Help Me improve Compression Garments

Hi, my name is Emma, and I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for support. I am a wheelchair user who developed lymphoedema at the age of 26. For eight long years, my condition was misdiagnosed as a blood clot, leading to a life-threatening haemorrhage in 2016. Despite this, I didn’t receive iron infusions until June 2024. My lymphoedema during the period of misdiagnosis quickly worsened to stage 4 and I am still not receiving the proper care and treatment I need. I am fighting for my life and could potentially lose my leg, both of which is having an impact on my mental health.

The Situation: Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that affects over 200,000 people in the UK alone. It can cause severe swelling, pain, and recurrent infections, significantly impacting the quality of life. Since 2018, I have suffered many wounds as a result of my lymphoedema and poor treatment. I have spent many of the last few years under the care of district nurses, which has left me virtually housebound and affected all aspects of my life. District nurses do not make appointments, adding to the difficulty of managing my condition. I am now referred to my local community treatment unit, but my ill-fitting garments continue to cause wounds that we are struggling to manage. My journey has been incredibly challenging, with recurrent infections and a constant struggle for proper diagnosis and treatment. I have had to request a full investigation into how my case was ignored and mistreated for so long, leading to such severe consequences.

Why I Need Your Help: One of the biggest challenges I face is the lack of comfortable and aesthetically pleasing compression garments. The current options are often unattractive and uncomfortable. While there are physical therapies and surgeries available, many of these are not offered on the NHS and are only accessible privately, reducing treatment options for many people. Compression garments remain the most commonly used treatment. I want to change this for myself and others by designing a new line of compression garments that are both practical and stylish. These garments will be specifically designed for people with lymphoedema in the leg.

My Goal: I aim to raise £116,000 to fund the research and development of these new compression garments. This includes:

How You Can Help: Your support can make a significant difference. Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Any amount, big or small, will help me reach my goal.

Share: Spread the word about my campaign to your friends, family, and social networks.

Support: Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I work towards this goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity will not only help improve my quality of life but also bring hope and comfort to many others suffering from lymphoedema. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where no one has to endure the pain and discomfort of this condition. This campaign is the start of what I hope will be better treatment for everyone, as it is the first step towards understanding this condition.

I will keep you updated on my progress and how your contributions are making a difference.