Any suggestions for a comfortable compression sleeve and glove for lymphedema?

KayNYC
KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I saw the PT on Friday. She says that my lymphedema is mild. She taught me to do the massage/drainage techniques, went over skin care, exercise restrictions and her recommenedatons for treatment. She recommended a lymphedema compression sleeve with glove during the day but not for sleep. She didn't think it was necessary to do the bandaging. She also suggested that I get a special LE bra. I spoke with the NPs that work in Radiology and in Medical Oncology. They agreed that the fitting is very important so that just going somewhere with someone who is inexperienced,doing the measuring would not be wise. Unfortunately, the "fitters" at the few surgical supply pharmacies( yes, even here in NYC) have limited availabilty. I was strongly recommended one particular fitter by my PT and will have to take off several hours of work this week for the fitting inaddtion to time-off for my one month post radiation follow-up visit on Monday. Looks like a busy week already...
I have been warned that if they do not have my size in stock, the compression sleeve may need to be custom made and ordered. I see the PT again on Friday. I am doing the massage daily and it appears to be decreasing the puffiness under my arm. Hoping I have some luck getting the sleeve and glove this week. I need it before I leave for vacation, to Florida on 7/23. Anyone have any recommendations for a particular brand or type of sleeve? Some of them look so uncomfortablem and must be hot to wear in the heat we are having here.
Hugs, K

Comments

  • faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy
    faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy Member Posts: 319 Member
    #2
    Interesting you should mention this...
    I had a fitting from a specialist in her store. I purchased a compression sleeve, 20-30mmHg a non-perscription strength, from her for what seemed like a lot of money to me.

    I came home and immediately Googled 'compression sleeve' and there are numerous sources available. I was ready with a brand, size, and strength for another (less expensive to me) second sleeve.

    If you are flying you will definitely need one, get your PT person to advise you as to the strength you'll need and the size. I like my Jobst. I would like to go for a colored one at some point, I'm not sure what brand they are.

    Best wishes and have a great trip.
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #3
    faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy said:

    Interesting you should mention this...
    I had a fitting from a specialist in her store. I purchased a compression sleeve, 20-30mmHg a non-perscription strength, from her for what seemed like a lot of money to me.

    I came home and immediately Googled 'compression sleeve' and there are numerous sources available. I was ready with a brand, size, and strength for another (less expensive to me) second sleeve.

    If you are flying you will definitely need one, get your PT person to advise you as to the strength you'll need and the size. I like my Jobst. I would like to go for a colored one at some point, I'm not sure what brand they are.

    Best wishes and have a great trip.

    Thanks Faith-trust=and
    She has recommended a 15-20 compression strength but after calling the surgical supply store, they said 20-30 was all they carried. I will see the fitter on Tueday so I will discuss this with her. My PE said that I could use the 20-30 if necesary. The NP in my Med Onc's office wrote the script for it and I will pick it up on Monday after my post Rad Onc, one month check -up. I plan to ask him for a script, as well for shopping online where it seems there are many more choices of styles, prices and colors. I want something in a patterned, pastel color and maybe in black when the weather gets cooler.
    Looking forward to vacation.
    Hugs, K
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #4
    KayNYC said:

    Thanks Faith-trust=and
    She has recommended a 15-20 compression strength but after calling the surgical supply store, they said 20-30 was all they carried. I will see the fitter on Tueday so I will discuss this with her. My PE said that I could use the 20-30 if necesary. The NP in my Med Onc's office wrote the script for it and I will pick it up on Monday after my post Rad Onc, one month check -up. I plan to ask him for a script, as well for shopping online where it seems there are many more choices of styles, prices and colors. I want something in a patterned, pastel color and maybe in black when the weather gets cooler.
    Looking forward to vacation.
    Hugs, K

    Kay
    fitter is a very important element. Usually pharmacies do not specialized in fitting. Try to go with the referenced fitter who was recommended by your PT. Different brand have specific sizes, so there variations between brads.
    Wishing you to get a right one.
    New Flower
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #5
    LYPHEDEMA
    Hello Kay, I have been wearing pressure sleeves for about 8 years. My favorite is made my JUZO and has little silicone bubbles at the top of the sleeve to keep in on comfortably. If you are interested you can click on my picture and it will take you to my page where in the expressions area on page13 i have posted a picture of a few of the sleeves I have worn. Also on page 25 and 26 are several pages of guidelines given to me by my oncologist which have proven to be quite helpful. I used to obtain my sleeves from an older lady who had done fittings for years, however once she retired I opted to buy them online. Below are a few sites you may find interesting. One sells the sleeves and gives detailed instruction on how to measure for the correct sleeve. It is also good just so you can browse and become more familiar with what is available. The second is a link to a good site for those who have lymphedema. Hope this is helpful.

    LYMPHEDEMA SLEEVES

    Lymphedema

    RE
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #6
    See a certified Lymphademologist
    I've been dealing with it since Jan and we still haven't gotten the right combination. Well - my night sleeve is good (there are different sleeves designed for day AND for night). Different principles as during the day you are using your arm - at night is basically stationary.

    I'm built a bit strange (especiaaly hands - big palm area but short FAT fingers that are partially 'webbed' LOL) so all of my sleeves and gloves have been custom.

    As I've been told the compression you need is not based on the amount but how your body reacts to the pressure exerted on it. My first sleeve and gloove (long story why he chose to go that way - will just say that he is certified but being VA I'm only the 2nd mast. patient he's seen). Put it on and spent 15 minutes on the exercise bike then left to get to rads. By the time I got to Rads (45 minutes away) hand and arm looked like a stuffed sausage - too much compression was making my body 'think' it was being attacked/injured so more fluid was sent there but it couldn't leave.

    There is so much and our bodies are each so unique a specialist is definately called for to get the right combinations.

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