Flexitouch system?

CherylG711

Hi Katiejane,

I use a Lympha Press Optimal, which seems to work well.  Here is a link to the their website:  http://www.lympha-press.com/.  Others in my local support group were using a Flexitouch but have switched over to the Lympha Press Optimal with good results. 

Before getting into my jacket, I do a quick node clearing to get things moving.  With the Lympha Press Optimal you have several settings available: Pre-Therapy & Sequential, Sequential, Pre-Therapy & Peristaltic and Peristaltic.  I usually select Pre-Therapy (goes about 8 minutes) & Peristaltic (runs the rest of the time), then 20 minutes of just Sequential.  You are able to select the pressure and treatment time, which is nice especially if having a "swell" day.  My typical treatment time is 40 minutes total.  When we go dirt bike riding or anything strenuous on my arm, I will bump up the time to 60 + minutes.

One of the down sides to the Lympha Press Optimal for me is the fit of the jacket in my under arm and clavicle area.  I am very thin and have the jacket cinched in as tight as it will go but still don't get exactly what I need in the two areas.  For those that are a normal body size, I wouldn't see an issue with the jacket/sleeve fit.

Just thought I'd pass along my two cents.

Cheryl

Binney4

Katiejane, thanks for the update! That was a lot to lug along on your trip, and I'm really sorry it hasn't proven effective for you. On the other hand, it's great that you've learned self-MLD -- and it's entirely portable, too!

Cheryl, is your lymphapress their new version? Sounds like it, since it has the pre-therapy section. Is there a limit to the pressure adjustment that's set specifically for you? I've been interested in hearing how their new devise works, so appreciate you posting about it.

Be well,
Binney

Katiejane

  Cheryl,    Your pump seems to have alot of options that the flexi doesn't.  I really feel the problem is with the garments not the pump itself.  I'm of the small sizes so in order to get a snug enough fit to move the fluid I really have to cinch the garments which result in wrinkles, folds, and uncovered areas.  Sometimes I'm afraid I'm doing more damage than good. My problem areas are the same as yours, under my arms and the clavicle areas. Nothing beats the good old MLD!!  If these company's would have options on there sizing and make 1 piece garments I think it would eliminate alot of problems. There ya go--my 2 cents!      Katiejane

CherylG711

Hi Binney,

Yes, I do have the new version of the Lympha Press.  I am able to adjust pressure along with changing the settings (the gradient settings are dummy proof).  The unit has a password you enter to make changes, which my LE therapist encourages.  She says "play" around with it and find what works for me and that is exactly what I do.

Hi Katiejane,

My LE therapist suggested using one of those buckwheat pillows (you know, the one shaped like a horseshoe) to help with the clavicle area.  I just haven't bought the buckwheat thing yet.  I occasionally wear my Jovi night sleeve (aka "the oven mitt") while using the pump and it seems to work well.  The Jovi makes my arm more round versus oval, which I understand has to do with even compression. 

Cheryl

solutions

I supply patients with the Lympha Press products, Lympha Press offers many quality products and we can provide many different solutions. Lympha Press products are used by many patients with Lymphadema or Venus Insufficiencies. If I can answer any questions regarding their operation, different types of products, price or any questions at all, Please feel free to email me at msl7567@yahoo.com

Thank You

Mark

Binney4

Mark, I wonder if you read the site rules when you registered here? Advertising is not allowed and certainly not appreciated. Our forum here is for lymphers to offer one another support. If we want to contact Lymphapress for information we're all quite capable of doing so. Please be kind enough to remove your post.

Thanks for understanding,
Binney

footprintsangel

Hi Friends, I got a letter in the mail that Flexitouch is not covered and

they are billing it again, But I will end up sending back, Like the bill for the

last lymphedema outfit, Still getting billed. God bless you all in your fight.

We must stay strong, My white and red count are down so its hard.

Take care, Debbie

enjoylife

I use my machine every day it makes me too relaxed so I dont plan to do much after it ha But I have found Wrapping my arm every night helps reshape it alot and I do it just like we brush our teeth I have to say and I think Binney is knowledgeable on this it really helps with the swelling and shaping I still swell, watch your salt intake also if I want chineese I can eat it but the next day look out arm...

footprintsangel

Binney, I got a call from Flexitouch and they are helping me, We are taking

Medicare to court and I just have to talk to him on the phone. What kind of

socks are as good as wrapping, My legs are hard to wrap myself when they get

really bad. Thanks Debbie

Binney4

Hi, Debbie,

Hooray! That's just what those Flexitouch folks should be doing! Let's pray that they'll win this one.

Some companies that make garments that work like leg wraps and are easy to put on are Farrow Wrap, Solaris, Telesto-Medtech, and JoviPak. Why not try calling Telesto-Medtech and ask to talk to Don Kellogg. Tell him what you need and what's happening with you, and that your financial situation is tight, and ask him what he can do for you. He's a good guy -- probably he'll have some ideas about how to help you. Their number is 1-831-621-8011.

