
body, and it continues to be anunrecognized yet impactful
issue.
Here we delve into itscommonness or prevalence and how
you diagnose it and treat it,and how it affects even
well-known personalities, andhow it affects even well-known
personalities Suffering fromlymphedema are passing the
commonness of multiple sclerosis, parkinson's, als and AIDS all
(14:12):
combined.
You might wonder who's at riskfor having lymphedema Cancer
survivors, particularly thosewho've undergone treatment
involving lymph node removal orradiation, such as breast cancer
survivors.
The risk can be as high as 30%.
Veterans, due to injuries,infections or exposure to
environmental hazards like burnpits, are susceptible.
But the Veterans Administrationhas a great lymphedema
(14:34):
treatment option like lymphaticmassage and a pneumatic
compression device called aFlexiTouch.
I have one, I use it at homeand it's a game changer, and
I'll tell you more about theFlexiTouch in a minute.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
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(15:08):
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Speaker 2 (16:54):
There have been some cases of lymphedema in newborns.
however, Now that you understandwhat lymphedema is and who's at
higher risk for developing thiscondition.
Let's talk about diagnosis andtreatment.
Lymphedema diagnosis involves aphysical examination where
signs like stimmers andinability to pinch a fold of
(17:15):
skin at the base of the secondtoe indicates lymphedema, or
sophisticated methods whichinclude MRI or CT scans to
identify obstructions or tissuechanges.
So how do you know if you havelymphedema?
Here are the symptoms Swellingin your arms, legs, torso, face
and neck or other parts of thebody.
(17:36):
Skin changes, includingthickening hyperkeratosis or a
sensation of heaviness, crampingand fatigue in your your limbs,
for example, tightness,discomfort or pain in affected
areas.
And did I mention fatigue?
Because it was incredible?
Doctors say there's no cure forlymphedema but it can be
(17:57):
managed to improve quality oflife.
In a follow-up podcast I'lltell you how I avoided taking
prednisone, eliminated theswelling caused by lymphedema
for long periods, lowered myinflammation markers by 20
points in less than 90 days,naturally, and lost 30 pounds in
less than 90 days, all usingnatural methods.
(18:18):
So let me explain what I meanabout long-term elimination of
lymphedema swelling.
So there are some areas in mybody, like my lower legs, where
the lymphedema hasn't come backin six areas in my body, like my
lower legs, where thelymphedema hasn't come back in
six months, and that feels likeremission to me.
Here are the standard of carepractices for lymphedema.
So when you go to your doctor,here's how they would
traditionally treat you Completedecongestive therapy, or CDT, a
(18:42):
combination of manual lymphaticdrainage, compression therapy,
exercise and skincare lymphaticdrainage, compression therapy,
exercise and skincare.
Then there's compressiontherapy using garments or
bandages to manage the swelling,so think compression stockings,
for example.
I tried those techniques withminimal results.
Then I opted for the TactileMedicals compression therapy
(19:02):
solution.
The second most importanttreatment I used in treating
lymphedema was Tactile Medical'sFlexiTouch system.
The FlexiTouch system is anat-home pneumatic meaning
operated by air under pressurecompression device to help
reduce swelling and improvelymphatic flow.
(19:23):
It mimics the natural wave-likemotion of the lymphatic system.
All of my treatments forlymphedema are natural remedies.
They include exercise, whichpromotes lymphatic drainage and
muscle pump action.
I'll do some videos of theexercises that I've used, but
walking is a great one.
Jumping rope, riding a bicycleare all great exercises.
(19:47):
Massage, using manualtechniques, can help move
lymphatic fluid from locationsin your body where lymph nodes
aren't functioning properly toareas where lymph nodes are
working optimally.
Your lymphedema specialist cangive you a lymphatic massage and
teach you to do it at home.
Pneumatic compression, like theTactile Medical Flexi-Touch Plus
(20:08):
system, and herbal remedies.
Some advocate for plants likehorse chestnut or butcher's root
.
