Woman with lymphedema goes from beauty queen to hiding from the public

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  • čas přidán 2. 01. 2019
  • my Rivera suffers from a disease that affects up to 10 million Americans and many people know little about it.
    Today one of her legs is much larger than the other. She's come a long way. Amy had lymphedema since birth but didn't realize it. It never bothered her.
    She won Miss Junior America in 1999.
    Left untreated, lymphedema can kill you because your body's lymphatic system can't process the bacteria and it often settles in an extremity. The body's immune system doesn't work properly. There is no cure, but it can be treated.
    Amy's leg became extremely swollen. The doctor told her she would end up in a wheelchair. Finally, she decided she had to take control. Amy began wearing the wraps on her leg that helps push the fluid through her body.
    She also started exercising and changed her diet. Amy has now started a non-profit called Ninja Fighting Lymphedema that donates wraps and expensive equipment to people who can't afford to buy them. Insurance often does not cover wraps and other treatments.
    Amy had two surgeries in St Louis that she said went bad. They were supposed to correct her lymphatic system. She has found a doctor in California, Dr. Jay Granzow, who will perform a lymph node transfer on her soon and believes he can return her leg to normal size.

Komentáře • 49

  • @MegaCaprice123
    @MegaCaprice123 Před 3 lety +17

    Lovely, brave girl. Well done her for going public about this condition. I hope she has found the help and support she so needs. My daughter suffers from this condition, especially in the legs. God Bless this young lady. I shall remember Amy in my prayers.❤️

  • @maryhirsch7170
    @maryhirsch7170 Před 2 lety +10

    Wow, she's an inspiration- go Amy

  • @johnnynobuddy1
    @johnnynobuddy1 Před 2 lety +10

    We should all be grateful for our health. We get so caught up on the material.....and forget about the grace of good health.

  • @DebbiePotter-xh7kv
    @DebbiePotter-xh7kv Před 6 měsíci +4

    How tf can anything for that not be covered by insurance. Something has got to be done about these ins companies. As the CEO’s have multi million dollar vacation homes . It’s sickening

    • @dollykafloppers4515
      @dollykafloppers4515 Před 2 měsíci

      as long as there is a connection to obesity, the insurance companies will not cover it.

  • @azsunburns
    @azsunburns Před 9 měsíci +3

    This is why it is important to understand Lipedema is more of a connective tissue disorder over a fat/ obesity disorder.

    • @V3racious3
      @V3racious3 Před 16 dny

      Lipedema is not Lymphedema although lipedema can cause lymphedema in late stages.

  • @Paradise-cq1gx
    @Paradise-cq1gx Před rokem +4

    Beautiful lady! We need more people like her in the world.. Praying 🙏 she will be able to get the right medical treatment so she can be as active as she was before this.

  • @juliepietruszka5089
    @juliepietruszka5089 Před měsícem +1

    ❤ i was diagnosed at age 43 after hip surgery. Im getting lymphedema therapy now.

  • @deborahglover0112
    @deborahglover0112 Před 8 měsíci

    I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing for the woman that cant afford the garments that are crucial to combat this disease. Thank God for people l😅ke you that are reaching out and helping folks in need❤😊

  • @elizabethrodriguez1095
    @elizabethrodriguez1095 Před rokem +3

    It's frightening, honestly. I have a severe case of lymphedema in both of my lower extremities. My legs look like that now, but worse, because they've broken open with venous stasis ulcers, which I've had over five years that haven't healed yet. This is truly terrifying to me.

    • @tasha9650
      @tasha9650 Před 9 měsíci

      Is surgery an option for you?

  • @robynboone8256
    @robynboone8256 Před rokem +1

    Bless her heart.

  • @cherieagleson
    @cherieagleson Před rokem +2

    She is an inspiration to everyone in the lymphedema community.

  • @ZeeTube81
    @ZeeTube81 Před 10 měsíci

    She is just Amazing ❤❤❤

  • @veronicajohnson5837
    @veronicajohnson5837 Před 2 lety +7

    I’ve had it since birth as well like Amy she’s so inspiring I’m 33 and just now going public with wearing shorts it’s a job because all day you do get stares and questions one day I too will get the help I need so if anybody who’s reading this know that beauty is skin deep love yourself enjoy life be happy your all are loved💜

    • @African.Diaspora.InLondonUK
      @African.Diaspora.InLondonUK Před rokem +2

      Try going raw vegan. I eat raw ginger daily. It has helped my symptoms massively. I have reduced my swelling by 80%. Measure your leg b4. Use compression leg wrap too.

