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[ladywithcats]

Anyone else on the tenure track have lymphedema or chronic swelling of their legs or arms? I've had lymphedema in my leg since I was a teenager, which requires a day regime of massage, resting, and compression stockings. It's challenging to be on my feet for long periods of time, so I've worked to get rest time between my classes. I even sometimes rest on the floor of my office on a workout mat. But the most challenging aspect is working at a smaller college where we're expected to be around in the evenings for student activities. At that point I really need to go home and put my feet up, and I'm sick of colleagues saying things like "Oh, c'mon, you're young! You'll be fine!".  I've made a point of telling them about it, but they're continually forgetting. And my department chair, who's nice in every other way, teases me for being "sensitive" when I ask for extra things like an ergonomic desk set up or a reasonable chair. I'm curious how other people manage an invisible but persistent disorder like lymphedema in academia, when the hours sometimes can be very long, without seeming overly needy or sensitive?

[gennimom]

I don't know about the lymphedema, but my department acts like they don't think there is anything wrong with me. Yes, I know it isn't readily visible, but dang it, I haven't racked up all those medical bills for nothing. My supervisor looked surprised when I mentioned that I had evidence for all those absences.

It IS aggravating!

[msparticularity]

As we're always advising our students, I think WE really need to set up files in our Disabilities offices. It is definitely true that people tend to just ignore/overlook the "invisible" disabilities, but suffering in silence doesn't get us anything, either. Ladywithcats, do your colleagues and your chair actually get that this is not just about making you comfy--that lymphatic issues can lead to circulatory problems, which left unaddressed, can lead to infections, all kinds of damage, and amputation?

Of course, I've been lucky so far, since my schedule has worked well for my physical issues. Still, I'm thinking there will come a time when I'll have to actually ask for accommodations--and I'm kind of bracing myself for that moment, frankly. :)

[barred_owl]

Ladywithcats, can you get some literature from your physician or a hospital (or even download it from an online source) that can help you explain to your department chair and others about what lymphedema is and why you need to rest every so often?  Sometimes, having an impartial reference or source of information can help make your case and lend some authority to it.  The hospital at which I worked had a great lymphedema education program which was designed to educate cancer patients and their families (breast cancer patients who have had lymph nodes removed, for instance, often develop post-operative lymphedema in their arms)--perhaps you might find something similar to help others understand what you're experiencing and how you must deal with it.  Good luck to you!

[zuzu_]

Thankfully, this only happens to me when I'm pregnant.

I suggest you buy one of these to keep under your desk and keep your feet up.

If your department chair thinks you are being high maintenance regarding furniture, and you don't want to fight that battle, just buy your own office chair.  It will be well worth it.

If you have space in your office, I also recommend purchasing a very comfortable chair (perhaps a recliner) that you can relax in when you are not at your desk. (You can even buy one of these or these so that you can do work easily in the chair.) You can find something inexpensive if you shop around. I'm frugal, but I am wary about buying used upholstered items, but I've had great luck at "Scratch and dent" sections of furniture stores where you can just buy a brand new piece with a tear in it.