How often should you see a lymphedema therapist?

Anonymous

I have mild lymphedema.  I have a lymphedema therapist who has shown me how to do self care between treatments, I use my sleeves when I exercise, do housework and when my arm feels "funky".  My question might be subjective however, how often should you see a lymphedema therapist if your lympedema is mild?  Right now my therapist schedules me roughly every 6 weeks.  I am thinking as long as I do self care that I should be able to extend that out. 

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Carol

Anonymous

Carol- I was just dx with mild LE, too.  I don't know the answer to your question (kind of wondering the same thing) but wanted to let you know our resident expert on LE is Binney4.  If you don't get a response you could always PM her and ask.  She's been very helpful to me in the past.  Good luck with everything.

Binney4

Carol, as long as you've learned self-care skills (self-MLD, self-wrapping, exercises, skin care) and both of you feel that it's under control, I have to agree with you that it'd be fine to extend the time between visits. My therapist accepts emails and phone calls when I have questions, and I see her twice a year for measurements and check-up. Other women here feel more comfortable seeing their therapists more often, so it's a personal thing. Depends on your degree of comfort with launching yourself back into your world -- and on how well your LE responds to your efforts.

Just don't burn any bridges!

That sure didn't answer your question, did it? Sorry! 

Be well,
Binney

BeckySharp

Carol,  I have my LE under control too and my therapist released me.  I will only see her every four months to be measured for fittings.  She also accepts emails (always answers them immediately) and phone calls.  She has me measuring myself weekly and I am to call her if my measurements increase.  Becky

Anonymous

Thanks so much ladies!