New type of LE Garment
I was recently given a flyer on a new garment and wanted to share. It is a sleeve that continues up and over the shoulders down to the other arm. There seems to be a choice of two full sleeves or one full and then a short sleeve just to balance the garment. Also, looks like the prices are not too bad. Web site is. www.lymphedemasleeveco.com
Hope this helps someone! I'm still searching for the perfect garment myself as this one would cut me right were my back LE exists. Think I will contact this company and ask if they will make a combo sleeve like this that covers the shoulder blade area too.
Comments
-
Journey, because I attended the NLN, they just sent me a brochure and fabric samples. I do know that one of the researchers who attended the NLN tried the sleeve and loved it.
It's a great idea to go over the back and end in a short sleeve on the opposite side.
They are based in West Hartford CT, but the fabric/sleeves are from Italy.
The prices were in the 98$ range that they sent in the brochure.
Let us know if they modify the garment for you.
Kira
-
This looks very interesting! From the pictures, the bilateral sleeve seems to cover quite a bit more of the back than the unilateral sleeve, which sounds like it would be great for a lot of folks.
But, I infer that both arms on the bilateral have compression. Given that the compression is light, would be ill-advised for people with unilateral LE to wear compression on both sides? If one did wear light compression on a nonLE arm, would hand protection be necessary? I wonder if the material would unravel if one cut off one of the arms.
Perhaps making a unilateral with back coverage would mean that the unilateral sleeve wasn't ambidextrous, and the company doesn't want to have to make two versions. Maybe if a bunch of us asked, the company would make a unilateral sleeve with back coverage. (Or a sleeve with two long arms, only one of which has compression - I would love to have matching arms in the winter months.)
Laura, do let us know what the company says. And, if anyone has one, I would love to hear your report. - KS1
-
I've been wearing these sleeves since I discovered them 9 months ago. I LOVE them. The single arm (one long (therapeutic) sleeve and one short (anchor) sleeve) and the bilateral (two long sleeves) sleeves are entirely different. The single-arm is meant for LE. The bilateral sleeve is not technically a LE compression garment - it has less compression than the single-arm and a heavily textured knit. I love wearing it but it's not enough support for me to wear all the time. I like that there is no band at the upper arm to hold these up. They stay up like a sweater or a shrug does. The back band does not provide any compression or support at all -- you don't even feel it (I wouldn't have thought that from the picture). I have swelling in my arm, axilla, and all around my axilla (upper chest, side, back of shoulder blade) and it doesn't cut into me at all.
I don't think they will make any changes for a while - I've been begging them to make a tee-shirt or cami!!! It would be awesome for truncal LE. Awesome fabric.
And did I mention elegant . . . 
PS, KS - all the sleeves are "ambidextrous" You can cut the fabric (I have) - the edge will roll up but it won't unravel. The bilateral sleeve has kind of a long cuff and is a bit loose above the cuff - this might be an issue for anyone with swelling in that area. It's not an issue w the one-arm sleeve.
I'd be glad to say more here or via PM.
Sleeveninja
-
Oh, say more HERE, Ninja -- we all want to know about it!
Thanks,
Binney -
I have three of these sleeves (I liked them so much that I ordered two more after I got one through my insurance). They are very elegant, non medical looking and very comfortable. As my arms are cone shaped (upper arms larger than my forearms, I tend to have problems with sleeves slipping down. These (soledia slimming sleeves) don't. Sleeveninja mentioned that they are heavily textured. When I take the sleeve off, i have a chevron pattern on my arms. Per their literature and my le therapist that is a sign the sleeve is working to promote lymph flow. The design seems to encourage the lymph to move to the para-spinal nodes I know the pattern is more pronounced on the days when it feels like my le is flaring a bit.
Sleeveninja also mentioned that the bilateral sleeve is not technically A LE compression garment. That is correct, but it is an active garment - promoting lymph flow.
I wear them when climbing and exercising. I like them a lot more than the juzzo sleeves I used to wear.
-
This is encouraging news! Thank y'all for sharing. I have emailed the company asking about their return policy (if any?). I can't seem to find any mention of this on their site.
-
Hi Journey! It is interesting that you post this - I just ordered the bilateral sleeve a couple days ago. Still waiting for delivery... I think it said the 1rst? Anyway, I ordered the bilateral specifically because I actually do better with less compression and looking for something to wear while cycling that does not have a band at the top. I don't know if the 15mmhg compression will be enough while in the dependent cycling position, but if not, I will try other one to provide a little more compression. I have heard good things about these sleeves and am really excited to try them. Heavens... I will try anything...
-
cool!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting this. I think I saw these at last years YSC convention and they were selling like hotcakes!!
-
What's interesting to me,
http://www.store.lymphedemasleeveco.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=93
is that the 23/33 arn sleeve is compression class 2, while the 15/21 is a European compression class 1.
So, they seem to offer a unilateral sleeve in a compression class 2, and a bilateral in a compression class1--but don't consider compression class one therapeutic, yet it's the most commonly used compression class.
It would be nice if they offered both versions in both compression classes.
They sent me fabric samples, and a brochure.
Nordy--MOTC uses a 15-20 mm Jobst sleeve with a higher compression glove and that combo works well for her. Less is quite often more.
Kira
"Millimeters of mercury" and "compression class"
Unfortunately, size is not the only consideration in fitting a lymphedema garment. The amount of compression your garment applies will vary according to your specific needs and the stage of your lymphedema. This compression level is measured in units called "millimeters of mercury." It's written in scientific shorthand like this: mm/Hg. (The "mm" stands for millimeters, and the "Hg" is the chemical symbol for mercury.) Compression garments are ordered by "compression class," or the range of compression you need, stated in millimeters of mercury.
Here's a run-down of compression classes recognized in the United States, along with their usual uses (which may vary with individual circumstances):
*
Class 0: 15-20 mm/Hg - used for those at risk for lymphedema
*Class I: 20-30 mm/Hg - used for those at risk, or for early or mild lymphedema
*Class II: 30-40 mm/Hg - used for moderate or severe lymphedema
*Class III: 40-50 mm/Hg - used for severe or hard-to-control lymphedema
To add to the confusion, European compression classes differ slightly from their US counterparts, like so:
*
Class I: 18-21 mm/Hg
*Class II: 23-32 mm/Hg
*Class III: 34-46 mm/Hg
-
The bilateral sleeve is called the "Wave" - it's meant to be a "toner." The "Armcare" has one long sleeve and one short sleeve and is meant for LE. I think both sleeves are beautifully made and truly elegant. They fit similarly but they are quite different and they feel quite different.
The Wave: The texture is supposed to provide some kind of massage action and it leaves an imprint in your skin when you take it off. It must do something because my LE arm feels comfortable despite less compression than I usually need -- but I can't say it has "slimmed" or "toned" my normal arm one iota.
The Armcare is more like a traditional LE sleeve except the fabric is far, far nicer than any other sleeve I have tried. It is circular knit but woven a little differently than other sleeves (including a variation at the inner elbow that is just plain genius). They last a long time too. I'm still on my first two -- they got pilly after about 6 months, but the compression is still fine. (The Wave stretches out after less wear - maybe due to the texture?.)
If you need compression for both arms (Binney!), and the Wave is not enough compression (or not the right kind of compression), I could imagine it would be very simple to cut 2 Armcares in half (at center of back) and sew the 2 long sleeve together (at center of back).
I can't say enough wonderful things about these sleeves. They saved my sanity (what there is left of it.) I'm holding back beacuse I'll sound like an ad if I say everything -- and also because everyone is different.
I believe TLSCo.does let you return.
-
I've been trying to figure out how to put the two sleeve version on. Getting one sleeve up one arm is hard enough, then pulling on the other one. With a back (unless it is very stretchy) I can't imagine getting the second arm in. Does this make sense? What am I missing? I thought it would be perfect for me, but I do need bilateral compression and can't figure this out.
Dawn
-
I was just thinking about a garment like this, to thinks someone else beat me to it!!!
-
Dawn, the bilateral sleeves are not that hard to put on. They come with instructions, but basically you put the arms on with the part that goes around your back in front of you, then when you are ready you flip the back part over your head. A bit of adjustment and you are ready to go.
-
Dawn - super easy on and off. The back is very stretchy. I put it on just like a cardigan. I prefer that to the flip over method. The single arm takes a bit more attention just because you want to "line up" the long sleeve properly (think pantyhose.)
Kira - I wrote a long reply about compression and accidentally deleted it. Here is how the compression FEELS to me: The Armcare feels somewhere between a "usual" (Juzo/Jobst/Medi/Sigvaris) class 1 and 2. The Wave feels like a class 1 or less (it stretches out a bit).
-
I wasn't able to pull up the link. I'm always interested in finding garments with the lighter compression levels. I seem to be the only person here who wears the lighter sleeve (I do wear the heavy glove since thats where my LE is) and oddly these are more difficult to find.
-
For what it's worth...I used a cut up truncal wave in my bra for my breast LE it works really really well.
I even tried have a tailor make one into a bra but it was hard to achive a design that did not cut into my nodes. For someone skinnier it might be fine.
-
cookie - i'd kill for a tee in that fabric . . . and happy birthday party! -and good luck tomorrow.
motc - jobst makes a class 0 (15-20 mm Hg) sleeve. there are also lots of "sports" compression sleeves around these days.
binney - do you wear 2 single gottfried sleeves or a double arm bolero? i was looking at their product list and I wonder if the single or double arm bolero provide any trunk compression. the single arm might not, but the double arm might? i'm thinking the double arm with a round neck (not the v neck pictured) and a short sleeve (or sleeveless) for an unaffected arm. i may call them and ask about this.
-
Thanks for the info on getting into the double sleeve! That's a really interesting concept.
Dawn
-
I have one of these - they are called Soleida's and it has a bolera type style to it. I think it works ok, but then, this is my first set of compression sleeves. I had bi-lateral mastectomy in Apr 10 and so I need both full sleeves.
-
So if I just want light compression and go with the dual arm should I plan on wearing gauntlets as well? I really hate wearing them as they get in my way! Of course I hate sleeves too!
-
I have the dual arm sleeve and really like the way it makes my arms feel - the light compression is just right and my upper arm/axillary does not ache or feel cut into like the Juzo/Jobst sleeves can make me feel on my 'flare' days! I also love the fact that I never feel like I need to pull up my sleeve halfway through the day. Wouldn't it be nice if the made gloves too
-
Journey, when in doubt, refer to the Andrea Cheville article on use of gauntlet with an arm sleeve--she feels it's essential if women are at risk and if women already have lymphedema they can watch closely to see if the sleeve pushes the fluid into the hand:
http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/
Kira
-
Has anyone tried the silver wave abdominal band for their trunc?? The website state that it can be used for breast and trunc... I have used the expand a band binder, Wearease and Balise, I have other tube like tops but they cut too deep around the top of the breast and axillary.
-
The solidea sleeve is available in the UK from : http://www.ten-point.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=534 or from www.SolideaEsther.co.uk Second source has wider choice of colours but costs a lot more than Ten-point.
-
So I went through the packet and the fabric samples, and there are now TWO different single sleeves, and they say the one on the web site (CCL2) is new, but there are two single sleeves:
15/21 Arm care CCL 1 Dorsal Support Sleeve Item # 0432A8-----$98.85
This is European compression class 1--you'll find it in Juzo gloves--I don't completely understand--Binney help!--but it is supposedly equivalent to US CCL 1 which is 20-30mm
23/32 Arm Care CCL2 Dorsal Support Sleeve Item #0444B8----$106.06
And the double sleeves, in that wave fabric,
15/21 Silver Wave Slimming Sleeves-Bilateral Arm Sleeve--Item# 0433A5---$98.85
And they list two colors for the single sleeves--beige and mocha and multiple colors for the double sleeve.
So, I'd recommend calling them:
888-841-8834
Kira (having yet another unexpected snow day...)
They address the compression class european vs us on their site:
-
Oh, goodness! Don't you wish we could get together across the pond and all agree on the same standards?!
But no.So the US class 1 is a European class 2. And the European class 1 is a US class 0. Only some of the European manufacturers seem to class them to US standards when they market them here, so it's probably a better idea to go by the numbers instead of the class. If you're using a 20-30 sleeve and it's working for you, that's a class 2 from this company.
My personal dilemma is that the usual 20-30 is a bit much for me -- less is more for my LE -- I order custom garments for that reason. So I'm wondering if the bilateral sleeve would actually work for me, but it's an expensive experiment. Anybody know what their return policy is?
Guess LE wasn't complicated enough -- they had to add this sizing challenge to the mix just to keep us all on our toes.
Be well!
Binney -
Binney - less is more for me too! And I ordered the bilateral sleeve. I do not have it yet... I am thinking it is supposed to come today. I will let you know how well it works after I use it!
-
Are you still talking about the bilateral sleeve from lymphedemasleeveco? If so Sue Callison responded to my question about their return policy with this - "We have a 30 day no questions asked exchange or return policy. As a breast cancer survivor affected with lymphedema, it is my goal to help people find the best solutions for their condition."
-
I ordered both styles this morning!
-
Very good info...thanks all!
I would not put the wave tummy band right on my breasts, because of the binding edge.
I had to cut it apart, but it works!
-
Nordy and Journey, thanks for the help. That sounds like an excellent return option -- wow! Nordy, looking forward to your report!
What would we all do without each other
!