However, in a future podcastrelated to this topic, I'll tell
you which herbs work for me.
So subscribe to our weeklynewsletter and follow me on
social media to be the first toknow when this article and
future podcast is published.
But I'll share with you nowthat whole foods, herbal
(20:30):
supplements and naturallyboosting my glutathione levels
reduced the swelling and got mylymphedema in check.
These are my number one secretsto putting lymphedema into
remission.
I did a whole episode onglutathione, the master
antioxidant, so be sure to catchthat wherever you get your
podcasts.
No substantial evidencesuggests that glutathione treats
(20:53):
glufedema, but its role indetoxification could
theoretically support overallhealth, but targeted studies for
lymphedema are lacking.
However, I leveled up mylymphedema treatment by adding
glutathione therapy to mystrategy.
I'll tell you more in thefuture.
Know this lymphedema can affectanyone, regardless of age,
(21:13):
lifestyle and socioeconomicaccess to treatment.
There are some famousindividuals with lymphedema.
Catherine Houston, the actressknown for Desperate Housewives,
who passed away from cancer in2012, god rest her soul suffered
from lymphedema, which shediscussed openly to raise
awareness, and Diana Kroll, thejazz pianist.
(21:33):
She's also noticed to sufferfrom lymphedema as a
complication to breast cancertreatment.
Lymphedema can cause ongoinginflammation due to an
accumulation of proteins andother substances in the protein,
which can trigger an immuneresponse.
The cycle can perpetuatechronic inflammation in affected
areas.
Lymphedema can also contributeto chronic fatigue in several
(21:56):
ways.
The persistent swelling anddiscomfort can lead to reduced
activity, which can causedeconditioning and fatigue.
Additionally, the inflammationassociated with lymphedema might
contribute to systemic effectslike increased cytokine levels,
which are small proteinsimportant in cell signaling,
which can lead to fatigue.
(22:17):
Chronic conditions oftenoverlap with fatigue syndromes,
where the physical burden andpsychological stress of managing
a chronic illness likelymphedema can compound feelings
of exhaustion.
In conclusion, my journeythrough the complexities of
lymphedema and the subsequentexperiences of medical
gaslighting have been bothchallenging and enlightening.
(22:39):
I've learned that resilienceand self-advocacy are essential
in navigating the healthcaresystem, or what I like to call.
Actually, I got this from MikeAdams, the health ranger.
He calls it the sick caresystem and I wholeheartedly
believe that that is the case.
But every individual story isunique and it's vital for
medical professionals to listenwith empathy and an open mind.
(23:02):
While my body faced turmoil andtransformation, I discovered
the strength within myself toseek the truth and demand the
care I deserve.
This experience has ignited apassion in me to advocate for my
own health and now to empowerpeople just like you who are
facing similar challenges tospeak up and seek support.
(23:22):
That's what makes me a wellnesswarrior.
Remember your voice matters.
Each step, no matter how small,brings you closer to
understanding ourselves and ourbodies.
If you find yourself in aposition where your concerns are
dismissed, don't lose hope.
Seek out healthcare providerswho will take your symptoms
seriously and trust yourinstincts.
(23:43):
Together, we can create acommunity of awareness and
change, ensuring no one feelsalone in their healthcare
journey.
Embrace your strength andcontinue to fight for your
well-being.
You deserve it.
Until next time, friends, I'mAntoinette Lee, your wellness
warrior here at the New NormalBig Life podcast.
I hope one day to see you onthe river in the backcountry or
(24:03):
in the horse barn living yourbest life.
Tag new normal big life ornnblblog on social media so we
can celebrate your good healthand your big life.
If you're a visual learner, youcan watch our informative and
entertaining version of thisvideo on YouTube on the new
normal big life channel, orlisten wherever you get your
(24:24):
podcasts.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it, comment on our
posts and drop us a message oran email Nothing personal too
specific.
When you have a health oradventure sports topic, you want
us to cover it and supportothers in this community.
