Living & Struttin' with Lymphedema | Juzo USA
July 2020

Living & Struttin' with Lymphedema

Joi-Louise

Joi-Louise is a fashion designer with experience in fashion PR and marketing. Her fashion brand Joi-Louise The Label is for curvy and plus-sized women. She was born with Lymphedema and is partnering with Juzo to help raise awareness of lymphedema and compression, while motivating others facing struggles similar to hers. Watch Joi-Louise’s YouTube video and follow her on Instagram @joi_louise.

When and how did you learn you had Lymphedema?
My mother developed Lymphedema when she was pregnant with me, and I have grown up watching her battle this condition. As a child, I had an ankle that was bigger than the other, but no one diagnosed me with Lymphedema. Things got more serious when I turned 18. My shoes wouldn’t stay snapped around my right ankle. I was devastated and cried for a while. How was I going to be able to express myself if I couldn't dress the way I wanted? What was this condition, and why wasn’t it going away? Years later, my primary physician diagnosed me with Lymphedema.

I think I developed a fearless and unapologetic attitude from my mom when it came to this condition. My mother always took care of her nails and her eyebrows were always groomed. She would bandage her leg every night. Sometimes, I would help her roll the bandages. She never complained, or felt sorry for herself. She owned it! Before I discovered that there was a physical therapy option in my area, my mother taught me all I needed to know about this condition – including that it couldn’t change who I am. That helped me to hold onto my love of fashion and self-expression. I own this condition; it doesn't own me. I can either choose to cover it in baggy sweatpants, or throw sequins on and keep struttin.’

Why do you want to help advocate for those with Lymphedema?
I have felt self-conscious about my condition – like everyone was looking at me wondering what was wrong with my leg. I want people to know that there is nothing to be ashamed of. There is no fault in this condition. Whenever I feel down about my ankle, I keep reminding myself that I have both of my legs, and that I can walk. Looking at the bright side is all too necessary. That is not always easy, but it is rewarding once you have the hang of it. Gratitude is a huge part of how I live with this condition. Through my social media content and my love for fashion, I will show others like me why they are fiercely stunning.

What should people understand about Lymphedema?
I am often surprised by how many people know someone that has Lymphedema. Whenever I talk about it on my Insta Stories, people always say “I know someone that has that condition.” I want them to know that we are here and that they shouldn’t feel sorry for us, but should encourage us in any way they can. Had any of my peers in college or high school known what to say to me when I was going through this, I think I would have found my gratitude and confidence much sooner. My first day at therapy, there was a 16-year-old boy in the bed next to me that was a stage or two higher than me. I wanted to say to him “this won’t define you, you decide who you are.” However, we aren’t allowed to interrupt other sessions while in therapy, and I regret not saying something to him. Who knows what it would have meant? For those who have been recently diagnosed, there is a way to live with this condition, embrace it and choose to take care of yourself. Mind and body. We’re in this together!

How do you stay positive?
I play dress up! I love to get dressed and transform myself. I grew up on Disney, so becoming that princess is such a joy to me! I choose to do things that will put me in a place of positivity. I also enjoy creating content. Whether it’s posting on Instagram, uploading a video on Youtube, or more recently being super silly on Tik Tok, being creative is my positive world. It’s time to celebrate life and encourage others to do the same.

Follow @Juzocompression on Instagram and our Facebook feed to see how Joi-Louise and others “style” with compression. Sign up to receive the latest news from Juzo and our fans (along with other special perks like access to free webinars and giveaways).

Wilson Fox commented on Jul 15, 2022
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Joshua commented on Sep 28, 2020
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I was diagnosed with Lymphedema about 2 years ago. It started with a swollen right ankle, which I attributed to having injured it 3 times in 2 months. After a flight, my entire leg was swollen. I went to my primary care physician who prescribed diuretics. They didn’t work! I visited so many care centers for help most of the doctors I met said that the only way out of Lymphedema, is by amputate my legs for good none of this was a very good idea for me I came across a testimony about Dr kabaka how he cures diseases with herbal medicine so I contacted him for help he said there was a solution. Am glad to testify about my healing I recommend Dr kabaka herbal medicine to those people who still suffer from Lymphedema. Lymphedema has caused me to fully appreciate my life and my health. Contact him on his Email: drkabakasolutionhome@gmail.com WhatsApp or call +1 (862) 236-5801

Angie replied to Joshua on Oct 17, 2020

Joshua, any before and after pics. I've had lymphedema in my left leg since 1993. Interested in knowing more about herbal xment for lymphedema.

Sally commented on Sep 19, 2020
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I too have Lymphedema...thank you! ??

Carolyn La Brunda commented on Sep 08, 2020
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My mom had lymphedema and I have it too, finding wide enough comfo8shoes is a struggle.When I had a total knee replacement it made my lymphedema go crazy on my right leg and the excessive swelling never went down. That leg is pretty painful. So very glad you are bringing awareness to lymphedema!

Beauty In Me INC. commented on Aug 28, 2020
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Thank You so much for sharing your story. I’m also battling the same disease. I’m Also stating a nonprofit organization for the same, those fighting adversities and struggling with trauma. I would love to interview you once my Organization is started on one of my platforms. If you can email me your contact informations. Mines is beautynme19@gmail.com thank you so much for your time

Joycelyn Sharpe commented on Aug 26, 2020
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I have lymphedema and I'm glad you have this pg. Never heard of it b/4 so sign me up for more info. Thank you

Cheryl commented on Aug 20, 2020
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Thank you for sharing your lymphedema experience! There are so many people suffering in silence. I would love to find an expert lymphedema specialist who can treat primary lymphedema in legs. I love in Northern California, and the therapist are scarce and informed doctor's are more limited. I'm looking forward to learning from you.

CAROLYN commented on Aug 08, 2020
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I have it too....I LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE !! GOD BLESS YOU ! I HAVE ADOPTED A SIMILAR ONE. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH !!

Debbie Owens commented on Jul 30, 2020
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I also have Lymphadema in my legs. It is very hard to explain to people who don’t know about it! I have even been asked if it is contagious.

LadyLocs commented on Jul 28, 2020
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Thanks for sharing your story. I too have lymphedema and sometimes struggle with confidence and having to educate people ALL THE TIME! I look forward to reading/viewing more about your journey on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Thanks for your inspiration!

Carolyn LaBrunda commented on Jul 28, 2020
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So.glad to see this to give people more awareness of lymphedema, my.mother had it and I have it in my.legs.I never wear shorts, always leggings or long dresses because my legs look so.bad, and after I had a knee replacement the swelling in that leg got much worse and never went down.I.wanted a lymphedema pump but my insurance denied me.More needs to be done for lymphedema patients!

Pattie Cornute commented on Jul 09, 2020
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Beautiful! Love her positivity and message. Looking forward to learning more about her fashion line, too!

Loretta Peterson replied to Pattie Cornute on Aug 02, 2020

Thank you for sharing

 
 

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