Binney -
Binney, you are THE expert--but I still don't understand why off the shelf Juzo gloves use the european compression class 18/21 mm and their sleeves use the US 20-30
In my experience, I needed to be in CCL 1 for both the Juzo glove and sleeve--yet they're technically difference mm of mercury of pressure.
I tried to look it up in the International Best Practices guidelines, and they just say that there's no standardization:
To
assist comparison, therefore, garment
packaging and studies involving
compression garments should state the
pressure ranges and the testing method
used to determine the pressures.Joe Zuther wrote in his blog:
At the current time there is no national standard for compression classes. However, compression is very similar between the different manufacturers
So, frankly I'm confused, I don't think it's as simple as just mm mercury compression, as different fabrics and weaves have more "containment"--so for me to wear CCL 1 in Juzo, my glove is 18/21 mm and my sleeve is 20-30 mm.
Okay, to confuse myself more: I logged into the medi site, and the medi 95 gloves that I use off the shelf are CCL 1 20-30mm, but if I submitted a custom glove order, it's the European compression classes.
I emailed the medi rep I met at the NLN to try and get an explaination.
Any expert fitters out there to explain this to us?
Help!
Kira
-
I tired the ab band for my truck but my swelling extends too high up. I also didn't like the bands at the top and bottom - I think it would work better without the bands. It depends where your swelling is. (Meanwhile, I await the tee shirt . . .)
The Armcare1 is very light compression.
I just want to repeat that the single and double arm sleeves are TOTALLY different. Both are wonderful (IMHO) - but very different. I also think both are entirely different from all the other compression sleeves. The shoulder/back band is the least of it -- it's the very amazing fabric (and finishing). You might respond a little differently to the amount of compression than you do w other compression sleeves -- I do. They all feel a bit "lighter" to me than other sleeves of the same class -- maybe they are, or maybe the comfort level makes them feel lighter, or both??? I don't rule out magic.
I can't recommend them highly enough. -
Ninja, they sent me fabric samples, and the fabrics for the single arm is very different from the silver wave fabric for the double arm. It's very interesting fabric--very stretchy and has the "wave" woven into it.
Kira
-
So, I emailed my contact at medi:
I just had a compression class question: are the European CCL1 (18/21mm) the equivalent of the US (20/30mm) for upper extremity. I notice with the medi 95 it's the US standards, and any medi custom glove are the European. I don't think it's as simple as just mm of mercury, but assume fabric qualities are important.
And his response:You are asking a very good question. The answer is that medi had to change all upper extremity garments to the following:
· CCL I - 15-21 mmHg
· CCLII - 23-32 mmHg
Lower extremity are 18-21 mmHg. All manufacturers that produce or sell products in Germany had to do this.
The flat knit garments in 15-21 mmHg will feel as strong as the 20-30 mmHg circular knit garments because of the thicker, stiffer material. You are correct in your analysis.
I hope this makes some sense--it's a European standard, and I know the medi off the shelf items are made in the US.
Binney??? Please explain further.
Kira
-
Kira- That's right. The wave texture is supposed to have a massage effect. It leaves little zig-zag/ chevron marks in your skin after you take it off. It's obviously different than the usual compression sleeve fabric. The single arm fabric may appear less unusal (especially in a small swatch which is what I imagine you have?), but it feels very different from -and a million times better than- other sleeves.
-
Ninja, everyone who wears these sleeves loves them. I love the fact that the bilateral ones are marketed to triatheletes.
As someone who wears gloves, I wish they'd make gloves....
Kira
-
If enough people love them, I hope they will too -- but not until after they make a tee shirt for truncal LE
-
So glad to hear about these sleeves! I'm thinking the bilateral with the silver wave fabric would be terrific for me for flying. I see they also recommend for post surgery, which is something I'll ask my LE therapist and surgeon. Sounds like they are relatively easy to don, but I'm wondering if you need to be able to raise your arms above shoulder height to do it. That will probably be a no-no for me for a couple weeks post surgery when I have my implants removed. I want a matching glove, too, and I'm sure I'll want the tee shirt for truncal LE once I'm flat. I've never been able to find a tank that fits me well. Maybe having no implants will increase my options.
Kira, this US/European compression class thing is interesting. For flying, I wear a Jobst sleeve size small, 20/30mmHg. The glove I wear with it is by Medi - Mediven. When I recently ordered a new sleeve and glove and had to give the glove sizing info to my dr, I found the packaging difficult to interpret, as it's primarily in German with a few words in English. I believe it's a CCL 1, but three sets of numbers appear in a small space. They are: III / CCL 1 / 724, and then there's another product number below that reads 2011-12. I really dislike the bulkiness of this glove, and the fabric pills so easily. I've only worn a handful of times, so I can only imagine how quickly it would need replacing if worn daily. It doesn't look very nice next to the sleeve either.
-
Kira, the Medi guy is talking about three different variables:
compression class
fabric
method of manufactureAll of them affect the fit and feel of our garments. The StepUp-SpeakOut section on flat-knit and circular-knit explains the difference in the way they're made:
Most off-the-shelf garments are "circular knit," which means they're knitted continuously in a circular pattern that results in a roughly cylindrical shape with no seams. Custom made garments, on the other hand, are most often "flat knit," or cut to the proper size from a flat piece of knitted fabric and seamed into shape. Circular knit garments are generally lighter in weight, and many people prefer the seamless look. Flat knit garments can be cut from a wide range of breathable fabrics and may include such features as zippers or extension panels to ease joint flexibility.And this about fabrics:
The fabric used in your garment may be soft (like Juzo's "Varian Soft") or sturdy (like Jobst's "Elvarex"), or somewhere in between. It may feel flexible or stiff, smooth or rough. All these factors add to your sense of the fit of your garment, and to its effectiveness for you as well. An experienced fitter takes fabric choice into consideration in order to provide you with the garment best suited to your specific needs. A compression sensitive person may need a softer fabric to prevent her fingertips from turning an unhealthy shade of purple, while a person who tends to develop fibrosis easily may do better with a firm and sturdy fabric –even if they both require the same compression level.
What we feel as "comfortable" has to do with all those factors, and with the way they meet our individual needs, so no one version will do for all of us. That's part of why it's so hard to find just the right garments.
Of course the other reason it's so hard is because we also need a smart and experienced and empathetic fitter to wade through all the possibilities and come up with the right combo.
And, for what it's worth, it's one of the main reasons we started StepUp-SpeakOut -- so we all could do some "comparison shopping" and know what's out there besides whatever the local fitter stocks. There are a WHOLE lot more choices now than there were even six or eight years ago.
Now all we have to do is wade through all this and get what works best for us!
Onward!
Binney -
Tina: "Medi" code III / CCL1 / 724
III is the size : Range from II - III - IV - V - VI - VII (2 to 7 in real money)
CCL 1 is the compression class (18-21 mm Hg)
724 is their product code that distinguishes, sleeve (only) from combination sleeve (including hand) from {all-in-one sleeve with hand and shoulder cap}, and whether also it has a top grip band or not, and whether it's std or long, hope that helps.
So, III / CCL 2 / 743 is a size 3, higher compression, sleeve with shouldercap but no hand.
-
Tina, I checked and the Medi glove style #724 is the medi 550 glove, and I got one by mistake and HATED it--they're bulky, and on purpose they put less compression in the fingers:
http://www.bandagesplus.com/prd/33/849/Mediven-Glove.html
Mediven Glove with Fingers
20-30mmHgCCL1=20-30mmHg #724
CCL2=30-40mmHg #723
Specifically designed to work in conjunction with the Mediven armsleeve, this glove with fingers is made from an air permeable skin-friendly knit. Gradient compression from the fingers (50% compression in fingers) to the wrist ensures physiological lymph flow. Made from 86% Polyamid (nylon) and 14% Elastan (spandex) in Germany.
I like the medi 95 glove, which has full finger compression to the first joint:
Medi 95 Glove 20-30mmHg w/Compressive FingersCCL1=20-30mmHg #760
CCL2=30-40mmHg #761
The Medi 95 glove has compression in the fingers to the first joint. Designed to work in conjunction with the Medi 95 armsleeve, the glove is soft and durable.
Just checking on-line, Bandages Plus is so much more expensive than brightlifedirect or nulifemedical....
Tina, I tried on that Medi 550 and shipped it right back.
Oh, and Hymil clarified it: III is the size (also known as 3) and 724 is the style, and CCL1 is the compression class. Try a medi 95 in a III sometime, you might prefer it.
Kira
-
I spoke with Susan Callison yesterday when I phoned in to reorder a bilat silver wave sleeve (couldn't remember my account log-in for sizing). She was terrific and I mentioned
[1] truncal compression for those of us with LE that is in the upper back and axillary (the band just will not work for me since my LE is in the upper back area),
[2] gloves and gauntlets
Susan indicated that they are looking into both in the future. I let her know how much we love the products and that we have a thread just for her products and she was quite pleased. Susan is also a BC survivor and has LE.
-
Thanks for the info ladies, I ordered a bilat sleeve today. I haven't experienced lymphedema as yet, but about to go back to work and travel extensively so thought I should do my best at prevention. The service was wonderful..ordered online and already shipped. Will let everyone know how it works/feels when I receive it.
-
Just discovered the bilateral sleeve is also sold by a company legluxe:
http://www.legluxe.com/category/shapewear/compression-sleeves/
So, the bilateral sleeve is considered compression/slim wear.
Kira
-
Lymphedema Sleeve Company has a 30 day return policy. I was told they donate the returned sleeves (if newish) to women that cannot afford the sleeve (but only througha therapist that request a free one)
-
When I donned the sleeve I could pull it behind me and downward, bunch up the second sleeve (like panyhose) to slip the other sleeve on in place. The donning gloves make all the difference to move the fabric into place too. Good luck!
-
It's like coming home from a long long hike in hard boots and putting your slippers on.
-
OK - I'm convinced. I'm going to buy one of these puppies. The question is which puppy. Do I have this right? : The bilateral sleeve is 15/21 and has a wave like knit (silver wave). The unilateral sleeve Armcare class 1 also has 15/21 compression, but a different texture than the bilateral sleeve. The unilateral Armcare class 2 has 22/33 compression, and has the same basic texture as the Armcare 1. Here's my situation: My LE upper arm is achy, but minimally swollen (the greatest inter-arm difference is 1 cm in the upper arm). My LE hand has mild swelling, plus other nerve/blood flow issues. I currently wear a custom Juzo class 1 Soft 2001 sleeve (with a microfine 20/30 or a custom barton carey glove). It sounds like the Juzo class 1 custom sleeve is a 20/30, so the class 2 armcare would be closer to the Juzo. but I am wondering if maybe my hand would do better with lighter arm compression. Suggestions? KS1
-
Can only speak for myself here as obviously everyone's arm is different. I just finished my second day with the bilateral wavy sleeve, light compression. No problems in the other arm, no problems in the hand that I had when they gave me a medi-sleeve without a hand, and all the aching in the upper arm has gone. I did go up to the medium size and I think that helped. I think it's one of those "Less is More" situations, the very gentle approach being best. I did laugh at the little ripple imprints all over my arms!
Hope you find what's best for you.
So we need to work on getting them to make a long-sleeved tee-shirt now, right?
-
KS1-You have it right: The the bilat is a "toning" sleeve not a LE sleeve. It has light compression and a zig-zag (wave) texture that designed to provide some kind of massage action. Both Armcare sleeves are smooth and they are meant to be LE compression sleeves. The manufacturer uses the European compression designation. I wear the heavier Armcare (I wore class 2 custom Juzo) and the Wave. You might even find you like different sleeves at different times.
hymil - well, the tee could have long or short sleeves - it could even be sleevless. All 3 would be good. Yes yes yes!!!!
-
Tees of all three sleeve styles, YES Please!! I just got my two sleeve styles in last night and donned the toning one and wore while hanging out at the house. Very comfortable! I worry it will be a bit hot as the weather warms up since the fabric is a little thick. Any experience with this in the warmer weather / climate?
-
Yes, well, any sleeve is hot in summer
. . . . . It's not super hot but it ain't bare skin neither. No choice for my LE arm, but I don't like to have my normal arm covered in summer. Part of the appeal of the Wave, especially this time of year, is the coziness of the 2 sleeves. Don't worry, the Armcare is awesome. -
I still haven't gotten my sleeve!!! I called on Thursday and they said it would be here Friday... but we were out of town and it was not here when we got home today!
I hope it comes Monday... They said there have been shipping issues with all the adverse weather on the east coast! -
I got it!!!
I tried on the one arm sleeve last year at YSC....I purchased the two arm bi-lat sleeve...it runs larger though........
the very good news is that it is not too large on my lower arm (This is a problem since my swelling is all above my elbow, my LE was concerned that no sleeves would fit.)
I probably should have gotten a medium...my back is kind of loose.
I have had very good luck with using the silver wave on my breast, so I am hopeful it will be good on my arm. The owner says she has heard the silver wave works very well on lipa(o) dema. So here is hoping.
-
Cookie - I got mine too! I wore it today and wore it to PT to show my therapist - she loved it and called her hubby in to take a look. They will probably contact the company and see if they can get some samples of some of the other garments they have. They were really excited.
