Edema & Waxing

[Eve]

Hi, I've had issues with edema in my legs for a while now, the kind where it dents when pressed. They get really dry and have reduced sensation in them.

I'm starting hydrotherapy soon so need to sort myself out for being in a swimming costume.

I find it difficult to bend much to be able to shave my legs myself well (especially with the risk of breaking the skin) and was thinking of getting them waxed. Had them waxed before some time ago but wanted to check how safe waxing would be with the edema.

Thanks for any help.

[woofgang]

ooo I really wouldn't....you may have to resign yourself to going hairy.

[black_cat51]

i agree i think it's a bad idea. The physio wont be looking at your hairyness :)

[Eve]

Eeeeek, I don't want to go hairy! Hmmm...I think I need a back up plan, not sure what though yet....maybe I could go in a wetsuit!!!!

[Eve]

It's a group session too so not just the physio :(

[pixie373]

That's water, are you on water tablets? How about veet or something gentle? Will anyone help you?

[Eve]

The removal creams don't like me, took a chunk out of my leg when I tried one years ago (Immac I think that was) and really irritated another area I tried a while back, not sure if I'm brave enough to try them again.

Will see if I still have the tube as to what it was, could do a test area but not sure I'm brave enough to use it over a large area.

Just started on new drugs for my arthritis and need to keep away from any source of infection and don't want to end up with an open skin wound.

I am on my own here. Not really something you can ask a friend to do!

Not on anything for it yet, am seeing a renal specialist and had a load of tests done (also had drops in kidney function and protein in my wee) and see them again next week, so will see what the scan, blood and urine results say and see what they suggest.

Might have to see if I can get in the bath and see what I can do shaving. Thanks for all your answers.

[wolf63]

Can you not try burning it off with the hair removing cream?

I am too fat to get the backs of my legs shaved properly, but I did spend time trying to do so this morning.

I tried wax strips on my legs - then I went to bed. It was not a good idea - any wax not removed properly can cause your legs to stick to the sheet, or worse still each other.

I am thinking about buying a laser removal machine, I am still thinking and dithering.

Hoppy Easter.

[woofgang]

oh eve, if you have oedema PLEASE leave your legs alone please....

[pixie373]

I'm a little worried, too. Nicks in the skin can get infected quite easily.

[Eve]

It's a Nair one, just checked.

Ok, it probably is best to leave them alone. I think they are only going to get worse in the warmer weather, my feet and ankle swelling especially.

That was my worry with shaving, just gone on a new biologic drug and the last thing I need is anything which might lead to an infection.

Hopefully renal will have some suggestions next week (about the edema, not shaving my legs!).

[black_cat51]

the other people will be worrying about themselves, not your legs :)

[Eve]

Happy Easter to you too Wolf :) I never had the guts to wax myself, well, the ripping the strips off with enough force bit, got it done at a beauty place.

One of the times she left a load of wax, didn't remove it very well at all and it was a nightmare trying to get it off (especially as I had a bikini wax too!). She even waxed some bits which didn't even have hair on them! Was not a very pleasant experience, not had one since.

[Eve]

That's true. I guess I can't be the only one who has issues with that kind of thing. I'm only 35, I feel too young for unshaven legs, "sensible" shoes and all that!

[divegirl]

I don' know how brave you are but if you are really that worried could you not ring a local salon and ask if they will shave your legs for you? I'm pretty sure they will have done worse lol.

I really feel for you at 45 I'm too young for hairy legs but have a lovely daughter who does them for me :)

Lisa x

[woofgang]

divegirl, even a salon might nick and I really don't think that Eve should risk it.

[slaney]

Hi Eve - not something I have any knowledge of, but this is from the Macmillan site on the care of legs with lymphodema - not exactly the same as pitting oedema I know, but the skin would be equally fragile.

"Never use a razor blade to remove unwanted leg hair.
Use a well-maintained electric shaver to avoid getting cuts. Don’t use waxing or sugaring to remove unwanted hair.
Hair-removal creams can be harsh on the skin so be careful and try a small test patch before using them on larger areas."

[boxtops]

wear leggings in the pool, eve - you should be able to do that, but check the pool regulations first.

[wolf63]

slaney mentions a battery razor - I have one and it is no real use. You think that your legs are smooth and hair free and then you see them in bright sunlight. :-(

[Eve]

Glad you've got someone to help Lisa :) I'm still trying to push myself to get some help with cleaning and such, it's just all too much for me.

Thanks for that Slaney, hadn't thought of an electric razor. Never used one before but will check some out. Haha, Wolf, the weird thing is that due to the odd sensation in my legs they can actually feel really smooth even though they aren't as I don't have a proper sensation where the fluid is! I had my first tocilizumab infusion last week :)

Leggings, that's a fab idea Boxtops, thank you :) Could get some really cheap ones from Primark as they're only about £3 so doesn't matter getting them wet and them stretching and such if only for hydrotherapy :)

Wonder if they will let you do that in public pools too. My hope was for this to help me be able to get into going "swimming" again. I'm not sure if I'd actually be able to swim properly but even just gently exercising (and the lovely floaty feeling!). I was also hoping on going on a spa day too soon. Maybe if I explained to them they would be ok.

[black_cat51]

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4437583.htm