Lymphedema Pt Specialist

RE

Heading to my first appointment with a certified lymphedema specialist to see if there is something they can do as my arm has been more painful and swollen than normal. I have had PT many times but this will be the first time it will be with a specialist. Will tell you how it goes when I get back.

RE

Rague

Glad you are going to a
Glad you are going to a certified Lymphedemologist - Certinly there are some PT's that know something but - the one's I've been around don't really know squat.

I have fairly severe issues and we've been working on getting the right day sleeves and gloves for over a year now - getting a lot closser though. There is a lot that can help but as so much - there is no one size fits all. For me - I have to use the lightest compression or it causes more swelling and have custom sleeves and gloves due to strange han (partialy 'webbed') and 'wonky' elbows. My night sleeve is good once we added an over sleeve for a little more compression on 'bad days' (Day and night garments work on different principles). You wi;l;l probably be wrapped amd taught how to wrap until theswelling can be gotten down as get good measurements for you garments. You will be taught Manual Drainage Massage (your souse too if they want to be involved).

IF needed there are MLD (Manual Lymphedemic Draiiage machines. There are differenct brands - mine is a FlexiTough and it's great. It runs for an hour a day and mimics the manual massage.

Good Luck - there is help!

Susan

missrenee

Rague said:

Glad you are going to a
Glad you are going to a certified Lymphedemologist - Certinly there are some PT's that know something but - the one's I've been around don't really know squat.

I have fairly severe issues and we've been working on getting the right day sleeves and gloves for over a year now - getting a lot closser though. There is a lot that can help but as so much - there is no one size fits all. For me - I have to use the lightest compression or it causes more swelling and have custom sleeves and gloves due to strange han (partialy 'webbed') and 'wonky' elbows. My night sleeve is good once we added an over sleeve for a little more compression on 'bad days' (Day and night garments work on different principles). You wi;l;l probably be wrapped amd taught how to wrap until theswelling can be gotten down as get good measurements for you garments. You will be taught Manual Drainage Massage (your souse too if they want to be involved).

IF needed there are MLD (Manual Lymphedemic Draiiage machines. There are differenct brands - mine is a FlexiTough and it's great. It runs for an hour a day and mimics the manual massage.

Good Luck - there is help!

Susan

Hi, RE--glad you are going to the specialist
I had to wait 6 months for my appointment because they are so full and so few therapists specialize in it (and I live in a big city-Phoenix). But, the wait was worth it. Like Susan, I was able to get a Flexi-Touch machine approved by my insurance (they cost upwards of $12,000) and that has helped. My therapist also used Kinesio tape which has been wonderful. She taught my husband to apply it and for me, it really works.

I hope you find excellent relief and that they find the best treatment for your particular case. Positive energy coming out to you!

Hugs, Renee

RE

Rague said:

Glad you are going to a
Glad you are going to a certified Lymphedemologist - Certinly there are some PT's that know something but - the one's I've been around don't really know squat.

I have fairly severe issues and we've been working on getting the right day sleeves and gloves for over a year now - getting a lot closser though. There is a lot that can help but as so much - there is no one size fits all. For me - I have to use the lightest compression or it causes more swelling and have custom sleeves and gloves due to strange han (partialy 'webbed') and 'wonky' elbows. My night sleeve is good once we added an over sleeve for a little more compression on 'bad days' (Day and night garments work on different principles). You wi;l;l probably be wrapped amd taught how to wrap until theswelling can be gotten down as get good measurements for you garments. You will be taught Manual Drainage Massage (your souse too if they want to be involved).

IF needed there are MLD (Manual Lymphedemic Draiiage machines. There are differenct brands - mine is a FlexiTough and it's great. It runs for an hour a day and mimics the manual massage.

Good Luck - there is help!

Susan

Thank you
Hi Susan thank you for the good information, I will look up that drainage machine. I have always gone to a normal PT but this I think will be better.

RE

RE

missrenee said:

Hi, RE--glad you are going to the specialist
I had to wait 6 months for my appointment because they are so full and so few therapists specialize in it (and I live in a big city-Phoenix). But, the wait was worth it. Like Susan, I was able to get a Flexi-Touch machine approved by my insurance (they cost upwards of $12,000) and that has helped. My therapist also used Kinesio tape which has been wonderful. She taught my husband to apply it and for me, it really works.

I hope you find excellent relief and that they find the best treatment for your particular case. Positive energy coming out to you!

Hugs, Renee

:-)
Never thought of using that type of tape, will see what she decides to do she really seemed very well versed in Lymphedema which I was pleased with. She wants to wrap my arm and hand for a week but will not be able to start this therapy till June 6 as she is going on vacation. She was very surprised at how weak my arm is and how swollen it is in the upper portion. For now we are in a holding pattern so I'll let you know sometime mid June if the wrapping helps, she is not sure it will since I have had the swelling for so long. Thank you all for your well wishes, it will all work out.

Hugs to all,

RE