SO, here is the verdict. I LOVE wearing this sleeve (I got the bilateral silver wave 15-20 mmhg). It is comfortable, and guess what - my arm was smaller than normal when I took it off tonight. My LE therapist loves it because it has the waves in it and having texture really helps with fibrotic tissue. It fits my unaffected arm fine, but is a little big on that side (obviously). But here is the thing that I think I am really going to like about it (but of course I have to test it biking to see for sure) that is it is actually cool. I don't mean the look of it (although that is fine as well) - I mean the temperature. I wore it under a short sleeved shirt today thinking it would keep me warmer, but it actually had a cooling effect on my arms. Which is GREAT - but I needed to wear a light sweater today for warmth (if I had just dressed for the winter season, like I normally would, it would have been fine). SO, thus far, I give it two thumbs up!
-
Cookiegal - the back is pretty loose on me too, I just did a quick hem down the middle of the back to take out some of the slack...
-
I actually went ahead and ordered two more, a one arm, and a two arm in a smaller size. I start therapy next week, so I want to give them some choices what I should be wearing.
-
Cookie, the owner of lymphadema sleeve co has a great return policy, so you can return the one that's too large.
Kira
-
cookie- I take a size medium in the single arm and size small or medium (I have both, both are fine - not all that much difference) in the Wave.
I am soooo excited that people are trying these . . and liking them.
I just luv 'em!!!! -
I ordered the bi-lateral sleeve today. So excited! Especially encouraged by the news that they are 'cool.' That would be a real blessing because this will be the first summer I've had to wear a sleeve and it is stifling hot and humid where I live. Can't wait to get it!
-
I ordered a bilateral sleeve today from LymphedemaSleeveco.com. I asked about the unilateral ArmCare 1 (15/21 compression), but Sue Callison said they don't carry it yet because "The dorsal support band that connects the two sleeves has not been updated to the most current design and I have found the older version causes too much material to bunch in the armpit area. This has been resolved with the newer design but at the present, it is only available in the Arm Care CCL2 (23/32 mmHg sleeve) and some sizes and colors in the Silver Wave bilateral sleeve."
I noticed that this past week when I wore a glove but not a sleeve (had a minor arm infection), my hand looked better. My hand has always been a challenge because of multiple issues (neuropathy, vascular & LE), and I'm thinking that maybe lighter compression in the arm might make my hand easier to control. - KS1
-
Just wondering if the folks who make these lovely sleeves realise why their sales suddenly shot up - this thread must be the purchasing equivalent of using facebook to organise a flash-mob! I have decided when i get to payday i'm going to get myself a second one as they do take a bit longer to dry.
-
I should ask for a special discount, right?
Okay, I have the armcare and the silverwave and have worn both a few times. For a sleeve I LOVE the armcare. I am one of those folks who hates tight clothing (making a bee line to my closet when I get home to get in my comfy house clothes!), so wearing sleeves has been very hard for me. That said, the armcare version has been much easier to tolerate than my regular sleeve. No longer am I pulling and tugging on the arm band to pull it up all day. I plan on saving up and buying another one soon. Now, the silverwave I'm still on the fence on. I don't know but it just seems hot and I don't really care for the thickness around the wrists. Just me! I'll keep wearing as it does make me feel better but I just don't see myself wearing into the warmer months. Maybe I'll change my mind later.Hope the armcare will come out in more colors!
-
Well I decided I needed to check this product out for myself so just ordered the ArmCare CCL2 sleeve. I first had a very nice and informative discussion with Sue the founder of LymphedemaSleeveCo. I am always concerned about wearing any non-custom garments because of the length of my arms. She assured me that the 30 day return policy was no questions asked but so far the only length issues they have had is one client being too short to effectively wear the sleeve. This product is designed to fit both men and women. So I am looking forward to trying it out!
I will still continue to wear my full fingered Mediven 550 glove with padding no matter what sleeve I wear but if the sleeve is lighter, more comfortable and provides effective compression for my arm then that is an improvement.
OOh...and breaking news straight from Sue. They will have a CCL3 option available in their garments coming soon....hopefully this Spring around Easter time!
-
I'm wondering about the Arm Care............is the anchor short sleeve the same material with the same compression? No nodes were removed from my right prophy mast side, but I still do protect that arm as well as my left LE side. If the material is the same with the same compression, could that be an issue with restricting flow on that arm?
-
Sher, from my emails with Sue, the short sleeve arm has no compression. But others here know more.
You can call her--she's very responsive.
Kira
-
same material - no compression
-
Journey, how about a group discount?
Ordering the bilateral today -- less compression is more for me, so I'm hoping this will live up to its reputation.
Binney -
Binney - the Armcare does come in CCL1. I think you will like (dare I say love!) the Wave and never look back. I hope so.
BTW - I find the Wave gets a little bit lighter after a few wearings/washings. (I wish it didn't for me, but that might be even better for you.) Can't wait to hear what you think. I'm flying tomorrow - I want to wear my Wave but I think I will go with Armcare. Armcare and goofy Solaris vest worked last time . . . Wave and Tribute will be in my carry-on. A nervous ninja . . .
-
Good morning ladies, so glad to find this thread. I'm 75 days out of rads and am just now healing. Had LE evaluation, and one treatment so far. My entire left arm may feel like the blood is not circulating properly and hence a bit numb in that sense.
In your experience, does the compression sleeve alleviate that sensation?
My armpit is slightly swollen, tender to the touch, breast is still tender, I had partial mast due to 3 more tumors detected right before surgery.
My mom is ill and I need to fly to visit her, not sure if I should wait to get a sleeve. I'm petite and they might have to special order.
Thanks in advance. -
Hi Diamondgirl - welcome! Hard to describe the feeling. For me, my arm feels better -supported- w bandages or other compression on. Ask your LE therapist what she/he recommends about getting a sleeve. You are better off with no sleeve than with one that doesn't fit properly. That's a quick answer -- I'm sure better ones will follow.
-
This sounds interesting!
-
Wow that was fast! Placed my order this morning for the ArmCare sleeve and just now got the UPS confirmation email with delivery scheduled for this Friday! Can't wait to try it out!
-
I just got my bilateral sleeve (< 2 days after placing order). I am obviously clothing impaired, but when I put the bilateral sleeve on, it doesn't look sit the way it does in the pictures on the packaging. Instead of the band going across the shoulder blades, it rides up over my shoulder blades. The cuff portion of the sleeve seems very long. Is it supposed to go beyond the wrist or be folded over? KS1
-
KS1 - put the shoulder/dorsal band wherever it feels comfortable. I find I ususally wear it way lower than in the pictures (a bit off my shoulders). Someties you have to "twist" the arms a little so they "line up" the way you like (sort of the the way you'd line up pantyhose lehgs to get the crotch centered. ) The cuff is long but it ends at the wrist just like a regular sleeve; it doesn't fold over. I have wondered if that might be an issue for people with wrist or lower arm swelling??? If the back wants to go way up above your shoulders (up your neck?) and the cuff goes below your wrist - you proably have a sleeve that's too big for you. ???
PS - I hope I'm not talking too much here - I do feel pretty expert when it comes to these sleeves. There's hardly a nuance I haven't considered
-
KS, DON'T fold the cuff! That would alter the compression and could be damaging for your hands.
Ninja, do keep talking! Learning from one another's experiences sure cuts the time it takes to get a handle on this stupid LE. We need each other!
Binney -
SleeveNinja -- You are probably right and it is too large, as the back band ends up around the back of my neck, and when the material is smoothed out, the sleeves are too long. I'm disappointed, as I have the smallest size. Is the unilateral sleeve any smaller than the bilateral sleeve? KS1
-
Somebody earlier up the thread suggested taking a seam down the centre back if you are petite, which doesn't sound too hard, to make the arms nearer together, if the width and compression in the arms feels right.
-
Yes - the single arm sleeve does run smaller. (I wear medium in the single arm and small or medium in bilateral.)
-
I received my bi-lateral sleeve today.
Question: Above (or below depending on how you look it) the cuffs on the forearm, it bags there ...it's big. It's OK from the elbow up, but the forearm area is gappy. I love how my shoulders feel. Am I asking for trouble if I keep it and wear it and it's too big in the forearm area? My problem area is my fingers and hands. What do you all think?
-
I don't know what size you went for DawneHope, If it's not the smallest, then would going down to a smaller size make it be too small around the upper arms? I think im right in saying that wouldn't be good. I went for medium, mosly to get extra length in the arms, that leaves me much more comfortable and i'm thinking I could proably wear it as a night garment if needed as well. I did find a bit of a bulge immediatley next to the cuff but a bit of smoothing sorts that out for me.
-
hymil - Sadly, it's a small. Too bad they don't have an extra small. I need every ounce of length, though. Don't need a petite, just an extra-small.
-
Dawne - hmmm, if the fabric is really loose, if it really bags - for example, if you can pinch it between your fingers without stretching it -- that sounds like the sleeve is too big and probably won't be effective.
My wrists and forearms are particularly thin. I find there is a little "gappiness" just where the wave fabric tapers in to meet the cuff - but nowhere else. It's very slight: I see it, I don't feel it. I just tried the pinch test and I can just about pinch a teeny bit of fabric exactly where the wave meets the cuff - that's the only place I can pinch anything.
I have not had any problems. But - all of my swelling is from the elbow up. That's why I wondered of the cuff might be problematic for people with forearm, wrist, or hand issues.
I prefer small because the fit is a little more snug overall, I prefer medium for the length. I can wear either. In the Armcare I can only wear medium - small is way too small.
Hope this helps . . ?
-
SleeveNinja - I can pinch it, especially around the cuff without stretching it. I can't do that anywhere else on the sleeve. It's disappointing. I really like how it feels across my shoulders. I'm going to wear it for a few more hours tonight and see if I can see the wave identations on my forearms when I take it off. If not, I will probably return it.
Thank you for your response. If I can figure out how to post a picture on here, I'll post it so you can see.
-
I don't know how to post a pic. I've uploaded a couple of pics to photobucket but it wants to post a link to my album and it has my name on it. Why can't I just a post a picture?
Anyway ... I can't figure it out. It's no big deal. I just wanted you to see what I see and let me know what you think.
-
-
-
Waaay too big! Are you sure that's a small? Are you very petite?
-
SleeveNinja - I double-checked, yes, it is a small. I'm thin, my arms are the skinniest part of my body. That's one reason why no one believed me when I said my fingers were swollen. They're really skinny to begin with. I'm not petite because I'm very long armed, long fingers (kinda of like a gorilla!) But I am pretty skinny. I'll return it.
-
Dawne - Wow, truly, my forearms and wrists are really skinny - yours must be teeny. The Armcare might be okay for you though -- it doesn't have the cuff, the fabric is sleeker, the fit is tighter.
I'm so bummed on your behalf!
Have you spoken to Sue at TLSCo? She might have some thoughts. -
SleeveNinja - Thank you! I emailed her to ask for instructions on how to return it. I haven't looked at the other sleeves. I'll do so. Thanks again for all your help!
-
SleeveNinja, you are definitely a sleeve ninja. Your suggestion that the bilateral sleeve might be too big on me is right on the money. The upper arm fits correctly, but the forearm part of the sleeve ia loose above the cuff like in Dawne-Hope's picture. Solidea should consider making an extra small. KS
-
KS - Aww, I'm so disappointed too! Solidea is interested in feedback and they seem to be working on new things - I think Sue told me they are working smaller sizes. (I'd like to see the Wave in higher compression myself.) Reminder to all: the Wave isn't really meant to be a LE sleeve. The Armcare is. Armcare has a sleeker, more precise, kind of feel and fit. It also runs smaller. I wear small in the Wave and medium in the Armcare - so the small Armcare might fit you and Dawne better than the small Wave. (My measurements actually fall into the small -- but the small was too small for me.) Anyway, you have an idea of how comfy the upper arm/ shoulder part is.
I could try to post pics of how my sleeves fit if that would be helpful. I'm visiting family for the week and my sister in law will be around w her i-phone in a few days . . .
-
thank you for this new option. I have sleeves and the compression is too high for prevention but I can't get anything lower. The wave now gives me that option. How did you arrive at the correct size?
-
The Arcare also comes in a very light compression 15-20 mmHg (same as the bilateral) Jobst makes a sleeve in that class as well (http://www.compressionstockings.com/jobst-ready-to-wear-1520-mmhg-compression-arm-sleeve-with-silicone-band-p-82.html) Check size charts.
-
thank you
-
Thanks SleeveNinja. I'd like to give lower compression a try. How does the fabric of the Armcare class 1 compare to the Jobst 15/20? Has anyone tried the Jobst 15/20? I've not had great experience with Jobst. My first sleeves and gauntlets were class 2 Jobst (off-shelf, then custom), and I couldn't tolerate them, but maybe that was because they were class 2. (It's weird that my first LE tx skipped bandaging, but put me in class 2 compression for mild LE.). Later on, I had a custom class 1 jobst glove (elvarex), but the fabric was rough and abraded my skin. I like my class 1 Juzo soft 2001 sleeve. I know Juzo makes 15/20 compression stockings and knee highs. Does anyone know if Juzo make a 15/20 sleeve? KS1
-
sleeveninja: I just need the sleeve prophylactically. Do you think the Armcare would be a better choice than the Wave?
-
I had the Jobst sleeve many yrs ago -before LE- and it was fine. I also currently have a Jobst gauntlet that's nice (soft fabric, comfy thumb). Since LE, I can't tolerate a top band so I only wear the over the shoulder sleeves. I wish I could wear a sleeve with the top band sometimes just because it's easier to slip it on and off without having to take your shirt off, some clothing fabrics cling a little to the shoulders/ back band, and (most of all) I'd like to have my healthy arm totally free. (Minor points compared to the burning pain I get with a top band.)