Speaker 1 (24:38):
World events are constantly teaching everyone
some very painful lessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
fail, and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days worth of normalshopping.
(24:59):
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie rich,
(25:19):
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
unexpected situations andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
(25:41):
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision yoursmartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow.
Today.
Trust Ready Hour.
Ready to shop.
(26:02):
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
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(26:24):
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.
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Use my affiliate link to getstarted.
New, normal big life.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Swollen, dismissed, your body's betraying you.
Picture this 250 million peopleworldwide, 10 million in the US
, more than HIV and ALS combined, trapped by lymphedema.
A silent wrecker.
Me I ate clean, hit the trails,lived big.
Then, bam, 40 pounds piled on,no explanation.
(00:28):
Dr Smirk cast, lit me, justembrace it, they said, or even
asked if I'm in the wrong gender.
It took a small town doctor tocrack it.
Sky high inflammation, aticking bomb in my blood.
Stick with me Today's aboutlymphedema, spotting it and
fighting it.
Naturally, you're not crazy andyou're not alone.
(00:50):
Hi friends, welcome to the newnormal big life podcast.
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure, along
with a step-by-step plan to helpyou practice what you've
learned and create your own newnormal and live the biggest life
you can dream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the Wellness Warrior.
Let's start by understandingthe connection between
(01:13):
lymphedema and weight gain.
Is lymphedema causing yourweight gain?
My legs, core, face, neck hadswollen to three times their
normal size, but I was gaslit byfive doctors.
In 2020, I was at the peak of myphysical health as a sponsored
adventure sports athlete.
(01:33):
Over four weeks, I challengedmyself with intense activities,
including whitewater kayaking onthe Arkansas River and
Caché-Laputa River in Colorado,followed by summiting Medicine,
boat Peak and Baxter's Pinnaclein Wyoming.
Mere days later, I pushed mylimits even further by
attempting to climb the GrandTeton.
(01:53):
But by January 2024, myphysical condition had
deteriorated dramatically.
I now required the support of acane to walk.
Dramatically, I now requiredthe support of a cane to walk.
Despite following a strict wholefood diet, maintaining regular
exercise and continuing myadventures several times a week,
I inexplicably gained 40 pounds.
(02:15):
The swelling and weight gainwere confusing, as they seemed
to defy my otherwise healthylifestyle and dedication to
fitness.
This unexpected decline inhealth left me searching for
answers, trying to understandwhy my body had betrayed me in
such a baffling way.
Of course, two generalpractitioners and three
specialists a nephrologist,rheumatologist and cardiologist
(02:39):
didn't believe my story aboutunexplained waking.
They gaslit me.
They all said I'm just puttingon a little weight and talked
about body positivity.
We'll talk about the bodypositivity movement and its
negative consequences in afuture podcast For this
conversation.
I know that one specialistasked me if I thought I might be
(03:00):
living in the wrong gender.
I don't know how theconversation with my
cardiologist went fromdiscussing concerns about
unexplained weight gain,swelling, fatigue and worries
for my heart as a result ofthese conditions, moved to his
suggestion that I had genderdysphoria.
But there we were, and in totalfive doctors tried to refer me
(03:23):
to mental health rather thantake my symptoms seriously.
When I finally found a countrydoctor who did believe me and
ran some tests, it turned out Ihad dangerously high
inflammation markers.
Doctors often use blood tests totest for white blood
inflammation in the body, andone standard marker is
(03:43):
C-reactive protein, or CRP.
Crp is produced by the liverand it rises when there's
inflammation, making it areliable indicator.
Another key marker is theerythrocyte sedimentation rate,
or ESR, which measures howquickly red blood cells settle
in a test tube.
Faster rate signal inflammation.
(04:05):
Beyond CRP and ESR, doctorsmight also look at other markers
, depending on the situation.
For example, procalcitonin PCTis sometimes used to detect
inflammation tied to bacterialinfections or sepsis.
