Dominique Rogers: Lymphoedema experiences as a man

Diagnosis of "primary lymphoedema" in men

As a teenager, he wanted to enjoy his youth, play basketball and soccer - then he was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema in his right leg. But Dominique Rogers (USA), now 32, refused to let it get him down. In this interview, he describes his impressions of his everyday therapeutic and professional life as a full-time firefighter and paramedic. For years, he has been inspiring other lymphoedema patients - including children - and demonstrates how he integrates the disease into his varied everyday life. His project "Process2Progress" at raises awareness of lymphoedema.  

Mr. Rogers, you have primary lymphoedema in your right leg. Can you please take us on your journey - from the first symptoms to the diagnosis?

"I've always been passionate about basketball. At the age of 15, in 2005, I twisted my ankle while playing. My right ankle swelled up immediately. Although I cooled it straight away, my entire right leg was swollen the next day. An infection was diagnosed at the children's hospital, which is why I was given antibiotics. They tested me for various illnesses until, after a week in hospital, I was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema. The doctors assumed that the lymphoedema was congenital (primary) and only broke out as a result of the injury. I had never heard of the condition before then."

How did you feel when you were diagnosed?

"I wanted to pick up right where I left off: my basketball and football training was on the agenda. I wanted to go out and play with my friends. When the doctors told me that I would have the disease for the rest of my life, it was very frustrating. I wasn't thinking about the future at that moment, I just wanted to be a teenager. But it was also a wake-up call that I had to take care of myself." 

Lymphoedema in everyday life: integrating therapeutic measures

The standard therapy for lymphoedema is complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT) with the five pillars of manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, skin care and self-management. Do you integrate all five components into your therapy?

"Everyone - right from the start. I wanted to be like all the other kids my age. I didn't want my lymphoedema to stop me or to be an excuse for not being able to do something. Sticking to the therapy and wearing medical compression, for example, was a necessity. Sport played an important role in my life then and now - I work out every day, for example at the gym, go jogging or generally get a lot of exercise. Taking care of my skin is also very important to me, which is why I regularly apply cream to it. Every six months, I have therapy sessions with my lymph therapist to decongest my skin: I start with manual lymphatic drainage. My leg is wrapped every day in the first week, four days in the following week and three days in the third week. On the remaining days, I wear my medical compression as usual. My leg is already visibly less swollen. I am then measured and receive my new compression garment." 

Like a second skin: mediven 550 leg withstands all challenges

You have been wearing mediven 550 Leg in compression class 4 for about a year. What do you particularly like about it?

"Right from the start, it felt different to my previous compression fittings - firmer. That suits my needs. I wear the compression garment all the time and it has to withstand a lot - in my job as a firefighter and paramedic or during sport. My conclusion: the mediven 550 leg withstands all my everyday challenges. I also particularly like the Levamed pads and anti-slip segments. Good support is essential, especially for my job."

You work as a firefighter and paramedic. How easy is it for you to integrate medical compression into your physically demanding job?

"I've been wearing medical compression for so many years, it's like a second skin to me. I know how to put on the compression stockings - and quickly. I also come into contact with lymphoedema in my job as a paramedic: when I see that patients are also affected, I can give tips straight away or at least convey the feeling that 'you're not alone'." 

You are wearing the mediven 550 leg from medi in the maintenance phase. Have your symptoms improved since you started wearing the medical compression stocking?

"Definitely, I notice that the mediven 550 leg keeps my lymphoedema very well in check - especially on my right ankle. My tissue also feels pleasantly softer. My well-being has generally improved thanks to the medical compression garment. I like the comfort and the look in equal measure: I was rather reserved when it came to colors in the beginning, but now I love all colors, for example shades of red or even green, which I like to integrate into my outfit. Because it's important to wear compression with confidence: it doesn't matter what others think of you. If you like it and it makes you feel strong, you can go through the day feeling positive!" 

You also wore the medical compression stocking mediven 550 Leg with lateral seam. What appeals to you in particular?

"The seam runs along the side of the outside of the leg and not on the back of the leg, which makes wearing the medical compression stocking much more comfortable. I am on the move all day, partly due to my job, so the lateral seam is a noticeable improvement. I often have to put on and take off my equipment and climb a lot of stairs for work - that's when I really notice the benefit of the lateral seam."  

"Bonus" circaid juxtafit: additional decongestion through adaptive medical compression

Do you wear other compression products from medi?

I wear circaid juxtafit from medi as an additional therapy component - as required, when I feel I still need to decongest something. I particularly like the fact that it's easy to use - and that it's quick, especially compared to wrap bandaging. I enjoy the benefits and at the same time I feel just as safe with circaid. Especially after a hard day as a firefighter, I like this additional compression option - it's like an added bonus and feels different to my daily compression care." 

Exercise is the key to lymphoedema - for men and women

Exercise is a therapy component of CDT. Sport has always played a major role in your life. How do you incorporate it into your everyday life?

"I like to do a lot of sport. At the gym, for example, I work out on the Stairmaster, a machine that imitates stairs. I also jog or just walk, because: Movement is the key. It can be incorporated anywhere in everyday life: Even brisk walking can help to stimulate lymph transport. You can start with small steps and then steadily increase." 

What advice would you give to lymphoedema patients who have just been diagnosed?

"The key is to keep at it consistently. It can be a long road, so it's important to take it one step at a time. Be confident in what you do and take care of your health and your lymphoedema! There are bad days and good days, but you should always reassure yourself that the good outweighs the bad." 

You founded the "Process2Progress" website in 2020. What was your intention?

"I wanted to raise awareness of lymphoedema, but also to inspire others on how to deal with the condition. You can pursue your dreams even with lymphoedema. I want to set a positive example and motivate and inspire others. It is an ongoing and sometimes challenging process to lead an active life and be at one with yourself and the therapy. But if you consciously take the time and always try to do your best, you can do it and be proud of your own development!" 

You founded the "Process2Progress" website in 2020. What was your intention?

"I wanted to raise awareness of lymphoedema, but also to inspire others on how to deal with the condition. You can pursue your dreams even with lymphoedema. I want to set a positive example and motivate and inspire others. It is an ongoing and sometimes challenging process to lead an active life and be at one with yourself and the therapy. But if you consciously take the time and always try to do your best, you can do it and be proud of your own development!" 

Role model as a man for young lymphoedema patients

You also support Camp Watchme as a volunteer. What would you like to pass on to the kids with lymphoedema as they continue their journey through life?

"At the annual Camp Watchme in the Rocky Mountains, children with lymphoedema and their families receive financial and emotional support. I hike or climb with the kids and just spend a lot of time with them. It's wonderful to see that they can just be kids there and feel free! I see myself as a positive role model for the kids and want to inspire and motivate them by telling them about my journey and showing them what can be achieved with the disease. They feel understood by me because I was already affected as a child and am now mastering my life with lymphoedema as an adult. This should encourage them to go their own way with confidence! I want to show the kids at the camp and all adults affected by Process2Progress: You can do anything you want - even with lymphoedema!" 

Model as a man despite lymphoedema

Where do you get this positive energy from?

"Mainly from my mom. She developed lymphoedema after breast cancer. We motivated each other to wear our compression garments or go to our physio appointments - we were a strong team. Unfortunately, my mother died of cancer. I now see it as my duty to continue fighting for her and to follow my treatment conscientiously. My mom always told me and my siblings that we have to be confident - she is the reason why I am so strong today and why I want to pass on this positive energy to all lymphoedema patients young and old!"