KS- In my opinion the Armcare fabric and Jobst fabric are less different in the very light compression than in the class 2. In the heavier compression, I much prefer the Armcare fabric. I also think the Armcare is beautifully made.
upcreek - think about if you want both your arms to be covered (nice in winter, less so in summer.) Judging from the posts above, if you are petite or have especially thin arms, the Wave may run too large. Overall, I think the Armcare would feel like a "lighter," less obtrusive, garment.
-
I have found with the jobst that I have to wear the it WITHOUT the silicone top band or it will cause fluid to pool below it. I do like my jobst sleeves, but without the silcone band they do have a tendency to slip down a little. If that is an issue for you, you could use the glue that they sell specifically for that. I think they may sell some on lymphediva's website? I LOVE the Wave though! I am thinking of trying the armcare for longer bike rides, however, because I think my arm needs just a bit more support when they are dendent for that long.
-
sleeveninja: thanks. I need both it for both arms.
-
the silver wave has really worked for me....I have three, I've been improving slowly.
-
Has anyone notice the cream silver wave fitting looser then the black??? I am wondering if I should go from medium to small. The medium fits well in the forearm but does not seem to fit snug enough in the axillary/bicep area...
-
o2bhealthy - I talked with (is it Amy?) from Lymphedema sleeves about returning my silver wave that was too big. She said that the older ones were smaller than the newest manufactured ones ... would I want to try one of those? I said yes.
So ... I wonder if you got some of the newer batch. You might want to call and ask.
-
Thanks Dawne-Hope I really liked the first one I ordered almost a year ago but I found the newer ones are a bit looser - I'll call tomorrow to see about swapping for a smaller size. Thank you for the feed back.
-
Well I have had my Class 2 ArmCare Medium sleeve for just over a week now and thought I should report back with my preliminary impressions. First off, dealing with Sue over the phone was a delight. She was very helpful, informative and sincere in helping me find the best garment for me. The garment arrived in about 3-4 days after my order. I took some pics of the box and instructional materials that came along with the sleeve. When I get a chance I will try to take pics of me actually wearing it if that helps others to see how it fits.
Here are my initial feelings about the ArmCare sleeve:
1. At first touch, the garment is extremely soft and stretchy. It reminded me a little of stretch support panty hose in the feel. I was cautious about my rough winter dry hands for fear I might "catch" in places and cause a snag in the material. I made sure to wear my LE donning gloves when handling the sleeve.
2. Applying the sleeve after reading instructions was not difficult although the first time I put it on I thought the patch area at the antecubital was supposed to cover the outside of the elbow as reinforcement, then realized it was intended as a protective layer for the inside of the elbow area.
3. I did not need to worry about the sleeve not fitting my long arms because it stretched very well to completely cover my shoulders and still stayed in place with the wrist cuff on my left arm.
4. It took me 2 attempts to apply the sleeve so that the dorsal support band properly fit across my shoulder blades and below my neck. But I got the hang of it pretty quickly.
5. The short non-compressive sleeve on my right arm surprised me that it came almost down to my elbow, I was expecting a much shorter sleeve but it fully covered my upper arm. I felt the band at the end of the short sleeve was a little snug for my liking though. Not sure how they calculate circumferences on the non-compressive side.
6. As far as wearability and comfort the ArmCare was extremely comfortable, light, airy and hardly felt like I was wearing a sleeve at all. I did of course need to wear my standard Mediven 550 CCL2 Glove which I overlapped on top the ArmCare sleeve. My glove extends halfway up my forearm towards my elbow. I normally wear my glove underneath my Mediven sleeve but with the cuff on the end of the ArmCare I felt it would be better to wear my glove on the outside. I had to finesse pulling on the glove without causing the cuff of the ArmCare to roll down but found a way to make that work more consistently. I may try putting my glove on first at some point and see if the sleeve fits over top well.
7. I have worn the ArmCare for 3 total days alternating between my Medi sleeve every other day. As far as comfort the ArmCare gets 5 stars. Ease of application is slightly trickier than a standard sleeve and glove but with a little practice I would say it rates 4.5 stars. In spite of me feeling like the fabric was fairly fragile and at risk for snagging easily, I did not run into any major problems while wearing the garment or when readjusting it while on. The fabric appears to be more hardy than at first glance.
There were only a couple of areas of concern, but one of them is a big one and will take more time before I can make a final judgement regarding the efficacy of the ArmCare for me specifically.
1. I did notice after wearing the ArmCare for several hours that there was a tendency for the garment to slip halfway off my shoulders on both sides. Whether this is a factor of my arm length and the fabric gradually moving back over time to a state of less stretch I don't know. I would just tug on both sides and reposition the garment back over the top of my shoulders where it would stay for awhile before sliding down again.
2. The only areas I noted any irritation at all were on my right unaffected arm where the material had a tendency to be a little snug in my axilla right under the arm pit and also the band at the end of the non-compressive sleeve. It was not constrictive enough to cause indentations, redness or severe discomfort, just a mild sense of irritation in those spots. Given that the garment comes in "standard" sizes and is not custom fit it is understandable that each individual's unique arm dimensions may not totally fit the full range of each size available. My left LE arm was extremely comfortable though...seemed strange that my right arm was experiencing the minor irritations.
3. For me the most significant question is does the CCL2 ArmCare sleeve effectively maintain proper compression and containment of my LE arm. That is a question I cannot answer with any authority without more specific clinical data. My subjective sense was that after wearing the ArmCare for a full day I felt that my left upper LE arm might be a little "fuller" but I do not have the measurements to back that up. My plan is to start keeping a twice a day record of the circumference of my upper arm in 2 or 3 places. I want to measure in the mornings after removing my JoviPak and then measure again in the evenings after removing my daytime garment. I will continue to wear both my Mediven and alternating with the ArmCare for now until I can determine if my arm is in a stable pattern. If it is, I will extend my wearing of the ArmCare to 2 days in a row and watch closely to see if there is any significant change in my arm circumference. Obviously, other activities I do during the day may have any impact in addtion, so I will try to keep track of the variables. I will be seeing my CLT therapist every 2 weeks and will get her input as to the tissue consistency and presentation of my arm also. So it will be my own mini experiment.
All in all I am very happy with the wearability and comfort of the ArmCare. If it can successfully maintain my LE during the day then it will be a welcome change and alternate garment option for me to wear. I will keep you all updated after a month or so of testing.
-
Linda--Amazing as always.
I had raised this question to both Binney and the head medi rep: when European CCL measurements vary from US, do you go by the absolute compression in mm mercury: in which case CCL2 European=CCL1 US, or does the quality of the fabric make the CCL more accurate than the mm mercury of compression? And, I still don't fully understand the answer.
The medi rep told me that any garment manufactured in Europe has to abide by their standards, but that types of fabric will vary and cause different compressions.
So, with the armcare being a "light" fabric, and the CCL2 is 23/32 mm, which is equivalent to CCL1 in US terms, is this sleeve less compression than your custom medi--which as it's made in Europe, is it also 23/32 mm?
Your post is wonderful in its thoroughness, thoughtfullness and general helpfulness.
Kira
-
Linda,
I second Kira's assessment of your post. Thanks again!
Dawn
-
LindaLou - awesome post !!!!
I've been wearing the Armcare since April 2010. I have long arms, my swellling is elbow-axilla (and trunk). I need to wear compression 24/7 and I feel best with heavy compression. I was wearing a combo of custom Juzo Healastic CCL 2 & a wrapped Solaris Tribute for daytime prior to getting the Armcare. (I couldn't tolerate a sleeve with a top band (too painful) so I'd been wearing my Tribute (bandaged) day & night for over a year.) Here's my experience w some of the issues you mention:
For whatever reason, donning the Armcare was intuitive for me. I find it much easier to don than regular ready-made sleeves (I was always punching myself in the jaw!) and much, much easier than my a custom. I usually use a rubber glove on my other hand to adjust the elbow a little after the sleeve is on. I love the elbow patch. I got a large burning red lump at my elbow crease from other sleeves and I don't with this sleeve.
I thought the fabric was delicate when I first got the sleeve but I find it is very durable. It resists pilling far longer than other sleeves I've tried; it never stretches out; the compression has yet to "fatigue." (This is particularly idiosyncratic and not something you mentioned: my LE arm is hypersensitive to cold - anything below 65 degrees starts to burn and the colder the temp., the more it burns. Circular knit sleeves intensify the feeling but the Solidea sleeves improve it. ???)
I wear the shoulders kind of lowish (lower than the photos on the box.) I just put them where they feel comfortable and they stay - I never have to adjust the Armcare once it's on. I find some clothing fabrics want to "cling" to the shoulders (a long sleeve cotton knit for example or winter static) so that I adjust the clothing sleeves occasionally.
I also find the short sleeve side a bit snug. As in, by afternoon I notice it -which I'd rather not do- and it can feel mildly annoying in hot weather. I experiemented with my oldest sleeve. Using regular scissors, I cut the "curve" around the front axilla opening to make it larger and I also cut the bottom of the short sleeve off. After cutting, the axilla curve is more open (tho. not as pretty) and the end of the sleeve rolls up. Sometimes I roll it up so I just have the thinnest circle of fabric as an anchor. I can't say the cut garment feels better than the intact garment - but it feels good just to have a change.
I found the Armcare comfortable from the moment I first put it on but I was dubtful about the compression. I assumed it was too light, too fragile, too comfortable (!) etc. to be effective for long-term use. I figured it would be great for occassional use. Au contraire. After about 4 cautious half days, I said to hell with my custom sleeve and I have never looked back. I wear the Armcare everyday (except when I wear the Wave - which is not quite enough compression for me for everyday.) I don't understand the compression numbers after a point. I just know what feels supportive when it's on me and what controls my swelling over time. So far, the Armcare does both for me. ???: It seems to me compression measurements (like size measurements) are somewhat arbitrary and imprecise anyway - I've never understood how one sleeve can provide the same compression on different size arms. In the end, all we have to go by is what actually works or doesn't work.
I only wear hand compression occasionally. Sometimes I wear my glove or gauntlet tucked in, sometimes out - either way is fine for me. BTW, the wrist of the Armcare looks like it might be bulky but it isn't.
Sue is great - I met her at an airport luggage check-in counter of all places. She was wearing an Armcare and I was wearing a bandaged Tribute and we both did a, "Lymphedema??!!" double-take. We ended up talking nonstop about our LE "journeys" for the next 3 hours and I ordered a sleeve from her the next day.
I look forward to hearing your test results! I hope it's as good for you as it is for me.
-
I want everyone to know that Sue Callison from Lymphedema Sleeve Company is AMAZING! I don't think I have ever spoken with a company owner more tuned into their customer's satisfaction and so motivated to ensure that their product is effective and practical for its intended use.
I received a phone call from Sue today, informing me that she had just been made aware of a production issue with their most recent shipment of the CCL2 ARMCARE SIZE MEDIUM in CAMEL COLOR. This is currently the only garment in their product line affected by this manufacturing issue in Italy.
Sue is right on top of the problem and notifying patients who have recently ordered this specific garment. She gave me permission to post this just as a "heads up" for anyone who may have a CCL2 ARMCARE SIZE MEDIUM in CAMEL COLOR purchased AFTER JAN 2011. You may want to email Sue at Sue@LymphedemaSleeveCo.com or give them a call at 1-888-841-8834 if you have this garment.
I am totally impressed with Sue's dedication to maintaining the high quality standard of her product and her sincere desire to serve the Lymphedema community the best way she can. Being a breast cancer survivor and LE patient herself, she really "gets it"!
-
I agree that the beige silverwave is loser and not as compressive as the black. Not quite sure why. I am mostly wearing my black one.
-
Awhile back I posted a question about black garments, to see if anyone had the same experience I've had. Over several years, and with several different companies, I always find my black garments are tighter than the others. I asked my fitter about it and she said when she fits bras she often has to go down a size for black ones, and that she's seen the same thing with LE garments. It's also true of my compression camis -- the black is tighter.
What is with that?!!!
Binney -
Perhaps the black dye shrinks? But the fit is markedly different, the cuff looks wrinkly after a few hours on the beige.
-
So I wondered what the effect was on my healthy arm of wearing the bilat sleeve. My upper arm was down 2cm my lower was up a fraction.
However I have lost some weight and hurt my lower arm so who knows>
-
OMG - I have always noticed that black fabric of any kind almost always feels tighter, heavier, and stiffer than the same fabric in any other color!
(All my Waves are the pale ones and my Arcares are the black ones so I will have to experiment.)
-
I ordered both the armcare and wave sleeve. I love wearing a sleeve without the band on my upper arm. I find that my arm even seems thinner when I take the armcare sleeve off. I have to return my wave sleeve, as it is too large at the wrist. I purchased it in champagne. After reading this thread about the differences between colors, I am going to exchange it for a black sleeve and hope that it fit.
I never would have discovered these sleeves without this thread. So thank you!
-
The down side of the bi-lat is I have an ache in my elbow of my healthy right side that I use the mouse with at work. I wonder if the sleeve is adding resistance I do not need.
-
Thank you for the info on the LE sleeve! After reading all the comments/reviews I decided to purchase the Arm Care in black. Does anyone have tips on gloves/gauntlets? I purchased an inexpensive one from a pharmacy but after wearing and washing for a week it looks a pretty tattered.
-
Cookie, that's interesting about your unaffected elbow being achy from the sleeve. Can you adjust the fabric around the elbow area so it has more "give" there?