Cytokines like interleukin-6,il-6 can also be measured, as
(04:29):
they are a protein that ramp upduring an inflammatory response.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha, orTNF alpha, is also often linked
to chronic inflammation orautoimmune conditions.
In some cases, they might checkwhite blood cell count, or WBC,
since an elevated count canhint at an inflammatory process,
(04:52):
though it's less specific.
Each marker gives slightlydifferent marker on inflammation
, so doctors pick based on whatthey suspect is happening.
Crp and ASR are the go-tostarting points, but the others
come into play for more specificdiagnoses.
The dismissal of my symptoms bymy medical professionals led to
(05:13):
a sense of betrayal and mistrustin healthcare providers, mainly
when dealing with complex orless understood conditions.
This issue of medicalgaslighting with sufferers like
me is prolific.
Medical gaslighting is whenhealthcare providers dismiss or
downplay a patient's symptoms,contributing them to
(05:33):
psychological issues orlifestyle choices, without
adequate information orinvestigation.
This can be particularlyharmful when it comes to
conditions that don't fit intocommon diagnostic patterns or
when symptoms are unclear.
Experiencing skepticism frommultiple doctors, especially
when they suggested my symptomsmight be related to
(05:54):
psychological or identity issueswithout basis, is a profound
form of gaslighting.
This not only delays properdiagnosis, but it can also
exacerbate or make worse thehealth issue due to prolonged
exposure to untreated symptoms.
(06:17):
So let's look at the role ofinflammation with lymphedema,
inflammation in the body andelevated levels, like what I
experienced, can indicate a widearray of problems, like
infectious diseases orautoimmune disorders, and even
certain cancers.
Higher levels can lead toswelling, weight gain and
general fatigue, which explainmy physical changes.
(06:38):
According to the LymphaticEducation and Research Network,
up to 250 million peopleworldwide have lymphedema, with
an estimated 10 million in theUnited States.
More than HIV, parkinson's,multiple sclerosis and multiple
dystrophy and ALS combined, andI inexplicably gained 40 pounds
(07:01):
and experienced severe swellingin my legs, core, face and neck.
So, with my story in mind, yourweight gain could be related to
lymphedema, so consider talkingto your naturopath or medical
doctor if you have hadunexplained, swelling World
events are constantly teachingeveryone some very painful
lessons.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Swelling World events are constantly teaching
everyone some very painfullessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
fail, and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
(07:42):
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie-, reliable
and delicious nourishment forlife's unexpected situations and
(08:02):
critical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
(08:23):
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision,your smartest decision Be ready
for tomorrow, today, trust ReadyHour, ready to shop.
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
My persistence in finding a doctor who would take
me seriously and, at a minimumrun, some tests might have saved
my life.
High C-reactive proteinproblems are linked to cancer,
infection, cardiovasculardisease, autoimmune disease like
lupus, pericarditis andinflammation in the lining in
the heart, type 2 diabetes andother potentially
(09:07):
life-threatening diseases if nottreated.
That's why you have to be yourown patient advocate and
advocate for people you love.
So let's talk about advocacy.
My experience highlights theimportance of patient advocacy.
Sometimes you have to persistagainst medical skepticism to
find a diagnosis.
It's crucial to seek outdifferent medical opinions,
especially when initialinteractions with your
(09:29):
healthcare provider don't leadto satisfactory outcomes.
Sometimes a doctor outside themainstream urban or suburban
medical center like my countrydoctor or a naturopath urban or
suburban medical center, like mycountry doctor or a naturopath
might have a differentperspective or approach.
Not all conditions fit neatlyinto well-known categories.
Chronic inflammation conditionsmight not be immediately
(09:51):
obvious or well understood byall practitioners.
So, after this experience ofgaslighting by my doctors, I
have this advice for you it'simportant to find health care
providers who will listen andvalidate your experience.
Building a relationship with adoctor who considers your
symptoms with seriousness can bevital for ongoing care and you
(10:13):
can't afford to sit back andblindly follow your doctor's
lead.
Blindly follow your doctor'slead.
