​Lymphedema Management Patient Stories

Meet Charles

After years of living with lymphedema and seeing his primary care doctor, a vascular surgeon, and a specialist at the vascular lab, Charles was referred to UPMC Centers for Rehab Services (CRS) for physical therapy. Before beginning physical therapy, his legs and ankles were so swollen he was unable to find shoes that would fit. Charles appreciated how nice and friendly the entire CRS staff was and how his therapist was always positive and took the time to explain everything.

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Meet Terri

While going through treatment for breast cancer, Terri developed a common condition called Lymphedema, which is categorized by swelling in the arms, hands, chest, shoulders, fingers, or legs. Her swelling was in the left breast following extensive radiation. She chose CRS Monroeville because it was conveniently located near her home. Ms. Harris had a complicated and severe case, but the staff in Monroeville pulled out all the stops to help her achieve positive results in an effort to improve her condition.

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Meet Tim

Tim McAllister began having painful bouts of swelling in his right leg every few years since high school. After the birth of his first child, he began to struggle with his weight, which complicated the swelling even more.

“Until now, I thought it was something I just had to live with,” Tim said. His condition went undiagnosed for over 10 years, until Tim met with his primary care physician, Dr. Kevin Fritz, who believed it might be lymph related condition. Dr. Fritz suggested physical therapy for lymphedema at UPMC Centers for Rehab Services.

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