I'll be praying you'll make good contacts who will help you get what you need.

Big old hugs!
Binney

footprintsangel

Thank you Binney, I hope this works, Its alot of money to wrap your whole

body and hard too. I hope  to get the swelling down and keep it down.

I might be changing cancer Dr too, But one step at a time, Its 85degrees

here and doesnt help me. Thanks again, God loves you and so do I, Hugs,

Debbie

dreamwriter

I have the Mini which is what the hospitals use.  It was $5000 CDN.  Can you believe it.  And 80% covered by my insurance... still left a hefty bill. And it is under the bed, unused... Perhaps I should give it another try..... !

footprintsangel

Yes, Dreamwriter, I would enjoy it, It also help me sleep better.

take care, Debbie

footprintsangel

Hi Friends, I am wanting to know how is the easiest and less hottest way

to wrap on days its in the 90degree, It makes my underarm swell alot worse.

Thank for your help, Debbie PS having hot flashes too.

Binney4

Aaaugh! Summer! It's hard, isn't it Debbie? I used one of those small desk fans on my desk until we got an overhead fan. I can't spend much time outside this time of year either, and try to get my exercise done in the early morning, when it's cooler. You might check with your therapist to make sure you're not wrapping the upper arm too tight -- that causes me underarm problems. Weather changes affect my LE too, and we've had a lot of that lately here, so I've been wrapping the last few days too.

Hope others come along soon with their "cool"summer  ideas!

Hugs!
Binney

LindaLou53

Bump for mymojo.

Annie2012

I know these posts are old on the flexitouch, but I was wondering how everyone was doing on it years down the road? I have one since this past August 2014. I feel it does no good after using it almost daily for 10 months. One hour per day and no results is very discouraging! I measure before and after, some measurements are actually slightly higher. I am wrapping at night and using compression garments during the day. Also seeing a PT, which I have been to 3 of them already. My lymphedema is very stubborn and my worst area is my forearm. I can get my hand and wrist under control easily. Every other area is really tough to bring down. Do you use compression garments under the flexitouch sleeve? My PT said not to. Any other suggestions would be great! Thanks so much and God Bless!

SusanSnowFlake

I'm not happy with my Flexitouch.  I got it in December.

1. I can't get it fitted properly. I've had someone at my house twice to deal with it and still to tight at the top of my arm. the first time I used it my arm went numb and stayed that way for hours because it was to tight. So my LEPT attempted to adjust it yesterday.  It may work but I'm dreading it so much I didn't do it today and I won't tomorrow.  I don't want to use it.

2. I cry every time I put it on. It's exhausting getting it on and laying on my back is painful. I have to remember to pee than put the thing on and then I have to jump to get onto my bed , I have to get two pillows so that my arm is raised, the phone, a bottle of water, the stupid remotes for the TV , which fall off when I jump on the bed and then I'm back off the bed retrieving them, then fighting with my cat because she thinks this all fun and games. Then I'm trying to connect the hoses with one hand because the other one is useless in the garment. 20 minutes later, by the time I get all set up I have to pee again, because when I think I wont be able to pee for an hour it's all I can think about.  Reading is impossible while laying on my back, I hit myself in the face twice with my Kindle.

3. I feel restrained.  10 minutes in I'm sure it's been an hour and I'm losing it. At least half of the times I've used it I've turned it off early because I was having a panic attack.  I am not prone to panic attacks unless stuck on a bouncy bridge or an unmoving elevator.  Everytime I've used it I accomplish nothing the entire day, because I'm drained.  I did once use it when I was completely exhausted and I nodded off a few times it wasn't so bad that time.

4. I feel like a freak.  Nothing else makes me feel that way, the sleeve, glove, MLD none of it bothers me like this does.  It was suggested that I have help dealing with it but I don't want anyone looking at me while I'm doing this. It looks like a device from the 50's.  I can't believe this can not be made in a light weight stretch fabric, or the same fabric as a parachute.  I don't understand why it has to be so difficult to connect the hoses.

5. I don't want strangers in my house.  But that is the only way this stupid thing gets fitted. I know it's going to have to happen again.  Someone called me Monday from Flexitouch to let me know they would be in the area and My LEPT had told the rep that I was having issues. But I don't want them here.

6. When I dedicated myself to using it everyday I stopped doing MLD.  But, it didn't  work well on the worst part of my problem which is my breast LE.  After a few weeks I had to go back to the LEPT because I had a lot of swelling and discomfort. So then I was doing the pump and MLD, seemed a lot easier and less time consuming to do the MLD.   

