Underwear - LWO Community Support Group Thoughts - Gaynor Leech, LWO Community
I wasn’t quite sure how I would approach writing this topic, not something that is easily or openly discussed on support group. Members find this an embarrassing or taboo subject. I was pleased when our support group members posted their comments. The original question was! “For those who have leg lymphoedema what are your issues with shoes and clothes?” We have covered Footwear, trousers were another issue, and then the conversation moved to underwear.
To quote one of our members:
“Good grief I don’t believe I’m talking about me knickers in public”
Genital lymphoedema can be primary or secondary and hygiene needs to be scrupulous. As we will hear from Dr Rhian Nobles-Jones, both female and male underwear needs to be supportive and give support to the pelvic and genital area.
One member stated:
“Underwear is a pain, as I have lymphoedema all the way to my groin/genital areas and I find underwear cuts in”.
The underwear worn needs to be comfortable, our female members liked cotton gussets with a preference towards all cotton because they are more absorbent. However, there were lots of complaints about underwear that doesn’t stay in place, rides up, gussets that sag, no good to anyone with genital lymphoedema because they need support. Elastic is another issue that is either around the top of the garment or around the legs because it digs in and leaves indentations, not good for lymphoedema swelling. Our member’s experience finding the right kind of underwear is difficult especially for larger size ladies and took the joy out of shopping.
Underwear needs to be comfortable; it is personal, we are all unique and know what works for us and even though it is not seen under clothes the need to feel confident and secure as we go about our daily lives is vital.
Another member stated:
“I go up a size or two, so they don’t cut in when the area swells between my legs, but they are still ‘Bridget Jones knickers’ to be honest”.
The overall feelings from our support group members are that finding the right underwear was expensive but if you didn’t find the right underwear more issues were caused because ‘normal knickers’ dig in so much and cause more damage.
One final thought from me, those ladies that have genital lymphoedema are left to their own self care and receive little or no treatment. Several members haven’t had medical support for years. Which is why its great to see Dr. Rhian Noble Jones and others researching, treating, and highlighting genital lymphoedema.
Gaynor Leech
Founder and Patient Advocate of LWO Community
