Pictured above – Marilyn Whittaker and Julie Melton, occupational therapist
The weight of Lymphedema significantly affected Whittaker’s daily life
Marilyn Whittaker’s journey to Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center began with a recommendation from a friend at church, Barbara Lane. Whittaker had been struggling with severe lymphedema on her right side of her abdomen, which had grown so large it even extended onto her back, making walking an incredible challenge.
“I was really leaned over and just couldn’t walk well,” Whittaker recalls. “I was using a walker and barely getting around. It was a real struggle.”
Whittaker’s surgeon had mentioned therapy options for lymphedema, but none were available locally at the time. As her condition worsened, Lane took it upon herself to research therapy options and discovered that Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center offered the treatment Whittaker desperately needed.
That is when Whittaker reached out to Julie Melton, an occupational therapist at Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, and is one of the top three certified lymphedema therapists at CRMC.
“I was in bad shape, mentally and physically,” Whittaker said. “I was so depressed. I thought I would just have to live that way, and it would keep getting bigger.”
When Whittaker arrived at the center, Melton immediately evaluated her condition. The weight of the lymphedema was significantly affecting Whittaker’s mobility and daily life. She was told of complete decongestive therapy (CDT), the Gold Standard for Lymphedema treatment.
CDT consists of a good skin care regimen, manual lymph drainage massage and compression garments.
After several weeks of intensive therapy and introduction to a special pump, Whittaker saw dramatic improvements. The therapy sessions involved manual drainage massages and compression. Her husband also learned techniques to help her manage her condition at home while waiting for her pump to arrive, which took nearly four months, according to CRMC.
The pump now serves as a critical part of her ongoing care.
“The therapy completely turned my life around,” Whittaker said. “I went from using a walker to being able to walk on my own two feet. I even drove myself here today, whereas before, my husband had to bring me to therapy.”
Whittaker’s hard work and dedication, along with the support from Melton and Lane, led to a remarkable transformation.
“She reports losing nearly 20 pounds of fluid in just two weeks, allowing her to regain much of her independence,” according to CRMC.
She still must pace herself with daily activities, but she no longer feels trapped by her condition.
“I can’t work a job, but I do what I can at home. I have to take breaks, but at least now, I can move around on my own,” she said.
Melton praised Whittaker’s commitment.
“She was eager, highly motivated, and demonstrated good follow through with her lymphedema management program. That’s why she’s had such a successful outcome. She learned how to do complete decongestive therapy on her own, and that has given her her life back,” said Melton.
Whittaker has seen incredible progress, and she knows managing lymphedema is a lifelong commitment.
“She continues to use compression garments and her pump daily, similar to how others might take medication to manage chronic conditions,” according to CRMC.
Whittaker says she understands the medicine.
“This is my medicine,” Whittaker explained. “I couldn’t do it without the pump and the compression garments.”
She also emphasized the emotional toll of living with lymphedema.
“People don’t realize how much this condition affects your self-confidence and mental health. Your clothes don’t fit right, and you just don’t look normal. It’s very emotionally draining,” said Whittaker.
Whittaker remains deeply grateful to both Melton and Lane for their roles in her recovery.
“If it hadn’t been for God, Barbara and Julie, I would still be in the same shape or worse. They changed my life.”
Julie agreed.
“Support makes a big difference. Marilyn’s husband played an important role in helping her at home, too. It’s easier when you have that kind of encouragement,” she said.
Whittaker wants people to know.
“I just wish I had known about this sooner,” Marilyn said. “It’s the best-kept secret, but it shouldn’t be. People need to know this treatment is available.”
For more information, visit www.crmchealth.org or call (931) 783-2900.
Photo courtesy of CRMC.
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