Consider documenting yoursymptoms and preparing for
appointments with notes orquestions to ensure that your
questions are addressed.
My lymphedema diagnosis storyunderscores the need for empathy
and investigation and aholistic approach to medicine,
(10:34):
where each patient's story istaken seriously, regardless of
how unusual their symptoms mightbe.
Before we cover the next topicin this episode, I want to
introduce you to something thatI call the adventure sports
lifestyle, with what I like tocall a micro story about
adventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
is essential to my good health.
(10:54):
So here's the story.
After learning to whitewaterkayak with a club for injured
veterans, I went on more andmore challenging whitewater
kayaking adventures.
Before that, in 2015, I wasafraid to take even one step out
of my front door.
Then, on a rafting trip fiveyears later, my worst paddle
sports fear came true.
Our raft flipped and I ended upunderneath the raft.
(11:18):
Using my swift water rescuetraining, I successfully got to
safety and helped someone elseget saved as well.
We got help from a passing raftand we swam the Caché Laputa
River just before it wasdeclared at flood stage.
Now I can discern thedifference between real fear and
imagined danger.
I'm no longer paralyzed by fear.
(11:38):
I did that.
I hope this story inspires youto get outside and adventure
alone with friends or otherpeople that you love.
Now that you know, 10 millionAmericans have lymphedema, and
you might be one of them.
Let's understand how lymphedemahappens and how it's different
from other types of swelling.
Lymphedema is is caused byabnormal fat cell distribution,
(12:04):
while lymphedema is caused by ablockage in the lymphatic system
.
Lymphedema is when swellingsticks around for a long time
and doesn't go away.
It's like your body's plumbingsystem for cleaning up fluids
isn't working right.
This fluid called lymph issupposed to move around your
body through special tubes andstops called nodes or lymph
(12:25):
nodes, but if these tubes orlymph nodes or stops get blocked
or damaged, the fluid can'tmove properly and pulls up,
making your arms, legs, core oreven your face and neck swell up
.
When this happens, your bodymight start making more of stuff
called collagen, which is likea building material for your
(12:46):
skin and fat, making the swollenparts of your body feel heavy
and look bigger.
You might also feel very tired.
I suffered from chronic fatigueand had to stop driving for
fear of falling asleep at thewheel.
Also, when you have lymphedema,your skin might get dry, thick
or cracked, which can make iteasier for you to get skin
(13:08):
infections.
If the swelling continues foran extended period, lymph fluid
can burst through the skin andooze out, often causing
infection at the site.
Unlike regular swelling,lymphedema doesn't go down much,
even if you elevate your leg orarm or take medicine like
diuretics that makes you pee alot.
(13:29):
You might need special helpfrom doctors and lymphedema
therapists to manage yourlymphedema symptoms.
If you or someone you knowloves swelling that disappear,
it's good to check with thedoctor.
Lymphedema is a conditioncharacterized by the
accumulation of lymphatic fluid,causes swelling in parts of the
(13:51):
body, and it continues to be anunrecognized yet impactful
issue.
Here we delve into itscommonness or prevalence and how
you diagnose it and treat it,and how it affects even
well-known personalities, andhow it affects even well-known
personalities Suffering fromlymphedema are passing the
commonness of multiple sclerosis, parkinson's, als and AIDS all
(14:12):
combined.
You might wonder who's at riskfor having lymphedema Cancer
survivors, particularly thosewho've undergone treatment
involving lymph node removal orradiation, such as breast cancer
survivors.
The risk can be as high as 30%.
Veterans, due to injuries,infections or exposure to
environmental hazards like burnpits, are susceptible.
But the Veterans Administrationhas a great lymphedema
(14:34):
treatment option like lymphaticmassage and a pneumatic
compression device called aFlexiTouch.
I have one, I use it at homeand it's a game changer, and
I'll tell you more about theFlexiTouch in a minute.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Antoinette's go-to natural sleep aid is lab tested
for purity NanoNutra's liposomalmelatonin spray.