    • @ProfShibe
      @ProfShibe Před rokem

      Damn I still hate wearing shorts and mines not even nearly as bad as hers lol

  • @lunatremolsaries8027
    @lunatremolsaries8027 Před 3 lety +1

    I can’t pay the consultant to see doctor , ? Where I can find associates or foundation in New York , thanks 🙏

  • @deborahglover0112
    @deborahglover0112 Před 8 měsíci +1

    So grateful for finding your channel. For years I just didnt do anything for my Lymphedema. But in the last 2 years I gained alot of weight ang my leg was just getting bigger to the point that I couldnt wear normal shoes or certain types of pants. I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. I started eating healthy and limiting salt and sodiym as well. I tried many different garments especially compression socks didnt fir correctly they woyld cut into my legs so after searching alot of information mostly on You Tube. I purchased a calf brace that I could wear anytime including night time. It is very easy to put on and take off and it works wonders. When going out I bought some pairs of compression leggings as well as a couple of pairs of tights, yes a little difficylt to put on but they are great too. My legs are down to normal. Yes everything is an investment but worth it. Unfortunately my insurance doesnt cover anything. I looked around and got most everything on Amazon. Sometimes you can get the leggings on sale. Again I look at it as an investment, especially for my health

  • @saywhat7150
    @saywhat7150 Před 10 měsíci

    She is beautiful and so brave.

  • @jude1515
    @jude1515 Před rokem +1

    She is so brave. People need to get more educated about lymphedema because it is horrible. Lymphedema can strike anyone. A family member of mine has it. There are flare ups that take you to the emergency room. The bandages are ridiculously expensive and not covered by insurance.

  • @anne-mariemcinnis9143
    @anne-mariemcinnis9143 Před 2 měsíci

    You go Amy!!!
    🫶🏼💝🫶🏼

  • @mariaboeykens6795
    @mariaboeykens6795 Před 4 lety +2

    Ik hoop dat deze mevrouw zo vlug mogelijk kan geholpen worden.

  • @dreamwalker2518
    @dreamwalker2518 Před rokem

    What a nice lady

  • @maryhirsch7170
    @maryhirsch7170 Před rokem

    I feel so sorry for this beautiful woman. I hope they find a cure.

    • @fruitblossomblue1133
      @fruitblossomblue1133 Před rokem +2

      I feel sorry for all women with this disease, not just the beautiful ones.

  • @blueyzblue6391
    @blueyzblue6391 Před 10 měsíci

    So what is this "new surgery" that was supposed to help her called? Did she ever have it done? And if so... how much did it help?

  • @albertatimmons3292
    @albertatimmons3292 Před rokem +1

    I pray it works. I will get the operation had my leg Since I was nine years old

  • @albertatimmons3292
    @albertatimmons3292 Před rokem +3

    I have lymphedema

  • @narflethegarthok7786
    @narflethegarthok7786 Před rokem

    I have lymphedema in both my legs. Mine are about as big as hers....its a struggle every day.

  • @runninggirl2765
    @runninggirl2765 Před 7 měsíci

    Update: Just saw another video where she had an operation and is cured (?). Couldn't find it now, but I viewed it and it is the same woman.

  • @christianromero6604
    @christianromero6604 Před rokem

    She's beautiful...

  • @amink9569
    @amink9569 Před 17 dny

    Would fasting and prayer help?

  • @DJMovit
    @DJMovit Před 3 měsíci

    Wonder how her surgery went that was mentioned at the end of the video? UPDATE: I found her follow up on the Dr. website, her after photos look great.

    • @LL77309
      @LL77309 Před 2 měsíci

      Please share the link. I can't find her updated photos.

    • @DJMovit
      @DJMovit Před 2 měsíci

      The story mentioned the doctor in California but the doctor is now in Florida.

  • @piscesempress1978
    @piscesempress1978 Před 3 měsíci

    My moms legs were bigger in both legs, there is hope, therapy helped my mom.

    • @samarijana
      @samarijana Před měsícem

      Nema.prijevod pa ne znam o kojoj terapiji se radi.

  • @renafielding945
    @renafielding945 Před 8 měsíci

    I love

  • @lizhymer6479
    @lizhymer6479 Před měsícem

  • @HUYI1
    @HUYI1 Před 3 lety +3

    God her leg, I'm scared of how this could effect me 😱😱😱

    • @Deborahtunes
      @Deborahtunes Před rokem

      It's definitely difficult. I have lymphedema in both legs, but they are still not as large as this lady's.
      It's true, there is no cure. But I recently heard of a drug trial at Stanford University for the disease. I'm hoping it works...

  • @radioog6945
    @radioog6945 Před rokem +1

    Ummm they need to cure this. Seems like an easy fix.

    • @piscesempress1978
      @piscesempress1978 Před 3 měsíci +1

      its not. drs have no clue

    • @V3racious3
      @V3racious3 Před 16 dny

      It's not easy but anything is possible. Also there are some cures for some types of lymphedema although most doctors are ignorant of cures and many only suggest treatments. There is primary and secondary or post traumatic lyphadema which can be caused by things such as injuries or surgeries

  • @LL77309
    @LL77309 Před 2 měsíci +1

    So what surgery is she scheduled to have that might return her leg to normal? You can't leave us on that cliffhanger!!! Tell us!