Okay, being a person for whom "less is more" where compression is concerned, I tried the SilverWave (in black -- lovely!) It is not sold as a compression sleeve for lymphedema, and that's wise, because it has a couple of design features that make it risky for LE use. The wrist area is long and tight, with a "gathered" effect above the cuff. It's beautiful and graceful styling, and I love it, but it leaves the area directly above the cuff completely uncompressed and open to collecting fluid.
My gloves are made with very long cuffs, but not long enough to cover the uncompressed area.So I tried taking several tucks around the sleeve above the cuff to tighten it up. Works fairly well, but it's far from ideal and of course it didn't do anything good for the graceful style <sigh!>
On the other hand, the fabric is so comfortable I don't even want to take it off. And the way the top of the sleeve goes around to my back and has no band around my upper arm does great things for my chest LE, which is aggravated by tightness in the underarm or upper arm.
So I'm warily using it only occasionally, when I need some comfort and a break from the freakin' compression garments. Like the rest of you I would LOVE a long-sleeved T made out of this stuff, with a drop-shoulder so the seam doesn't catch me right in the axilla, y'know?
LindaLou, I do appreciate your comments about the ArmCare band on the opposite arm. Since my LE is bilateral that would be a complete no-no for me <another sigh!>
For now I'll just have to keep on fantasizing about the perfect LE compression garment for bilateral arm and chest LE, and in the meantime I'll be cheering for those of you who are able to use and enjoy these beautiful garments.
Be well!
Binney -
SoGr--I wear gloves, not gauntlets, but in my experience, they do get beat up.
Before my fingers swelled I tried Jobst gauntlet--not bad, and a Juzo gauntlet--didn't have the Jobst "cuff"
Lymphadiva gauntlets are a bit expensive, and do have a seam inside the thumb that can rub, but are fashionable.
Kira
-
Oh my, I am so glad to find this thread. I have really long arms so am currently wearing a Juzo when I do weight training or cardio.
I was made aware of this "Silver Weave" fabric on the "breast LE" thread by cookiegal and others on that thread (thank you!)
I have most of my issues in my breast and side of chest -- any updates on getting a T-shirt in this fabric? I was thinking of getting the "Belly" one and trying it on my upper body, but I am reading here that this may not work because of the "band"?? Is that correct?
I am thinking of ordering the Bilateral for biking, weight training, exercise as you are all saying it is "lighter" and more comfortable, and Nordy even remarked it seemed "Cool"!! Which would be really good for exercise (my current gets very hot, tight blech).
-
adding to favorites!
-
Cookie - I am so used to my Wave but when I first got it I remember thinking that it made my LE arm feel totally normal and my normal arm feel like it had LE (a little bit tingly and achey.) By now of course, my normal arm just feels normal and my LE arm feels like my LE arm in a sleeve (funky but supported) . . . .
Binney - I have never had a problem with the cuff/wrist area of the Wave - but I wondered if it might be an issue for people with swelling in that area. And yeah - I'd pretty much sell my soul to get rid of LE and, short of that, for a Wave tee shirt!!!!
-
I ordered the bilateral sleeves tonight. I got size medium and color black because I was nearly a small and you all mentioned that the black seemed to fit the tightest.
Also, after measuring around my boobs, I ordered a larger tummy/tunc garment that I'm going to try around my chest - may cut the top and bottom bands off. If that doesn't work, I'm going to cut it up and stick in in my bra like Cookie does!! She's had amazingly good results for breast LE.
SleeveNinja - I am also wating for a Wave Tee Shirt!!!! My next thought is getting some "under armor" and sticking the Wave inside there!!! (There's got to be a better way, but not sure that it exists right now!) My Kingdom for a Wave Tee!!!
I remember early on when I was going for LE therapy they started by taping me up. The Kineseo tape worked really well for me, but I am alergic to the adhesive, so it gave me a bad rash and I just could't do it. BUT I am hopeful these "waves" will be sort of the same principal as the tape - the moving and gentle massage pricipal, but without the adhesive. A girl can hope anyway.
Spring.
-
Spring - I believe with enough interest and positive feedback the manufacturer will indeed make a tee one of these days. It can't be soon enough for me. I can't use the band because my swelling is in my axilla, around front up to my collar bone, around back of shoulder blade (down to I can't quite tell where) and the band would "cut" it in the middle of the swelling. (It's an impossible area to apply compression and I can tell something bad is gradually happening to my tissue ) Let us know how it works for you.
-
Hi all, very glad I found this thread. My mom's health condition is weakening and I must fly to see her on Tues, Mar 29th. I didn't have sufficient time to shop for a compression sleeve but did manage to have one ordered and I just picked it up last Friday.
I have a 5 inch wrist and the fitter ordered me a Jobst Bella Strong 20-30 mmHg Size Small. In their chart it said that the wrist will fit 5"- 6 3/4". Tried it on and everywhere fit well except the wrist, it has loose space. I laid it flat and measured the wrist of the sleeve and it was 2.75" across, that in itself is already 5.5" wide.
I know you ladies have a lot of experience, can some one please tell me if I should still go ahead and wear it on my flight? Will there be anything that I should watch out for when the wrist area is not tight? I do not have swelling on the wrist nor hand. I also had to return the gaunlet because the wrist was large too and the edging was unravelling.
I wore the sleeve for 1 hour and it made me feel even more tingly.
My main issue is the forearm and upper arm. I do have slight swelling in the axilla and slight swelling on the dx breast. I had a partial mast and SNB.
Any suggestion or tips would be appreciated. Thank you all in advance!
-
Binney...Dr. Francis suggestion was to wear an extra compression device...(juxt-a-fit) over the silverwave...is that any help?
for me the long cuff has been great...I have such a small wrist and lower arm it actually fits...everything else has been too lose there...and again since my lower doesn't have much le...the above area had been ok.
Right now it's the only sleeve that fits....however more compression would be great!
But the healthy arm pain is real...the pressure exacerbates some pain and inflamation from using the mouse...so I am now walking around with the left arm off and just hanging around!!!! I feel like a dainty elephant with a trunk!!
-
Bump
-
DiamondGirl, do you have a lymphedema therapist? If so a lunchtime drop-in just to check the fit would be helpful. If not, then it seems to me you'd be better off without it. Can you get a long-sleeved sportshirt like an UnderArmor before you fly? If so, get it snug but not irritatingly so, and turn it inside out so the seams don't irritate. Isotoner therapeutic gloves can also be helpful so that fluid doesn't end up in your hand.
Before and throughout your trip stay VERY WELL hydrated. At intervals do some deep abdominal breathing and exercise your arms with gentle stretches. Cat-clawing over your head (or make a fist and release it slowly and steadily while holding your arm above your head) is good. Also holding your arms straight out in front of you and bending at the elbows to touch your finger to your nose. Will your fellow-travelers think you're nuts? Possibly, but you'll never see them again, so ignore!
While packing and at the airports, be careful about jerking suitcases around. Get somebody else to lift them in and out of the overhead bins and off the carousels.
Whenever possible, elevate your arm -- on pillows at night too.
When boarding, I stop and tell the smiley flight attendants that I have a medical condition that requires that I drink a lot of water, and they've always been good about making sure I stay well supplied. Don't be bashful, because you want to be in great shape when you arrive, since you'll be in a stressful situation. Continue to wear the UnderArmor if you're going to be doing any heavy lifting while caring for your mom.
I'm so very sorry about the reason for your flight. Prayers for a really precious time with your mom and family. Please keep us posted!
Binney -
Binney, thank you for your valuable detailed information. I have one more question, should I wear it as I go through the scanner or should I put it on after all that. Since my dx side is so sensitive to touch, I'm afraid I won't be able to be patted down. It will definitely hurt.
I do have a LE therapist and it is a great idea to let them take a look.
I will keep you guys posted. Again many thanks!
-
My trunk and arm LE have both been flaring and while wrapping is helping my arm, the trunk LE was giving me fits. I have a champagne wave sleeve that was too big when it arrived and now doesn't give me enough compression in my arm. So, last night I tried Cookiegals method. I put the wave sleeve inside my compression bra and after 12 hours there was a huge decrease in my breast and trunk swelling. I'm going to order a band and try to sew it inside one of my wear ease compression cami's to see if I can wear it during the day too.The compression bra is just too bulky for daytime wearing. Anyway, thank you COOKIEGAL, the wave worked like magic!
-
Too much, great to hear! I'm out of town now by my wave sleeves and trunc thing should be home when i get there. Can't wait to try it! Very hopeful that it is also working for you!!
-
I am still in the process of taking twice a day measurements of both my arms while wearing the ArmCare sleeve but thought I would make a few comments today about the SilverWave garment. I was interested in trying it out just to see the fit and whether or not I could find a way to use it along with my other compression garments. My thinking was I knew it would not provide enough compression for my left LE arm but wondered if the wave pattern might have an impact on my fibrotic areas in addition to providing some mild support to my right At-Risk arm.
As others have mentioned I found the garment to be very comfortable to wear. I was a little suprised at the long wrist cuffs and "gathered" construction in the forearm area as Binney noted, however, found that the design seemed to fit my arm shape without any loose or too tight areas.
In spite of my long arms the sleeves fit comfortably and had plenty of stretch. I did note that the band going across my back shoulders seemed a little loose but I definitely felt it was comfortable and no areas digging into my shoulders or axilla area.
I decided that in order to test the impact of the SilverWave fabric without compromising my needed compression levels for my LE arm, I would need to wear it underneath my current Mediven 550 Custom sleeve along with my Mediven 550 custom glove. I did wear this combination as seen in the picture for a couple days.
It was comfortable, no unusual binding or irritations noted. I did find that after removing the SilverWave garment I had a "roadmap" of ridges left behind, similar to what I see after wearing my JoviPak nighttime garment.
As others have mentioned, I found that my right Non-LE but at risk arm was more stimulated than usual with new sensations but that could be just the initial adjustment to wearing a garment. I did not have any achyness or irritation noted on the right arm while wearing the SilverWave like I did when wearing the first ArmCare sleeve I tried.
Because my current project is determining whether the Class II ArmCare sleeve can provide adequate compression, I stopped wearing the SilverWave for now and am strictly wearing the ArmCare during the day, sometimes alternating days with my regular Mediven sleeve. I always wear my Medi glove no matter which sleeve I am wearing. I am keeping track of circumference measurements twice a day at 6 points on each arm. 3 points below the elbow and 3 points above. Now that I have replaced my original ArmCare sleeve with the non-defective black original version, I have been tracking my measurements for 9 days straight.
I know Sue Callison was in Italy a week ago and hopefully she will have some news soon regarding garment revisions and future plans for expanding garment selections. I will let both her and all of you know the results of my little experiment with the ArmCare Sleeve as soon as I feel I have enough data to share my opinion.
-
I met with a new fitter a week ago and my Therapist asked about the dual sleeve garments. The compression is different on the Italian made ones, and there is no graduated compression so it was not suggested for me.
-
I too tried Cookiegal's trick on my truncal LE last night and...amazing! My Trunc is probably down the most it has ever been and the funky bulge that I thought was my implant bottoming out is gone! Apparently my implant was fine, the bulge was LE!
Bless you Cookie!!!
Edited to add: We should have the Lymphedemasleeve people look at this thread, maybe they will be encouraged to jump on the T-shirt/Cammi idea seeing as how just cutting the silverwave and lining a compression garment does wonders...
-
Okay, toomuch and o2be, I'm having trouble picturing this. Are you guys wrapping your Silver Wave around you and wearing a compression bra over that, or are you cutting your Silver Wave up to do this? What direction are you putting the little waves in -- up and down, or back and forth? I want to try this, but don't get it.
LindaLou, thank you for the update. I hadn't thought of putting another sleeve over the SilverWave. Did you use some kind of donning devise to achieve that?!
Diamondgirl, thinking of you! Hope the flight was completely uneventful and that your mom is resting well. Let us know how you are when you can grab a moment!
Be well!
Binney -
Binney, I used my trusty Easy Slide over the SilverWave to pull on my MediVen sleeve over top it. Works flawlessly, smooth and easy!
-
Binney - I cut the band that goes across the back off and then slit the sleeve up the middle from hand to axillary. I then sewed the two slit sleeves together at the axillary ends and wrapped the sewn slit sleeves around my back bring the wrist areas together with a safety pin at the cleavage line between my breasts. This leaves the wave running in a vertical pattern on the back and breast, I then put on my wearease compression vest over the silverwave makeshift band. I had an old sliver wave sleeve that I was using for yard work and such and decided to cut up the sleeve to try cookiegals trick. This was last night and the difference this morning was pretty incredible although it would be nice if I could find a way to stop the makeshift band from slipping as I move around...
-
O2be, can you cut the band that used to go across the back to make a couple of straps for it to help hold it in place? Also, a question: if you stitched the two ends together instead of pinning, do you think you could get it over your head (or hips) to get it on? Do the cut edges roll?
Thanks!
Binney -
BINNEY - I'm still hoping to be able to wear my wave sleeve someday, perhaps use it the way LindaLou did with my compression sleeve on top. So, I didn't cut my sleeve. I only have LE on one side so I turned the sleeve inside out, turned those long cuffs inside and then wrapped the sleeve around me. It fit across my breast twice. I wore my compression bra that opens in front over it and was able to hold it in place while I got the compression bra on. My compression bra is so snug that there was no slippage. The waves were going up and down. I did it as a test to see if it would be worth buying the abdominal band. I am going to buy a large and then cut it to fit inside my wear ease slimmer cami. I spoke to Sue and asked her if she thought I could cut arm holes in the band and she wasn't sure. I'll just have to play with it. Seems like everything with LE is trial and error but I really think we may be on to something here!