When psychosocial stress ishigh, like during the riots, the
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lockdown days and the rapidchange in government policies
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(15:08):
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(15:30):
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(15:50):
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(16:12):
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(16:34):
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Speaker 2 (16:54):
There have been some cases of lymphedema in newborns.
however, Now that you understandwhat lymphedema is and who's at
higher risk for developing thiscondition.
Let's talk about diagnosis andtreatment.
Lymphedema diagnosis involves aphysical examination where
signs like stimmers andinability to pinch a fold of
(17:15):
skin at the base of the secondtoe indicates lymphedema, or
sophisticated methods whichinclude MRI or CT scans to
identify obstructions or tissuechanges.
So how do you know if you havelymphedema?
Here are the symptoms Swellingin your arms, legs, torso, face
and neck or other parts of thebody.
(17:36):
Skin changes, includingthickening hyperkeratosis or a
sensation of heaviness, crampingand fatigue in your your limbs,
for example, tightness,discomfort or pain in affected
areas.
And did I mention fatigue?
Because it was incredible?
Doctors say there's no cure forlymphedema but it can be
(17:57):
managed to improve quality oflife.
In a follow-up podcast I'lltell you how I avoided taking
prednisone, eliminated theswelling caused by lymphedema
for long periods, lowered myinflammation markers by 20
points in less than 90 days,naturally, and lost 30 pounds in
less than 90 days, all usingnatural methods.
(18:18):
So let me explain what I meanabout long-term elimination of
lymphedema swelling.
So there are some areas in mybody, like my lower legs, where
the lymphedema hasn't come backin six areas in my body, like my
lower legs, where thelymphedema hasn't come back in
six months, and that feels likeremission to me.
Here are the standard of carepractices for lymphedema.
So when you go to your doctor,here's how they would
traditionally treat you Completedecongestive therapy, or CDT, a
(18:42):
combination of manual lymphaticdrainage, compression therapy,
exercise and skincare lymphaticdrainage, compression therapy,
exercise and skincare.
Then there's compressiontherapy using garments or
bandages to manage the swelling,so think compression stockings,
for example.
I tried those techniques withminimal results.
Then I opted for the TactileMedicals compression therapy
(19:02):
solution.
The second most importanttreatment I used in treating
lymphedema was Tactile Medical'sFlexiTouch system.
The FlexiTouch system is anat-home pneumatic meaning
operated by air under pressurecompression device to help
reduce swelling and improvelymphatic flow.
(19:23):
It mimics the natural wave-likemotion of the lymphatic system.
All of my treatments forlymphedema are natural remedies.
They include exercise, whichpromotes lymphatic drainage and
muscle pump action.
I'll do some videos of theexercises that I've used, but
walking is a great one.
Jumping rope, riding a bicycleare all great exercises.
(19:47):
Massage, using manualtechniques, can help move
lymphatic fluid from locationsin your body where lymph nodes
aren't functioning properly toareas where lymph nodes are
working optimally.
Your lymphedema specialist cangive you a lymphatic massage and
teach you to do it at home.
Pneumatic compression, like theTactile Medical Flexi-Touch Plus
(20:08):
system, and herbal remedies.
Some advocate for plants likehorse chestnut or butcher's root
.
However, in a future podcastrelated to this topic, I'll tell
you which herbs work for me.
So subscribe to our weeklynewsletter and follow me on
social media to be the first toknow when this article and
future podcast is published.
But I'll share with you nowthat whole foods, herbal
(20:30):
supplements and naturallyboosting my glutathione levels
reduced the swelling and got mylymphedema in check.
These are my number one secretsto putting lymphedema into
remission.
I did a whole episode onglutathione, the master
antioxidant, so be sure to catchthat wherever you get your
podcasts.
No substantial evidencesuggests that glutathione treats
(20:53):
glufedema, but its role indetoxification could
theoretically support overallhealth, but targeted studies for
lymphedema are lacking.
