lymphedema

Patsyann

I have had lymphedema for 2 1/2 years. I am starting treatment with the Rian laser, anyone out there have any success with this cold laser? If so, how long did it take? They are conducting this study in Florida.

kira66715

Patsyann, are you in the Florida study? It's run by Sheila Ridner at Vanderbilt and done by Ellen Poage.

I personally am not a fan of the laser (I don't buy the lack of science behind it, and heard a great lecture from Andrea Cheville at Mayo Clinic that she agrees with me), but from what I've heard, it works best for fibrosis, and some of the women on these boards have gotten relief with it--but still need to do the rest of lymphedema care: the compression, wrapping, etc.

Let us know how you do with it. 

If you can do it with the study, that's the best bet, IMO.

Kira

Patsyann

This is exactly the study that I am in. I do have some fibrosis and yes they are compression wrapping it. I have only had a few treatments and the hand looks better but it might just be moving to the upper arem. Thanks for the reply.

SleeveNinja

That's so exciting!  Please let us know what you think and learn and how you do! 

(I rented the laser for a month and use it on myself - probably not a great idea and not a great test of the laser either.  Anyway, I didn't notice any effects (good or bad.))

Patsyann

I didn't know you could rent the laser. I have tried CDT and MLD. I got very little help from it. I have a pump from BioHorizon that seems to help some. I got some reduction from accupuncture, but insurance would not pay for it and it was expensive. I saw a chiropractor, which did nothing. I took some herbs from a Chinese medicine man, zilch. So I figured why not try this. I will let you know happens. I am open to about anything. I met a lady at the study that did lymph node transplant, and she looked great. So there are a lot of things out there.