-
O2B, isn't that great! Cookie should get a medal!!!
I ordered the sleeves and a trunc one that I am going to try around my breast, side, back area. Can't wait to see if it works well for me too...Linda Lou, how fascinating your experiments!!!
-
Spring - Let us know when you get your band how you use it and how it works for you. Hopefully, by posting our experiences we can help others and convince Sue to have the company make a tee shirt or cami out of the wave fabric!
-
Springtime - Please post back how the band works, I bought one and it was just too tight and the top and bottom band cut into me too much.
Binney - I'll have to see how the band works when I get home - I do notice slippage in my bra but not so much in the compression vest... I will report back on all questions once I have more time to observe
-
What a hoot! I now have my SilverWave sleeve turned inside out and wrapped around my chest, which is achy and sore from a changing weather pattern here. And I even managed to get my WearEase Slimmer on over it. (LindaLou, help! We need an EasySlide for our bodies!
) It's, uh, interesting. I too shall report in should anything wonderful ensue.Binney
-
O2B - I will report back on how the band works for the upper chest and back. I measured my boob area and looked at the wave size chart and ordered an XL - we'll see...
-
OMG...I just read this thread!!! OMG!!!!!
I am so glad this works. BTW I used the truncal "Tummy" band, not a sleeve but what ever.
I did try having a tummy band made into a cami/bra and it is just a little tricky to wear. The straight line across my nodes is akward.
However for someone who has a longer torso it might work fine. I had a line of fasteners put up the front and ribbons over the shoulder.
I should credit my first old LE whose idea this was. She actually thought it was a tube top initially. There may even be somone out there who can wear it straight up as a tube top.
-
Binney....what I did was chop the top band off and left the bottom band on..but I cut it up the middle, and just cut out a boob size chunk. I just stick it in a stretchy bra with the bottom band lined up with the bottom of the bra.
If I sewed I would try to line one side of a stretchy bra with the fabric. BTW after buying DOZENS of sports bra the Sears "Leisure" bra works well for me. And they just made it in BLACK!
-
I will add...I actually misplaced the main part of the band....and even the scraps work. GOD HOW I WISH THIS WORKED ON ARMS THE SAME WAY!!!
-
Oh Linda Lou, we have the exact same discoloration on the fingers with the mediven glove. It makes me feel better somehow! Is that a one piece?
-
There's my hero, Cookie...
So here's my report so far: I tried the large tummy band as a tube top. Had to cut off the top "band" because it cut in. I could wear it but it was so tight it sort of hurt my skin and my little rebuilt nipple. Today I am trying it lower on my ab just to see what it does for my mid section before cutting it up. I think I'm going to stick a piece under my Under Armour and see what happens. I don't have much issue in the breast but more trunc, side area.
The bilateral sleeves - I am not seeing anything happen there and wonder if I should have gotten a smaller size or the acutaly compression verson (that is one sleeve). The sleeves seem really tight on my lower arms and more loose on my upper, which is where I really need more compression I think.
Thoughts on this?? Will report back after I cut up the belly band and try it under the under armour.
-
Spring-Since the wave isn't a compression sleeve it will ony help if it fits snug. I love the way my arms feel when I wear it but I hate the wide, tight band at the wrists. I wish it ended like a normal sleeve. You can try wearing a regular Jobst sleeve or LS underarmour over the wave and see if it helps more. I've worn it that way too when I exercise. I don't notice dramatic results but it is comfy!
Amy
-
This doesn't help anyone but me...but that sleeve design is the only reason it fits me...every other sleeve(including the one arm) is too loose on the bottom and too tight on top.
I have not had anything miraculous on the arms, but I have gotten slightly better( since it is better than nothing) I will say the LE MD said my skin looked good and soft. I will put the juxtafit over it when I get it.
Oh I call the breast one my "boobie wiggle"
-
Hi, I have been trying to find a custom sleeve that won't slip or bind my inner elbow. Just talked to Sue callison as I have ordered the black CCL2 and will give it a whirl.
Also I put in a word for all you girls and said you need cami's/gloves/tees if possible. She gave me a email of the person that talks directly to Soleida manufacturer and suggested that all the people that are interested in these new garments being produced to email him suggesting so.That way he can see THERE IS A NEED for these items and they will strongly consider manufacturing. woo hoo!
Also mention that Sue Callison is helping us with sleeves as this puts in a good word for her and cements the seriousnous of our intent. (Sue is soooooo helpful)
I will provide the email address and name in the next few days. Sorry , I was not able to read the recent posts and have not seen the latest on your armcare experiences, and just sent this blurp to give you a heads up. When I have time I will try to post more often. I truly can identify will you lovely bunch of gals.
-
Yikes! For the record, both the Armcare and the bilateral Wave ARE compression sleeves and both DO have graduated compression. The bilateral Wave sleeve was not designed to be a LE sleeve, however, it absolutely IS a graduated compression sleeve (15-21mmHg).
Cookie - I am very curious about the Juxtafit. I've never seen it in person but I have wanted to try that kind of garment - sort of a cross btw a sleeve and bandaging. Please report back!
I've been wearing both the Armcare CCL2 and the bilateral Wave sleeve for a year. (Exactly one year next week!!!) They are the only sleeves that work for me. I have no problem with the shape of the wrist/cuff on the Wave but I can imagine that some people might.
Inspired by Cookie and everyone, I just ordered an abdominal band to cut up for experiements. I need to figure out a way to wrap it around my axilla and collar bone. Hmmmmm.
-
Thanks for the info Sleeve Ninja!!!
About the same time I got my wave sleeves and abdominal band, I also got a lovely new under armour T that has enough room for my boobs built in! I have been having good luck with this for my Truncal LE. Last night, I wore the bilateral sleeves and my new underarmor T to Yoga. Typically I have to be so careful with inversions, but last night I even did some down dogs (which usually cause a flare up) and all is good! This morning I woke up and that "area" felt great! I am thinking I may not need the wave in there, but I have it if I need it... I'm going to wear this T for all exercise
-
Sleeves - I used to have big-time problems with my elbow crease (searing pain, redness, immediate increased swelling). The Armcare is great for me - hopefully it will work for you too. Before the Armcare, I used to tuck a smooth piece of Artiflex inside my sleeves over my elbow crease. This helped a lot. I also used Jobst roll-on body glue to help hold my sleeves up.
Spring - I luvvvv to do inversions. I was v depressed by the idea of never doing them again. I only do them with my favorite, trusted, knows-me-well yoga teacher - and we go easy. I don't get to see her often but I feel wonderful whenever I do. -
ok...I did it...I chopped off the arm of one of my silverwaves. Hopefully now I don't have to wear the extra sleeve tucked in my pants. It was giving my healthy arm, which I use more at work tendonitis .
Lets see!
Can we get a girl scout badge in LE
-
Actually, Cookie, LE is such a huge subject that they offer several badges. Here are a few we're all working on:
- This one is "Finding a Doctor Who Will Diagnose LE" - This one is "Adjusting to the Idea that This is For Life" - This one is "Compliance in Wearing Wraps in Public 23/7" - This one is "Graduating to Wearing Compression Garments"
- And this is "Paying for Said Compression Garments" - This is "Educating Our Healthcare Providers Without Decking Them" - This is "Maintaining Arm/Chest Without Swelling"
- And here's "Coping with Yet Another Flare" - This is for "Advanced Brownie Eating" - This is "Doing MLD and Exercises Regularly"And finally,
- "Getting On With Life, Sistah!"As you can see, we'll all need the extra-long badge sash to fit all of these on, and I'm sorry to say that our insurance does not provide them. No surprise there....
Be prepared!
Binney -
Oh Cookie! YOu are a riot! We should earn a "badge"!!! all this creative cutting and sewing...
Sleeves, I am sad about inversions too. I used to do shoulder stands and even had a "head stander" - supposedly going upside down is really good for your body. But I noticed after using the "head stander" that I would get bad flare ups.
I decided not to keep it. Happy thought I could at least get a few experimental Down dogs in the other night at yoga... Binney, I love the "Educating our health care providers without decking them"!!!!!!
-
Binney,
I was never good at earning badges in the old days - but these, I'm working on it!!!!!
Dawn
-
I am thinking I need to order one of these. Is the wave the best for yoga and working out? I would love to have some shoulder support. Inversions actually help my flare ups. Weird, huh? My PT says it's because of all the scar tissue and fibrosis, that when I am in down dog it actually opens the channels and allows for better flow. I can't plank on my hands anymore though...I have use my forerams, and I can't hold them for as long. Same thing for push ups...I have to way modifiy because my shoulder gets fatigued so easily.
-
Trishia - I wear the silver wave with a sleeve (that is a little worn out, a little looser than normal) over the top of the silverwave. The silverwave is a little big on me and I need a little more compression on top of it to give me the compression I need for working out. It helps me! I have to take the second sleeve off about an hour after working out because it is too much. As with all this LE c#@* you have to figure out what works best for you.
Binney - I LOVE the LE badges!
Unfortunately, I've only earned two thus far ..."Advanced Brownie Eating" and "Doing LE exercise and MLD Regularly." Love it, love it, love it! I'm still working on the other badges... -
Binney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOLx1000!!!!!!!!!!!!
For what it's worth, after I hacked the arm off of my silverwave I of course....
stuck the fabric in my bra!
For me the fabric from the sleeve was not effective on the breast LE....the tummy band has "sharper" wiggles. Maybe for someone daintier is might work, but for me I need the tummy band fabric.
-
SleeveNinja: Great name you got and when I get comfy sleeves you can all help me change my user name from Sicklysleeves to something cooler. OK!,
Regarding the elbow crease that squeezes and rashes out like a boa constrictor, With my first off shelf sleeve I tried foam given from my MLD girl but had a devil of a time inserting it. I did finally get it in. Felt a bit better, that sleeve was too tight though so I am now trying a custom made.(2nd one) What is Artiflex?
With my second attempt sleeve (custom) I tried the glue which did help but still wasn't the best as I was getting inner crease bother. I figured that sleeve is too big and slipping. I got my fitter to take back the sleeve which she was really good about. She is very concerned about comfort for me.
While we are trying to find another brand I ordered a Soledia CCl2 sleeve from Sue. After reading this thread a few weeks back I thought the CCL2 sounds great with that inner crease pad and comfort. Although I am worried about it not being a flat knit as my MLD says that is the cream of the crop way to go for containment. I use mostly as a preventive as I don't want to become the elephant man quite yet! Sorry for the pun as I feell bad for you girls that are suffering so much., hang in and we will see if we can get you some comfy soleidia products made for you)
Girls! I said I would get back to you on contact info. So If you all want new types of products made then email Sue Callison's contact person who is in direct line with the Italy manufacturer.
email to Mr. Brodini at brodini@solidea.com. Again I will mention that Sue said that if we let him know what products we want made and he gets enough response they will seriously look into producing. Also Sue said to please mention that we are in contact with her so he sees the connection. Personally I want comfy gloves that are not restricting and tiring then I wouldn't mind them coming up so high towards my finger tips.
Don't know when I can get back on thread. Busy with fam. Will keep you posted on the Solieda's and love any tips you can pass on.
-
Trisha, I tried an under armour T and my bilateral wave sleeves for my last yoga, and it was better. I think we have to try so many things to figure out what works!
-
Hey wavers. Just checking in. I still think the silverwaves are doing their thing. I think the waves do have some benefit above and beyond compression. Still I would love to get it in a higher compression. My fitter said the top is really giving me almost nothing. Still it seems to work pretty reliably.
I guess when I get my custon sleeves and juxtafit, I will have a basis for comparison.
-
I wish they came in smaller sizes! I use mine primarily when I exercise with one of my worn out compression sleeves on top of it and I can tell a difference in a good way!
-
so I don't know quite where this falls...but I decided to experiment with wearing my "boobie wiggles" as much as possible....and my arm actually got smaller. I was inspired by the post about how important clearing the chest is.
When I got up this morning my LE arm was actually a tiny bit smaller than my good arm.
Go figure!
-
What the heck is a boobie wiggle??? I keep invisioning "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret" and her saying, "We must, we must, we must increase our bust." LOL... Oh wait you said, "wearing" the boobie wiggles, not "doing" the boobie wiggles!
-
I'm lost too on the boobie wiggle?? and was it on your boobie or your arm??? (LOL never thought I'd be typing that out!!)
-
It's my nickname for using the silver wave fabric for breast LE. It leaves wiggly marks!~~~~~~~~
-
cookiegal - 'boobie wiggles'
Do you sleep in it? Are you the one who cut it up and uses it across the chest?
-
Cookie, oh I get it now!!!
-
yes....I am.
I really am ready to try to line a bra with it.
I actually made a bra out of one, but it's a little akward.
It may be a fluke, but when I slept with it, for two nights, I woke up with my arm perfect. And this is with no sleeve at night.
So go figure...but I feel like I am on to something.
~~~~~~~~
-
cookiegal - That's great!!!!! You could market it ... there is a fan company called, "Big Ass Fans" ... if they can get away with that you could market your bra as "Boobie Wiggles."
Whatever works! So glad this is working for you!! Ingenious and creative!
-
Boobie wiggles that suck the fluid out of your arm overnight! It sounds like a miracle!!!
