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Swollen, Bloated and Puffy .. by Kathleen Lisson CMT, CLT Book Review

As of this writing, I’m in flight crossing the Eastern United States towards Orlando, Florida for the 2017 National Lymphedema Network International Conference. My companion on my flight is Kathleen Lisson and her phenomenal book “Swollen, Bloated and Puffy – A Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist’s Guide to Reducing Swelling in the Face and Body.”

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No, Kathleen was not physically with me (I wish), but I have heard her podcast of the same name that’s available on Apple iTunes.  As I read her book, I could picture Kathleen’s voice reading the words off the pages.

First of all, Kathleen speaks to you directly from personal experience. In the first chapter, she sets the tone for the rest of book with a riveting account of an event that impacted her and why she has chosen her current line of work.  This book is not super long yet powerfully loaded with lymphedema tips.  It’s a practical survivor’s guide to anyone who is new to swelling in various forms.

Going forward, this booklet will be my go-to recommendation to any woman new to swelling who asks for an all encompassing helpful guide with tips for managing edema and post surgical swelling.  While men do have lymphedema (my father did) too, this book is more geared towards the female audience, though the tips would apply to anyone.

Here’s why.

  1. It’s relatable. I have several hand-written smiley faces and LOL quotes in the margins of this book. Kathleen doles it out with wit and humor.  She kept me interested and chuckling throughout my flight.  That’s not easy to do with lymphedema in the air.
  2. It’s practical. There’s something for everyone in this book. Most of the tips do not cost much money.  She covers everything from dry brushing to essential oils.
  3. It’s real.  This book contains a lot of advice we already discuss on a weekly basis in the Official Lymphie Strong Inspiration Group. Kathleen takes it one step further by citing important references, interviews, and other materials which solidify the idea that there are more ways to manage swelling than one might think.  We are definitely not alone.

What I really love about the author, Kathleen Lisson, is that she has continued the awareness through the use of her podcast and online social media presence.  Find her on Apple iTunes, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – Tags Podcast Do you have health care mentorSwollen, Bloated and Puffy, Kathleen Lisson, or kathleenlisson.  You won’t be disappointed!

Wishing you awesome lymphatic health,

Lymphie Strong

8 comments

  1. Do any of these books information for people that have swollen areas that are in the mid area of your body. I have a swollen area underneath my left breast above my rib cage we’re right on my rib cage and some underneath my left arm. Have a lot of pains and problems with that side for about 4 years now. Occurred after breast cancer surgery and treatments.just wanted to see if any of these books to show you or Target that area or give you information about what might help with that situation. Still have yet to find a doctor that has seen this in my area.

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