Hi LauraLynn
What you might think about doing is to see if you can get in to see a certified lymphedema therapist s soon as possible. Explain to them your insurance situation and ask them what can be done
now while you are still covered. That way, you can start planning. Also, many states now have special risk health insurance funds, so you may also want to check on that.
You can also start learning now how to do the self lymphatic massage. The basic steps would be to start (very important) with what is called "clearing or stimulaating" the lymph nodes.
These pages gives an illustrated guide for that:
Lymphnode Stimulation Front and Back Illustratedhttp://lymphedemaville.wordpress.com/20 ... lustrated/Lymphnode Stimulation Front and Back Illustratedhttp://lymphedemaville.wordpress.com/20 ... lustrated/BTW, it is critical that the nodes in the abdomen be cleared before starting a lymphatic massage on the legs.
After you have completed this, then you can go on to the actual massage:
These pages give illustrations and information specifically for the legs:
Manual Lymph Drainage Leg Illustrated Patternshttp://lymphedemaville.wordpress.com/20 ... -patterns/Manual Lymph Drainage Thigh Illustratedhttp://lymphedemaville.wordpress.com/20 ... lustrated/The following is our main info page for leg lymphedema:
http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/do ... lymphedemaScrolling down through the page, you will see
Treatment of Leg Lymphedemahttp://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/do ... lymphedemaSelf Leg Massagehttp://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/do ... eg_massageSelf Manual Lymph Drainage for the Lower Extremityhttp://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/do ... _extremityThis is a great little section for wrapping (compression - short stretch bandages only):
Tips on Wrapping a Lymphedema Leghttp://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/do ... hedema_legThere are other sections with important info that you'll want to study too. Topics inclue foot care, exercises and much more.
Whew...I know this is a lot to go through, but it is something you will really want to not only learn, but apply daily in you personal management of lymphedema. There are also many links - should you want to study more

.
LauraLynn, a lot of what you worry about, things such as acceptance, having people look at you as if you are weird, etc. really is not unlike what a teen goes through that doesn't have lymphedema. My daughter is a perfect example of this. So, in that sense you are going through normal feelings. This is also true of "comparing" ourselves to others. Good Lord, how many of us have done this/do this or struggle with this. It just seems to be a natural part of our psyche.
I admit, having been through it myself, that it is more difficult with lymphedema. But remember, lymphedema is only a minor part of who you are and it certainly does not define any of us that have it. You define who you are by your inwards values and how you express them in your day to day interaction with others. You also define who you are through such things as creativity, showing compassion and care for others, being willing to help others (to go beyond yourself) and other similar actions.
Let these attributes come through and I guarantee they will attract the right kind of friends to you. How you project yourself plays a super big role in either attracting or chasing away people.
There are leg makeups that are used to cover up skin problems, and I should imagine one of these might help with your spider veins.
I found some pages you may want to look at:
The Best Thing To Cover Up Spider Veins
Hiding spider and varicose veins, marks and scarshttp://www.skinenergizer.com/Best-Thing ... s/9318.htmHow to Cover Up Scars, Spider Veins or Varicose Veinshttp://beauty.about.com/od/beautybyaget ... rveins.htmColoration - Skin cover up producthttp://www.colortration.com/This page, while written for vitiligo, has some interesting ideas and suggestions on this:
Cosmetic Camouflage in Vitiligohttp://dermatological-treatments.suite1 ... n_vitiligoI do hope this can be of help. Don't hesitate for even a second to post any questions you might have while reading all these pages.
My very best to you
Pat