Understanding Lymphedema: What We Can Learn from Wendy Williams' Story

What is lymphedema, and why is it finally receiving more public attention?

In this episode of In the Rising Podcast, host Bettina Brown, PT, board-certified in physical therapy, wound care, and lymphedema, discusses the increased awareness surrounding lymphedema following reports about television personality Wendy Williams' health challenges. While no one wishes difficult diagnoses on anyone, Bettina reflects on how public figures can help shine a light on conditions that are often misunderstood and overlooked.

Drawing from her clinical experience, Bettina explains what lymphedema is, why early intervention matters, and how physical and occupational therapists specially trained in lymphedema management can help people maintain their mobility, confidence, and quality of life. She also addresses common misconceptions about the condition, discusses treatment options, and shares why a diagnosis of lymphedema does not mean giving up the activities that matter most.

Additionally, Bettina explores the current state of lymphedema surgery, the challenges surrounding insurance coverage, and why conservative treatment remains an important and effective part of managing this progressive condition.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What lymphedema is and how it affects the body
• Why increased awareness and early treatment are so important
• How certified physical and occupational therapists can help manage symptoms
• Why lymphedema is progressive—but manageable
• Common myths and misconceptions surrounding lymphedema
• How swelling, heaviness, and changes in body image can affect quality of life
• The role of compression, therapy, and lifestyle management in treatment
• Current developments in lymphedema surgery and insurance coverage
• Resources available for finding qualified lymphedema specialists

Whether you've been diagnosed with lymphedema, are supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand this often-overlooked condition, this episode offers practical information, encouragement, and hope.

Because knowledge empowers us to ask better questions, advocate for ourselves, and continue living fully.

Resources Mentioned

• The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
• Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs)
• FitAfterBreastCancer.com
• Breast cancer recovery and lymphedema education resources

Until next time, let's keep building one another up.

Thank you for your time and interest in this podcast! I invite you to leave a heartfelt review on whichever podcast platform you listen to.  It does so much to bring exposure to the podcast and helps lift others up!

Email:  Bettina@intherising.com

Transcript

Bettina M Brown 0:07

Hello and thank you for giving me your time today . I wanted to focus on what is quote unquote trending right now and I use that word with with kind of disgust , but also , in truth , that is what is a lot on the news right now and that is the medical conditions that Wendy Williams is facing right now , and it's tremendous . And I want to , first and foremost , focus on what I think is bravery to share what is happening in your own life and to do it on a public stage , when you have such an audience , and share what , what is actually going on with you . On the other hand , there is one positive thing that comes about with this when celebrities or people who are very , very well known and respected around the globe share what's going on with them is that it brings attention to things like lymphedema that are kind of in the backdrop , because lymphedema doesn't kill you , and if lymphedema is not something that you need medication for , then it will obviously not get the attention of pharmaceutical companies . If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema yourself or you're curious about it because you're wondering if that person , if that parent , if that cousin , if that friend , does not maybe have lymphedema , what should you do ? What are some next steps ? And the first thing is , if you're diagnosed with it , to do some research . There are people who are certified to treat it .

Bettina M Brown 1:41

Some of the articles that I've read regarding Wendy Williams do highlight that physical therapists can treat lymphedema , and I want to highlight another point to that so can occupational therapists . So once you are a PT or OT , you can do additional schooling and get certified or board certified through the Lymphology Association of North America to really learn a lot about the lymphatic system and how to treat it . Lymphedema is a progressive condition , but having interventions earlier help reduce the speed of that progression , so that way you do not get to that final phase , which is elephantitis , where you have really fibrotic skin where your hands or whatever body part or feet you're talking about , is several times the size that it would be normally , and so , with that , do some research , ask your primary care doctor or go to the Lymphology Association of North America . Check out their website . There is a section of finding a CLT near me , and that may be a PT or it may be an OT . It could even be a massage therapist , because they will work with people as well and can get certified . Typically , though , insurance only pays for physical and occupational therapy . So if finances have some sort of bearing on your ability to see certain people , start with that route .

Bettina M Brown 3:18

The other thing I would say is focus on your quality of life . Lymphedema is a condition that is progressive , but it tends to be progressive and annoying in that things that you could do easily seem like they take more work because now you carry some fullness , some heaviness , your clothes don't feel quite the same , and it does affect our confidence . It does affect our self-esteem when we don't look and feel the way we want to or the way we were at one point . So knowing that a diagnosis of lymphedema does not mean you're going to lose sensation , it does not mean that you're going to lose the ability to hold a cup of drinking water , or it's not going to be an absolute reason why you're not able to walk , but it could affect those two examples and make it more difficult , more tiresome , to do some things throughout your day . There are options out there and I would love for you to look into your physical and occupational therapists .

Bettina M Brown 4:23

The third point I want to talk about is there are some articles that reference lymphedema microvascular surgery , and right now , in most states , at least for sure , for what I know , in 2024, . This is still viewed as experimental by insurance companies , and so they do not cover it . I know other nations around the world are moving in this direction much more and if you have the ability to pay cash for this , this would be a great option for you , but it is not necessary . The only way to quote unquote cure your lymphedema . It is not something that is curable at this moment in time .

Bettina M Brown 5:04

So , with the highlight of what lymphedema is , what it can look like , what it can change for you , I would like to add a little bit more knowledge . Out there , along with so many wonderful therapists who have their YouTubes and podcasts and what have not Really looking to provide the people we work with the tools they need to ask the questions from the people in front of them . Below is a link to my own podcast , to my own website and my own course about lymphedema and recovery back to your function after breast cancer . So if that's what you're interested in or you feel like , hey , I know someone that would benefit from that , go ahead and share that . It does so much to put podcasts like this one it's not the only one into the hands and the ears of those that it makes the biggest impact for . Thank you so much for giving your time and until next time , let's keep building one another up .