-
In all fairness, my arm always gets smaller overnight...it just plumps up pretty quickly in the AM...but I think if you have breast LE and can manage that it will help the arm
-
I just got a new arm care and I they have made some slight changes to the band that goes across your back. I didn't think that it was possible but the new sleeve is even more comfortable then my first one! I still love my wave but when my arm is acting up the arm care is great!
-
Toomuch, there was a recent email from the LymphemaSleeve Co that they've increased the compression over the shoulder--it sounded like they worked out some minor issues. It is a great product and Sue is great to deal with.
I couldn't find the email, but it's on their blog:
Announcing: Revolutionary New Sleeve Caps Shoulder with Compression
THIS IS A LIFE CHANGING SLEEVE
Effective, comfortable, with the unmistakable quality of Solidea. Like the original Arm Care, this sleeve has a soft dorsal support band that keeps the sleeve in place without a constricting upper arm band and now has compression that caps the shoulder.
Solidea's extensive research, development and clinical testing of highly specialized fabrics and technologies has produced revolutionary compression garments. Luxurious and silky, the technologically advanced fabric is made with silver-ion bacteriostatic yarn to reduce bacterial growth and help disperse heat. Remarkably comfortable with a breathable, 3-way stretch circular knit that is proven to maintain consistent compression levels.
ESPECIALLY USEFUL IN COMBINATION WITH A SILVER WAVE SLEEVE
Each sleeve works a bit differently, one with higher compression to move fluid deeper and the Silver Wave with micro massage fabric that more fully activates the capalaties just below the skin in the lymph system. I use the Silver Wave to sleep and exersize in, and the Arm Care most days to keep any swelling at bay. I love the combination and now my swelling will stay down so that sometimes I don't wear any sleeve at all.
Learn more on our website or call us with any questions at 888-841-8834.
Help us get the word out -- like us on Facebook, post on your blog or pass on this page. Thanks for your support!
-
After my recent DIEP stage II surgery, my PS wants me in compression 24/7, covering the entire trunk. I have a few Under Armor shirts I've been using for flying, as I have mild truncal (on the side under the armpit) and upper arm LE. But the Under Armor shirts do not play nice with much of my wardrobe, as the neckline (whether V or rounded) is too high for many of my clothes, and the squish factor on the boobs is uncomfortable, with or without a bra.
So, I searched for more compression options. Here is one I found, and I just love it, and I wonder if it might be a stand-in for a light LE compression T shirt some are looking for: http://www.timeformecatalog.com/cgi-bin/timeforme/cate_id/apfsha/prod/95559/item_detail.html?keywords=&srcmode=&sortbyprice=
The shirt has a waffle-type weave that is supposed to 'micromassage'. It is not a 'wave' pattern like the Arm Care. However, the compression of the shirt is quite good, and I find it is giving me more support than the Under Armors. The shirt is made in Italy and on the box it is labeled as a 'Medical Device Class 1'. I have no clue what that means!
I do not imagine that this item substitutes for a true LE arm sleeve, but as a full-shirt option, it is much more comfortable than Under Armor and has room built in for the boobs. No compression there, but plenty to meet my under-armpit and arm needs. The biggest disappointment is the price: $89. This catalog also sells some much less expensive compression shirts with scoop necks. I tried one and I do like it, but it's not as compressive as the one I linked to.
I tried to paste in a photo from the website, but no luck.
I have a sleeve and gauntlet coming soon for flying and exercise, so I'll be revising my flying approach, but for light compression, this t-shirt may be of interest to others.
Carol
-
Carol, Do you know if this has a short sleeve version? I wear compession sleeves on both arms and cannot imagine having both on would be very comfortable......I'm hot all of the time anyway.
Thanks, Katiejane
-
thanks, Kira: im looking into the new one.. i love the arm care, but had to shorten it in the back, also.. sounds like this might be the fix for it.. i have yet to shorten the arm, but its WAYY too long for me...still juzzing it...3jays
-
katiejane, The sleeves are long, so no luck with short sleeves there. But the same catalog retailer sells two short-sleeve 'shaper' t-shirts. I have both --they are much less expensive than the one I linked to, but have the advantage of lower necklines that are more compatible than the Under ARmors with normal wardrobe items. These shirts do not have as much compression as the long-sleeve item, but I find them to give as much compression as the Under Armors.
-
Carol, could you tell me about the sizing of the long sleeve top? Before my bilateral mast, I wore a size small shirt or tee, and I definitely do now with my implants removed. However, shape wear is trickly, and sometimes I wear a medium. Does the long sleeve top run small?
-
Tina,
I'm in a medium/large, which is indicated for sizes 10-12. I am of medium build, size 10 for pants but 12 for tops, with a B+ cup from my diep recon. The shirt looked humorously small when I opened the package, but it stretches quite a bit, fits me very snugly, but not inappropriately tightly--doesn't bind incomfortably anywhere, but I certainly feel the compression. The S/M size is indicated for sizes 4-8, which we would all say is quite a size range. I imagine you would use a S/M and find that it would give you more compression than someone in a size 4. I haven't needed to return anything, but the products I bought came with 'easy return' labels included.
Carol
-
Carol,
I have LE on the side of my breast and in my breast, and when I fly or get a flair, I use the Under Armour T's, and even the lower V neck, you're right, they can stick out.
This one though, I am afraid would not work on my boobs! I looked at the large pic, and it looks like there may not be boob compression. Does it give you support there? Thanks for the pointer...
-
Springtime,
The shirt does give some boob support, but the fabric is not waffle-textured like the rest of the shirt, so the amount of compression is much less. For me, the shirt is very very snug even over the breasts, and it seems to be doing a good compression job where I have my truncal issue, which is on the side of my chest, just under the armpit. I am about ready to look for someone who sews skating or dance wear, to see if I can learn any special tricks about sewing on stretch fabric. Without graduated compression fabric, a homemade shirt would never do what a sleeve does for an arm, but it just seems like making a flight-worthy shirt should be possible. I wonder if anyone looking at this thread has ever tried that.
We really need a LE fashion convention, to check out each other's garment choices! I'd bring my whole drawer ful of various compression camis and shirts--ones I have needed to wear for weeks of compression after stages I and II recon, and of course the ones that I'm using for flying. I would love to see--live--all the various compression garments and listed to what everyone says about the plusses and minuses of what they kept and what they rejected.
Not to mention that wouldn't I just love to meet all the wonderful human beings who post their advice and support here!
Carol
-
Carol, Okay so if I got it in Small vs Medium, sounds like it may do the trick, and I also have that spot on the side of my chest under my arm pit!!! I think that may be a universal "bad" spot for LE. Like it's trying to get suked up in the arm pit and pooling under instead!!!
I was just thinking today that Under Armour should make a compresison T without SEAMs!! So this way, i could wear it the correct side out, and not worry about the seams. I wonder if they have any clue how many of us LE people use their shirts.
-
Springtime, how about telling them? Sometimes it helps if manufacturers are aware of us. Under Armor does have a huge October pink splash every year, with biographies of athletic women who have "triumphed" over bc, but not a lympher in sight. Yet we lymphers do use their products. Tell them one researcher's estimate is that at least a third of women who go through bc treatment will eventually develop LE, and ask them if they can do Ts without the pesky seams. There's probably a "contact us" link on their website. Go for it!
No point leaving them in ignorance!
Binney -
Binney, what a great idea to get in touch with Under Armor! We could ask them to make a scoop neck--one that doesn't hug the back of the neck so closely that it's guaranteed to show under virtually any other garment. And then there's the logo: practically a headlight! Perhaps they could locate that elsewhere in a special edition shirt.
Springtime, let us know if you send an email to the company. Then it could be worthwhile to have others of us follow up with 'me too' emails, just to add weight to the suggestion.
Carol
-
Just for fun, I used the bc.org search tool to check for mentions of Under Armor and Under Armour: 240 mentions showed up! I don't know how far back in time the search checks for posted key words, but it's a pretty good indicator that there's a lot of Under Armour (just verified and that's the correct spelling) being talked about here.
-
Hello everyone, I have been reading your posts with interest as a noob trying to develop a good LE wardrobe. I bought some Under Armour shirts but I am also supposed to wear foam block thingies (I am sure they have a better name) under each arm...so I wear an UA shirt, with foam blocks over that, and a bra over that. I did not have reconstruction and finding a bra that hits in the right places without rubbing is tough (the UA helps with chafing). I have been running in this getup, but can't imagine doing this forever. Has anyone tried triatholon compression suits (unis) for sports/workouts? I'm wondering if i can forego the blocks and bra (really p o'ed that I'm still stuck wearing a bra with no boobs) and invest in a good sports compression suit. Realize I need to run this by my therapist but just curious if anyone was doing this...thanks!
-
I do not see a "contact us" on the Under Armour web site!
-
Springtime, in the top right-hand corner of this page, in tiny print, is a link to click on that says "email." If you click on it, it opens a page with a contact form on it:
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/customer-service
If you're on Facebook or Twitter you can also check out those sites for posting.
Hope that works!
Binney -
Thank you Binney, I sent them an email and apparently, they will get back to me. Here is what I wrote:
You may or may not be aware of this, but there are an army of women wearing your compression tops who are breast cancer survivors and who suffer from Trunctal Lymphedema. We need te compression when exercising or in air plane flights. We all have to wear your tops "inside out" to avoid the seam.
Have you ever considered creating a compression top that is seamless on the inside? We would love this! it would be the bomb!
Just passing on.
Thanks for your consideration!
-
Here is the response from Under Armour!
Response Via Email (Ali) 01/10/2012 09:00:40 AM Hi Beverly-
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us!
We have forwarded your feedback about offering compression shirts that are seamless to the Product Development department for examination.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch with us via phone (1-888-727-6687), live chat, or e-mail. We’d be glad to help out any way we can.
Thank you for choosing Under Armour.
Ali F
Customer Service Representative
UNDER ARMOUR®
1.888.727.6687
WWW.UNDERARMOUR.COM -
Bingo!
Okay, fellow truncal lymphers, now's a good moment to let them know Springtime is not a lone voice. Here's the link:
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/customer-service
In the top right-hand corner of this page, in tiny print, is a link to click on that says "email." If you click on it, a page opens with a contact form on it.
Thanks, Spring!
Binney -
Done!!! Becky
-
Done! My request below:
"I think your company has already received some requests for a seamless shirt design, and I wanted to follow up on that. As a result of breast cancer surgery, statistically many, many of us end up with a condition called Lymphedema which can cause uncomfortable swelling in our arms, chest, back (we call trunctal). To prevent additional swelling, and to aid in general comfort we are advised to wear compression camis or shirts. Since our swelling is as individual as each of us we can not all find the same garment to do the trick - except for UnderArmour shirts. BUT, the problem we have is that the seams are irritating to our LE. So we wear the shirts inside out. Another issue is that because we need to wear these with our everyday clothes the neckline and logos placement can be very problematic. Please consider a shirt design to fit our unique needs. No manufacturer has addressed this that is affordable to the average woman. Thank you for your kind consideration."
-
Done!! Here's what I wrote (I'm a writer...it's long...):
"Hello, I know you are hearing from a few women about this, but I thought I would chime in with some additional perspectives for you.
I have truncal lymphedema -- a common side effect of breast cancer treatments. One recent study estimates the number of women with breast-cancer related lymphedema to be about 800,000 in the United States today. Not all women with lymphedema benefit from wearing compression shirts, and I do not have an estimate of the number of truncal lymphedema cases, but I can tell you that every woman I know who uses compression shirts to help control truncal swelling has more than one of them.
I own four Under Armour shirts, for example; two with a lighter fabric that I use when exercising, one heavy and very long one for outdoor sports, and a V-neck that I use for compression when flying on airplanes. I also own some other shaper-type T-shirts that provide less compression than your product, but that offer the advantage of giving me a scoop neckline or a V neckline that differs from your product in that it does not hug the neck and show through much of my wardrobe.
My dream Under Armour shirts would all have no internal seams, and they would offer me a choice of necklines that are not visible under a variety of clothing. The logo (as much as we love you for making these shirts) would be placed near the hem of the shirt, as currently the logo shines like a beacon where it often peeks through other, professional clothing. I would also love to be able to buy these shirts in a variety of fabric weights, sleeve lengths, and colors.
The women who are writing to you know each other via a wonderful online breast cancer support community called breastcancer.org. If you spend a few moments reading some of the discussion threads in the lymphedema forum, you will get to know some of us. Out of curiousity, I used the website's search tool to get a simple count of the number of mentions of the term Under Armour (I also included Under Armor...we often seem to spell it wrong): 240 times! That's a small indicator of the number of discussions about strategies to find compression garments that meet our lymphedema needs and also fit the bill for garments that look good, are easy to care for, can be worn with a variety of wardrobe items, and sell for a reasonable price.
We do have options, but they are generally either expensive medical garments or not-quite-right shape-wear. Medical compression wear is extremely pricey and generally requires a prescription, adding to the cost and practical difficulty of acquiring it. Shapewear exists in abundance, but it usually comes with one shortcoming or another: armhole cut too low, offering no compression just under the arm or straps that are too thin and put too much pressure on the shoulder, cutting off our lymph flow, or other functional problems.
To sum, women with breast cancer related lymphedema, including me, are ready to purchase more of your terrific product, with just a few design changes. Many thanks for your consideration of our need."
-
You ladies ROCK!!! Thanks for the follow up! And the addition of a lower neckline, totally agree!!
Spring.