There are people that the Flexitouch  isn't right for and I'm one of them, I don't sit still.  I've read what other woman have written about how relaxing it is, wish it was relaxing for me but I don't really like television, when I'm on the phone I usually walk around and I don't just listen to music I dance to it.  I know that when my LE gets out of hand I'll be glad I have it, that is if I can get it to fit properly.

.

 

 

Kicks

I love my FlexiTouch - have had it for going on 5 yrs and use it daily. Basically I use it daily (occasionally time/things will prevent using it for a day or 2 but very seldom.). Do not use day garments under it. I wear my day garments daily while up and my night garment at night. Works great for me.

They are not hard to adjust the fit - just moving the Velcro. I adjust mine all the time as it's easier to loosen to put on and take off and then snug down for running it. Hooking the hoses up is not a problem at all - just don't unhook them. The only times I ever unhook the hoses is when I pack it for travel or when garment sections have to be replaced.

I never lay on my back to run it - I either sit up in front of the 'puter or laying on my non-LE side on couch in front of the TV reading or playing games on my tablet.

No one from FlexiTouch has ever come to my house. Mine was delivered to me at my LET guy's office. (He's an OT not a PT.). I was the first one be had ever ordered a FlexiTouch for so it made sense to have it delivered where he could learn more about it and be able to help me if a problem arose. The first time I got a new sleeve section (it 'blew out' between 2 sections), I did go to my LET guy for help but not since when sections need to be replaced.

In the yrs I've been using it - have not done MLD. The FlexiTouch does a much better job than I can. Well - when we are camping where there is no electricity to run it I do MLD but only then.

If the FlexiTouch is not allowed to run the entire cycle/program - it can't do what it is designed to do. They do have some extra Velcro tabs that can be used to get a better fit with the chest garment sections. I have some and need them for a good fit over shoulders.

SusanSnowFlake

@ kicks, we have had very different experiences. 

I was told, by the Flexitouch rep, that for the pump to do any good I had to lay on my back with arm elevated at a continual decline from fingers to shoulder, now I'm a little pi$$ed. If I could sit and draw for an hour I wouldn't even notice the thing was on.  I will call about that, it's absurd to use something to help my LE that causes my back problems to flair up.

I don't know how you get it on while the hoses are attached I've tried that a few times and just got tangled in them, that may just be practice, but I almost pulled the machine off of the table when I jumped onto the bed.  

I do have an extra piece for the breast but it wasn't positioned to actually cover my breast and that's after two visits from the rep to get it right. It is now positioned so that it can actually work the right area but I'm not going to try it until I have a day free to take a valium so that I can lay still for an hour.  And, those extra Velcro pieces? I was told they were for holding the tubes together when I put it away, I had no idea I could use them to get the shoulder to actual touch my shoulder I've wiggled around and done just about every thing I could think of to get some contact with my shoulder and haven't succeeded.

It sounds like I would have done better without the rep. 

All of this still doesn't fix the part of not being to free to move around.  That's a tough one for me, that feeling of being restrained.  Maybe sitting up will fix that too.

vlnrph

Had not seen this thread prior to my asking for a FlexiTouch in 2013. The in home demonstration with arm measurements before and after was helpful for getting insurance approval, after which they refused to pay! Filing a complaint with our state government oversight board resulted in full compensation although it took several months.

Using mine most days each week, in the evening, I leave the hoses hooked up. The machine sits on an end table near my feet when I lay on the couch. Over time, the Velcro has become less effective but I'm not sure that's enough of a reason to replace the garments...

Annie2012

Kicks, good to know you do not do the manual massage, just let the flexitouch do it's work. My PT told me I can clear my neck for 2 minutes before I start the flexitouch, otherwise I do not have to do the MLD. That is good, because I never was very good at doing it anyway. How long did you wrap at night before you stopped and went to night garments? I am still playing around with light and medium compression. The light doesn't do much of anything, and the higher seems to aggravate it and make it worse in the forearm, but better in the elbow and higher arm.

SusanSnowFlake

I tried it my flexitouch again, after my LEPT tried to fit it properly, only made it 42 minutes, I know it's not effective if I stop early.   So now I need to do MLD because the thing didn't even touch my problem areas, upper arm, front of my shoulder, upper chest near the arm pit and side of my breast. there are no chambers for the side of the breast and to get any chamber to have an effect on the other areas it ends up being to tight where the two pieces connect, even trying to use the extra Velcro pieces I couldn't get the shoulder to make contact with my shoulder.  but it was great for my lower arm, my ass and upper leg where I have no need for it.  My tummy area doesn't work becuase my hip bones stick up to far and keep it from contact, I think the lowest chamber on the upper half is stuck, it just blew up and stayed inflated the entire time and not matter how I wiggled around I never felt anything on my rib cage where most of my breast is when I lay on my back. I am hoping that Tactile Medical will take this back so I can try a Lympha press, it appears to come in one piece.

