Hoffy's World

A Message To My Friends

I wanted to take a few minutes and recognize friends who have been trying to connect with me here lately. Please don’t take my lack of response personally. I’m not mad at you, or not wanting to see you.

I have been on a very dark rollercoaster ride, and recently I decided it was time to climb out and find the light. I have been doing a lot of inward focusing lately trying to get myself back on…

As I mentioned a few months ago, I was to be featured in an article promoting the new Lymphedema Treatment Program at the University of Maryland’s Upper Chesapeake Medical Center In Bel Air, Maryland. Eagerly awaiting its release I am proud to share it with you here on Hoffy’s World.  More information about the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and/or the Lymphedema Program…

It’s not hard to tell that I have been struggling lately.  Sorting through a combination of medical ailments, and a raging case of depression had me in a slump I just could not dig out of.  Fortunately, I seem to be feeling a little better overall.  I have had to adjust my perspectives on things a bit and come to some hard choices and realizations.  The first realization is I have been trying to…

The Big Stall – The Year End Retrospective

It occurred to me yesterday during an annual holiday visit from my Aunt and Uncle that I have not posted in darn near a month.  I have had no concept of this extended time lapse with this stall.  There has been many unexpected roadblocks and detours through November.  A family medical crisis, and the occasional drag-down fatigue and sleep disruption I contend with as a result of my own ailments…

The Guaifenesin study has pretty much fizzled out.  Up to a few week ago I had not seen any noticeable effect.  This should not discount the validity of the claim though.  I have had lymphedema for a very long time, so I was not expecting amazing results.  Someone who is fresh to the disease, or nowhere near as advanced as I am might find adequate results from this therapy.  The parameters were…

Guaifenesin & Lymphedema – A Self Study – Part 1

Lately, I have been spending a good bit of time paying attention to Lymphedema discussion groups on Facebook on a variety of topics.  One recent topic that has taken my interest is the use of the medication Guaifenesin as a means of relief and treatment for Lymphedema. A patent filed on Jun 25, 2001, by Samuel K. Yue, MD. identifies Lymphedema as: Lymphedema or “high protein edema” is a…

Choices, Right or Wrong – Life in Retrospect

I find myself doing a lot of back thinking on my past choices here lately.  Wondering deeply where I would be if I had just taken a chance, or did the wrong thing for a change.  “The Wrong Thing” now there is an interesting concept.  I never thought I would ever find myself in the position of realizing that the right things were actually the wrong in the long run. I’ve learned a lot of insight on…

All Tracks Halted – Why My Model Rail Hobby Has Stalled

Ever since I was little, trains have always been in my life.  My Grand Father loved his trains, and though he only brought them out for Christmas I always looked forward to them.  My Parents and I would also go on day trips in the summer which frequently passed through Strasburg & Reading Pennsylvania, and the many museums and attractions built around railroading.  I even spent many a cold…

My Journey of Embracing The Values I Left Behind

Photo By: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bs0u10e0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ I’ve made a lot of concessions and compromises in my values over the years.  Recently, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my life in the grand scheme of things.  I find myself wondering about, Where would I be if I had continued my original course?  Where would I be if I had listened more to…

Pain – The Common Question About Lymphedema

Cover Photo By: CC BY-SA 3.0 Nick Youngson http://nyphotographic.com/ This article is a from the blog column Living With Lymphedema written by Steve “Hoffy” Hofmeister The most common question I receive about my Lymphedema or “Milroy’s Disease” is Does It Hurt?  I commonly answer no, as definitions vary on the perception of pain.  Now, my view is not inclusive of all Lymphedema sufferers.  The…

Open Writing – My New Therapy of Self Peace

It should be pretty apparent that I have seriously started writing again regularly.  I originally set out to write multiple posts a day but found myself exhausting to develop topics.  Instead, I have now decided to at least write one post in my General Blog Column every day.  I decided that the topic needs to come from my heart and mind at the time and not be premeditated.  The reason behind this…

Why I’m Not a Perfect Person and Satisfied With It

I’m not a perfect person.  Frankly, anyone who thinks they are has to be flawed in some aspect just to even believe it themselves.  I’ve trudged through this life so far believing that hard work, playing by the rules, and earning money would bring happiness.  I have since learned that there is absolutely nothing wrong with hard work as long as you find enjoyment in doing it.  That playing by the…

Explaining Lymphedema To A Child (or anyone)

Explaining Lymphedema To A Child (or anyone) You hear about the Immune System and how it keeps you well and fighting illness.  But a lot of people do not understand the connection it has with the Lymphatic System.  I have developed this child-friendly explanation over the years on how the Immune System and Lymphatic System work together as well as the disease Lymphedema. Having grown up with this…