-
Hi Everyone,
I have just been looking at this site and the sleeve looks wonderful. I am curious though as to the measurments. There is no mention about the length of your arm.
I am very tall and my sleeves are always too short.
Has anyone had issues regarding the length of these sleeves.
Also i live in Australia and cannot see that they send OS... has anyone any ideas about this. I have sent an e mail regarding these 2 issues but thought i would ask you girls first.
Many thanks.
I learn so much from you ladies.
-
Kerrie389,
I get Juzo sleeves because they come in "long". I am not sure they sell them in Australia, but you could google to findout! There are insturctions on how to "measure" your arm in different spots. I save the box so when I need a new one, I can remember my size, etc. Hope this helps!
Spring.
-
Kerrie, are you referring to the LymphedemaSleeveCompany sleeves? If so, they were developed in Italy, so the US is "overseas" to them. Don't know if they're in Australia yet, but if not perhaps you could stir up some interest and get some local suppliers to request it.
Let us know what you discover!
Binney -
Ladies, I wanted to tell you that the UnderArmour folks requested that I formally submit this proposal, with documentation, to their new-products team. It's a many-pages-long application that tells them what we want, why it's important, and what kind of market is out there (which, thanks to all our emails should be kinda obvious!
). I submitted it and they'll get back to us within four months.The mind boggles. Springtime, thank you! Don't know what they'll decide, but isn't it amazing to be listened to?!
Brownies all around!
Binney -
Sounds promising!
-
Wow, very cool!
-
Binney, thank you so much for the time you put into the UA document. Time well spent, we all hope!
-
I have 5 UA shirts that I rotate throughout the week, and 5 older ones as backup with a more worn-out compression. This is expensive, and I'm annoyed at the odd looks I get with the inside out seams. A flat seam would be a dream. I justify the costs since by using compression I need to see the LE therapist less, so i guess it balances out. I wish the compression lasted longer for me. I wash them in a laundry bag on delicate, and I hang dry. Not sure what else to do. If UA will make a different kind of shirt, how cool would that be? I agree we represent a large potential customer base.
-
Way to go Binney. Thanks for all of your time and energy to help all of us with LE! Becky
-
Binney Thank you so much!!!!! I love that you are our "spokesperson" .
-
Binney, thank you! I guess we overwhelmed them with our feedback in rapid succession! I would so love a top with no seems and also lower around the neck.
-
ive been mia for awhile, so by the time i added my email, Binney was busy already!!!!thanks so much.. together we stand ladies....3jays
-
I have just received my Solidea Arm care garment. With Sue's help i was put onto a distributer in Australia.
I just love it!. It is so light and comfortable... i am truely amazed.
I will start doing some measurements and monitor my arm with this sleeve. Am really hoping for good results... don't want to have to go back to wearing the other sleeves.
-
This forum has been so wonderful! I wonder kerrie389 if you could please share the info for the Australia distributor? I recently bought the Solidea Armcare garment for my Mum but ended up having to buy it from the states and the postage made it cost about half as much again! We are in New Zealand and I haven't been able to locate any local importers. We will probably buy some more as it is such a functional and comfortable garment. Thank you all so much for your help and support
-
Hi mamashelper,
The distributer is located in Victoria.
Asherah Health P/L. Contact is Dianne Reynolds : 0421778782. She is very helpful.
This forum is great. This is where i discovered this sleeve too.
-
TA-DA!!!
Underarmour is listening! I received this email today:
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about the need for Truncal Lymphedema Garments.
As you are likely aware, we are committed to women's health and breast cancer.
We have sent the link to the comments from survivors about our product to our womens design team and they will do their best to incorporate as many changes as they can.
Thanks for taking the time to share the information with us, and best of luck.
Best,
UAThe link they're referring to would be this one, so please do add any comments you consider important. Oh my gosh! I can't even imagine having an Underarmour garment designed with lymphedema in mind! Makes me giddy just thinking about it!
Thank you, UA!
Binney -
Binney - This is awesome! I would love to go to the link but I don't see it in your post. As always, thanks for all you do!
-
Toomuch, the link they're referring to is this thread, which I sent them in the proposal for new products. They're saying the women's design team will be reading this thread in order to make design changes that will work for us lymphers. I hope they know we'd welcome their questions and comments here as well.
Binney
-
Hey way to go Binney. You rock!!! Becky
-
Ok, so here goes: Dear Under Armour, in case you are reading this, you rock, too!!
Wish list for compression-fit shirts:
1) Magical seams that are flat or simply do not appear on the inside of the garment, because seams press on skin and aggravate my LE. So, like many women here, I wear the shirt inside out.
2) Offer a version with a true scoop neck, and by that I mean, scooped enough both front and back so it can disappear under a variety of blouse, sweater, knit top, etc. necklines. It's surprising how many of my wardrobe items do not cover any of the UA shirts I own.
3) Relocate the UA logo, which tends to be front and center. I would wear an UA shirt under a jacket or cardigan, if the logo wasn't placed where the garment clearly looks like the active wear that it is. My professional attire often includes a black shell or sleeved shirt of some type under a jacket or a cardigan, and I would love to wear an UA instead.
4) Body types and sizes are all so different of course, and I cannot imagine how you design garments that work for the range of people sizes that yours do. Having said that, when I purchase your short-sleeve compression shirts, I need to buy a men's small instead of a women's medium, because the sleeve cut or length in the women's version is way to high up under my armpit, cutting into it. I wear the short sleeve shirts with my medical compression sleeve, and I want the UA sleeve to come as close as possible to meeting the medical sleeve. The men's shirt does the job perfectly for me, but the women's shirt does not. So--longer sleeve in the short-sleeve shirts.
Thank you sincerely for considering our needs. I own a drawerful of UA shirts --six, I think; some with mock turtleneck for outdoor winter wear; some with your crew-type neck and long sleeves for wearing around the house or when in airplanes; and some short-sleeved for when I need to wear my compression sleeve (some women wear them all the time; I'm fortunate that I do not always need to wear it--but then I like to be in UA, which helps my truncal lymphedema in addition to helping keep my arm where it needs to be). Your product has gone a long way to helping me deal with this crazy condition called lymphedema.
Carol
-
Dea under Armour, Carol 57 post is spot on. I ordered a women's large turtleneck and short sleeve compression t-shirt. At the same time I ordered a men's medium compression shirt in long sleeve and t-shirt and I found that the men's fit better so returned the women's. I too would like the logo to not be prominent front and center but maybe on the sleeve or waist area. Scoop of deep v-neck would be a plus. Thanks
-
Hi. What great, practical help you girls are! I have been lurking the boards daily for awhile now but don't post as typing aggrivates my carpal tunnel on my LE side. (any ideas on the carpal thingy) Anyway when I saw that you were going to contact UNDERAMOUR a while back, I too fired a email to their web site . I own 2 underamour men's tees. I would love to afford more, but man, Lymphedema is not a cheap hobby!
Girls you are right,. The mens short sleeves are the best. The GIRLS tee SLEEVE is not long enough and bunches up which constricts my lymph flow. Plus Girls tee fits tighter at the waist and tends to roll up if you are meaty around the waist like me. (I'm 154lbs,5'2" and wear the men's Med.) We need the same compression, any lighter compression and it won't do the job for me.
A lot of us girls with truncal lymphedema can't wear bras, could you sew in a prothesis pocket as a option and of course all the seams flat? Pockets for swell spots products would be nice. Yes, a scoop neck and scoop back would be great.
Adapting these tees to us lymphers would allow us to jump for joy repeatedly! It would make our lives so much better. Please help us.Thx for listening to us UnderAmour.
-
OK UA, you guys rock!
Biggest issue, the seams inside. I wear it inside out, which looks dumb, so I *have* to wear something over it all the time, even when it's HOT out. This stinks, but when I wear it with the seams inside it can make the Lymphedema (LE) worse or make my skin ultrasensitive.
I would not mind the seam down the center of the front or back, just NOT on the sides. That may look odd, but just sayin. I would not mind the seams on the outside (of the sides) if it was made to look like it was meant to be that way, worked into the design, or something like that.
I would like a version with the cap sleeves a bit longer. The cap sleeves are cutting into my underarm - I am wearing the women's version. How about the sleeve going down a bit further between the shoulder and elbow? Right now it's too short and there is a gap between the UA cap sleeve and the start of my arm compression garment that I wear prophylactically.
I like dark colors because I don't want my areaolas sort of bleeding through a light colored garment. I have black and hot pink. The hot pink one is a bit translucent which is way too sexy by the look on my husband's face!!
I do agree with the women above about a version with lower cut in front and back. However, I also would like a high version because I find that I get better breast compression with the versions that are higher cut. (I have LE in my trunc side and in one breast).BUT I would also like one with lower cut, I would like both!
Thank you Thank you Thank you for hearing us. -
I've been lurking on this thread for quite some time. I apologize in advance if the questions I pose have already been addressed...
I'm newly dx'ed with mild LE. Volumetrics showed a 10% increase in my affected arm. It is my non-dominant arm so it actually should be 5-10% less than the other side.
I'm very active in yoga and weight training. It was recommended that I wear a sleeve during workouts (in addition, of course, to air travel, long car rides, etc). I have a standard, off the shelf sleeve but I'm dying to try the Silver Wave.
Am I understanding correctly that many of you prefer the Silver Wave over the Arm Care? In your opinion, does it provide enough compression for mild LE? Or at least for me to give it a try?
And a silly question....do you wear the Silver Wave or the Arm Care over or under your workout top?
Are either one suitable for yoga/pilates workouts? In other words, will they stay in place during inversion poses or will I be constantly pulling and tugging on them? I hate, hate, hate confining garments so this LE thing is working my last nerve.:) This newer garment looks too good to be true!
Thank you in advance for your input. I'll be waiting with credit card in hand.....
-
I tried Silver Wave and went back to my regular compresson sleve for exercise. I didn't find it compressed at all and the little chevron things sort of annoyed me. But I'm just one person!
-
When my swelling is under good control, I wear the silver wave for exercise. If I'm doing a lot of weights, I tend to wear the armcare. I don't know that I need the added support but I don't want to risk the low compression not being enough. I find both sleeves more comfortable than the normal compression sleeves.
-
I just kind of caught all this with the UA!
As for the silverwave, untill I got custom it was the only thing that fit me, off the shelf, It's long skinny cuff actually worked well for me.
I still wear them as nightsleeves, I figure the silverwave still does some good. To be honest though I have just started wearing my day sleeves at night though sometimes.
As I have posted before the silverwave fabric works verywell on my breast LE. It's the abdominal band not the sleeve. Would LOVE to see some sort of chest garment with that faric.
-
Here is a question...do you guys wear the UA tops over a bra?
I would try a sleeveless one to sleep in!
-
Che54 - I found the Silver Wave did not give me enough compression for working out, especially doing weight lifting.
-
I don't wear my UA over a bra, I just wear it on bear skin! No bra. Very comfortable, good support for me. That's the best I've found to deal with my trunctal LE. I wear it when I exersice (and a sleve) for prevention. And If I get a trunctal flair, I wear it for remedy. I wear it for flying. It's my go to garment for the trunctal LE.
-
Springtime, are you wearing your sleeve over or under a long-sleeve UA, or wearing a short-sleeve UA with a compression sleeve?
I find that if I jog or run, the boobs bounce a bit in the UA, but wearing it over a bra is too constricting at the straps and band. So I avoid high-impact cardio work, which is disappointing. I like the UA compression for my truncal area under the axilla, so a sports bra with compression sleeve isn't the right answer, either. I do wish I could find the right answer!
-
Thanks so much for your replies. As I do work out with weights and also yoga poses, I feel I should forego the Wave and order the Arm Care....
Appreciate your advice!
Ché -
Carol, I wear a sleve and a short sleeved UA top, it has little like cap sleeves. there is sometimes a gap of skin between the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the UA top...
-
Springtime, that's what I do as well (only men's short sleeved shirt, because the women's cuts me irritatingly under the armpit). I just wondered if anyone layers UA compression over sleeve compression (probably not a good idea).
-
While we are waiting on UA to see what they come up with I need to keep searching for a compression shirt to workout in. Has anyone looked at the new Spanx line for men? I am looking on line at their Cotton Compression line and can't tell if there are side or underarm seams. Has anyone checked this out in person?
-
Also, has anyone tried the Zensah line? I hate that the logo is front and center.
-
Journey, you're way ahead of me here! Report back if you try one!
-
If I can make it to the mall I'll see if I can get my hands on the men's spanx and report back.
-
Reporting back on the men's Spanx T shirt - I did not go to the mall but looked at the video on line at Zappos (LOVE that site!) and the shirt does have side seams. Back to the drawing board. Wonder how UA is coming along?
-
Not sure if this is a new product or not, but solidea has a 25/32 mm Hg gauntlet. The cost is $80.
http://www.store.lymphedemasleeveco.com/en/micro-massage-compression-gauntlet.html
KS1
-
I see these posts are pretty old, but i am hoping for a response. I went to the website listed by OP ( journey) but never saw the word WAVE (am I missing something ?)
I DID see this :
"Can I wear the bilateral arm sleeve if I don’t have swelling in that arm?
Our bilateral compression arm sleeve and all legwear are perfectly safe to wear on unaffected limbs. When determining size, always base your decision on the circumference of the affected limb."While I LOVE the idea of 2 matching sleeves , has anybody < w/ uni LE> done this? Seems a little odd.
Thanks for any personal stories or further clarification.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team