I'm glad this works for others but it's been a nightmare for me. If I can't get the Lympha Press I will have to do a very good job at MLD because I'm done with this torture chamber.

Annie2012

Susan

Can you tell me what a lympha press is? I have never heard of this. Is it just for the arm since it comes in one piece?  I have been wrapping and getting nowhere...last night I decided to put nothing on overnight. My measurements were the same in the morning, as when I was wrapping. So why go through all this trouble??

 

SusanSnowFlake

@ Annie,  I just recently found out about Lympha Press.  If you are thinking about getting a pump you should look at both, check all of the features and compare what you need.  Lympha press looks like a full shirt with a long sleeve and no Velcro at least that I can see, it also has better control over the amount of pressure used.  The Velcro on the flexi touch causes me way to many problems.  There are a lot of people that are happy with the Flexi Touch but I'm not one of them, to many connections for me and I'm very tall which doesn't seem to work with the Flexi touch, there is 12"-18" between the top and bottom sections.  I'm not sure I would be happy with the other one either.

About wrapping....I still don't understand the mechanics of LE. But I think it takes a while for anything you do to have a visible effect.

Wish more people were active on the boards and would chime in on all of this. 

 

Annie2012

Susan I do have a flexi touch and it does nothing for me either...so frustrating! Sometimes I measure before and after the treatment and it is actually slightly higher! Today I am wearing my compression sleeve AND actually bandaging over it in the forearm area for extra support....I read this was recommended by a PT. I am willing to try anything. You are probably right, I need to have more patience. At the end of the day I expect to much of a difference. I have been fighting this since last August. Susan did you wrap and for how long? Are you still doing this?

 

floaton

I have a flexitouch but do not use it anymore (at least not as intended . I am unable to use it as set up due to it flaring my ulnar nerve damage that was incurred either due to use of flexitouch or insufficient padding with wrapping (thank you, let). I also have a long torso and wondered about the large space between my waist piece and my chest piece, and had some difficulty with shoulder fitting. When I stopped using it (and switched to twice a day mld, even tho my let at the time didn't believe in teaching self mld, so I had to teach myself!) a year ago I was surprised how much fluid was in my arm despite using the flexitouch daily for around 3 months. I temporarily lost my clavicle and had a lot of interim shoulder/chest/back swelling for about 2 weeks while I worked a lot of the old, yucky fluid out.

Annie, overall, after over a year and a half of this ridiculousness (it came on with chemo #1 for me) I think of my LE self care as a marathon, not a sprint kinda thing. I figure, I don't notice any difference in how I look after I go to the gym from how I looked when I got there, but after a few weeks/months of regular attendance, it makes a difference. For me, my measurements go up and down some day to day but have overall been consistently trending down over the past 6 months with a total drop of 1-2cm (with the exception of a brief period where I got sick). I did this with twice a day mld, my own version of a wrap/night sleeve every night, every day fingertip to axilla compression that actually fits well (a process unto itself), watching my salt all day and fat intake before bed, staying hydrated, lifting weights carefully 2-3 times a week, every 2-3 weeks myofascial release with very gentle cupping, and (perhaps most importantly) luck. I'm not recommending any of this for anyone else, and am not saying this will work for me forever (or even next week, le is tricky like that, I've learned , but it's going well enough for me now so I'm crossing my fingers and keeping on with my routine for now even tho I have bad days / up measurements at least a couple times a week (which I'm still working on not sending me into a foul mood every time!).

SusanSnowFlake

 

@ floaton, Thanks for the heads up about the insufficient padding!  I just learned how to wrap and also found a good You Tube but the You Tube had something that looked like quilt batting and a foam, my LEPT said I didn't need.  This is the You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSBwkGWUcHA although I will be doing it myself.  I'm going to learn to the foam myself.

@Annie I haven't started wrapping for the above reason, I wish there could be consistency in treatment. I do know that doing the wrong thing can cause a problem that takes a long time to fix. I didn't realize you already had a Flexitouch wish it was working for you.

I'm done with the Flexi touch for now, I had control over my LE by doing MLD twice a day (floaton mention twice a day also). I didn't get instruction on the arm MLD I only learned truncal so I found a You Tube for my arm, I actually play it every few days so that I remember the sequence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSD7j8mSVkM  in case you need it.

I used my Flexi touch  Friday and my arm didn't feel right until this morning ( Sunday). When I used it consistently for several weeks ( the month of February) with no MLD my breast, upper chest and shoulder started to get slight swelling, the front of my arm pit had noticeable swelling that is still there. I'm going back to doing what worked for me which is MLD twice a day. I'm going to start wrapping as soon as I get the extra supplies.  I'm disappointed because I thought when I got the Flexitouch it would fix everything for the rest of my life.  That obviously was over the top optimism. 

This is a rather expensive trail and error condition.