However, I leveled up mylymphedema treatment by adding
glutathione therapy to mystrategy.
I'll tell you more in thefuture.
Know this lymphedema can affectanyone, regardless of age,
(21:13):
lifestyle and socioeconomicaccess to treatment.
There are some famousindividuals with lymphedema.
Catherine Houston, the actressknown for Desperate Housewives,
who passed away from cancer in2012, god rest her soul suffered
from lymphedema, which shediscussed openly to raise
awareness, and Diana Kroll, thejazz pianist.
(21:33):
She's also noticed to sufferfrom lymphedema as a
complication to breast cancertreatment.
Lymphedema can cause ongoinginflammation due to an
accumulation of proteins andother substances in the protein,
which can trigger an immuneresponse.
The cycle can perpetuatechronic inflammation in affected
areas.
Lymphedema can also contributeto chronic fatigue in several
(21:56):
ways.
The persistent swelling anddiscomfort can lead to reduced
activity, which can causedeconditioning and fatigue.
Additionally, the inflammationassociated with lymphedema might
contribute to systemic effectslike increased cytokine levels,
which are small proteinsimportant in cell signaling,
which can lead to fatigue.
(22:17):
Chronic conditions oftenoverlap with fatigue syndromes,
where the physical burden andpsychological stress of managing
a chronic illness likelymphedema can compound feelings
of exhaustion.
In conclusion, my journeythrough the complexities of
lymphedema and the subsequentexperiences of medical
gaslighting have been bothchallenging and enlightening.
(22:39):
I've learned that resilienceand self-advocacy are essential
in navigating the healthcaresystem, or what I like to call.
Actually, I got this from MikeAdams, the health ranger.
He calls it the sick caresystem and I wholeheartedly
believe that that is the case.
But every individual story isunique and it's vital for
medical professionals to listenwith empathy and an open mind.
(23:02):
While my body faced turmoil andtransformation, I discovered
the strength within myself toseek the truth and demand the
care I deserve.
This experience has ignited apassion in me to advocate for my
own health and now to empowerpeople just like you who are
facing similar challenges tospeak up and seek support.
(23:22):
That's what makes me a wellnesswarrior.
Remember your voice matters.
Each step, no matter how small,brings you closer to
understanding ourselves and ourbodies.
If you find yourself in aposition where your concerns are
dismissed, don't lose hope.
Seek out healthcare providerswho will take your symptoms
seriously and trust yourinstincts.
(23:43):
Together, we can create acommunity of awareness and
change, ensuring no one feelsalone in their healthcare
journey.
Embrace your strength andcontinue to fight for your
well-being.
You deserve it.
Until next time, friends, I'mAntoinette Lee, your wellness
warrior here at the New NormalBig Life podcast.
I hope one day to see you onthe river in the backcountry or
(24:03):
in the horse barn living yourbest life.
Tag new normal big life ornnblblog on social media so we
can celebrate your good healthand your big life.
If you're a visual learner, youcan watch our informative and
entertaining version of thisvideo on YouTube on the new
normal big life channel, orlisten wherever you get your
(24:24):
podcasts.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it, comment on our
posts and drop us a message oran email Nothing personal too
specific.
When you have a health oradventure sports topic, you want
us to cover it and supportothers in this community.
Speaker 1 (24:38):
World events are constantly teaching everyone
some very painful lessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
fail, and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days worth of normalshopping.
(24:59):
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie rich,
(25:19):
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
unexpected situations andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
(25:41):
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision yoursmartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow.
Today.
Trust Ready Hour.
Ready to shop.
(26:02):
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
Since 2012, the Health Rangerstore has been answering your
calls for a trustworthy,responsive and affordable source
of health-focused products.
Built from scratch with its ownUS-based fulfillment center and
dedicated in-house customersupport, they've got you covered
, from nutritional supplementsand superfoods to storable foods
(26:24):
and preparedness gear.
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.
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you the purest, most reliableproducts out there.
Ready to shop?
Use my affiliate link to getstarted.
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