Marilyn Whittaker’s journey to Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center began with a recommendation from a friend at church, Barbara Lane. Marilyn 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,” Marilyn said. “I was using a walker and barely getting around. It was a real struggle.”
Marilyn’s surgeon had mentioned therapy options for lymphedema, but none were available locally at the time. As her condition worsened, Barbara took it upon herself to research therapy options and discovered that Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center offered the treatment Marilyn desperately needed. That is when Marilyn reached out to Julie Melton, an occupational therapist at Cookeville Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and is one of three certified lymphedema therapists.
“I was in bad shape, mentally and physically,” Marilyn said. “I was so depressed. I thought I would just have to live that way, and it would keep getting bigger.”
When Marilyn arrived at the center, Julie immediately evaluated her condition. The weight of the lymphedema was significantly affecting Marilyn’s mobility and daily life. She was educated regarding complete decongestive therapy, which is the gold standard for lymphedema treatment, which consists of a good skin care regiment, manual lymph drainage massage and compression garments.
With Julie’s guidance and several weeks of intensive therapy and introduction to a special pump, Marilyn saw dramatic improvements. The therapy sessions involved manual drainage massages and compression.
Marilyn’s husband also learned techniques to help her manage her condition at home while waiting for her pump to arrive, which took nearly four months. The pump now serves as a critical part of her ongoing care.
“The therapy completely turned my life around,” Marilyn shared. “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.”
Marilyn’s hard work and dedication, along with the support from Julie and Barbara, led to a remarkable transformation. She reported losing nearly 20 pounds of fluid in two weeks, allowing her to regain much of her independence.
“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.
Julie praised Marilyn’s commitment, saying, “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.”
Though Marilyn has seen incredible progress, she knows managing lymphedema is a lifelong commitment.
“This is my medicine,” Marilyn explained. “I couldn’t do it without the pump and the compression garments.”
She also emphasized the emotional toll of living with lymphedema, saying, “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.”
Marilyn remains deeply grateful to both Julie and Barbara 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, adding, “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.”
“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.