We’re thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with Leslie Corbell, a remarkable woman whose journey with lymphedema has ignited her passion for maintaining an active lifestyle. Leslie, a dedicated swimmer and co-host of the podcast The Mind of a Child, is a long time member of the Elastique Community. In this blog post, we delve into Leslie's story and discover how our compression garments have transformed her life.
Leslie, can you start by sharing a bit about your background and what led you to discover Elastique’s compression garments?
I'm Leslie Dudley Corbell, and at 61 years old, I’ve always embraced an active lifestyle. From my days as a competitive triathlete and ultra-marathoner to my current routine, staying active has been central to my life. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with lymphedema in my left leg at age 30. Despite this challenge, I continued to focus on what I could do and sought effective ways to manage my condition.
Navigating life with lymphedema
How did lymphedema impact your life, and what strategies did you use to stay active?
Managing lymphedema was certainly challenging, particularly given the limited options available at the time. I explored various treatments, from pumps to compression stockings, and found that staying active was crucial. I’ve always focused on what I can do rather than what I can’t. Although I no longer compete in triathlons, I swim daily and engage in strength training, which keeps me healthy and mentally clear.
Discovering Elastique
How did you hear about us, and what drew you to our products?
During the pandemic, I stumbled upon Elastique Athletics through Instagram. The ads highlighting lymphatic support caught my eye, and I was intrigued by the concept. I began using Elastique’s leggings during my strength training classes and immediately appreciated the benefits. I absolutely love the MicroPerle beads in the leggings. They provide gentle stimulation for my lymphatic system, while the gradient compression helps keep fluids moving, making a noticeable difference in my comfort and performance.
They’re my go-to compression garments as they offer gentle stimulation that enhances lymphatic function, especially when worn at night. The gradient compression in the leggings supports my muscles during workouts and prevents fluid from settling in my legs. Besides being effective, I find them to be quite flattering, which is an added bonus!
The importance of movement
If you could choose just one self-care practice to follow for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Movement is my go-to self-care practice. It’s how I think, rest, and recharge. Whether I’m swimming or engaging in other forms of exercise, movement helps clear my mind and keeps me grounded. It’s a fundamental part of how I manage my lymphedema and maintain my overall well-being.
Advice for others facing similar challenges
What message would you like to share with others who might be struggling with similar challenges?
My advice is to concentrate on what you can do and seek solutions that help you maintain an active lifestyle. Even with a diagnosis like lymphedema, there are ways to adapt and thrive. Compression garments like what the team at Elastique Athletics develops, combined with staying active, can significantly improve your health and quality of life.
Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights with us. Your dedication to staying active and finding effective solutions for managing lymphedema is truly motivating. We are committed to supporting your wellness journey with products designed to improve your health and comfort.
Explore our range of innovative compression garments and wellness solutions on our website.
