keeping cool while using pump

vlnrph

As the new owner of a FlexiTouch system, I am learning how to utilize it to best advantage. I can achieve several millimeters of girth reduction, particularly at the wrist and elbow. It helps alot with the truncal swelling but of course I need to treat the affected arm also.

That's where it gets uncomfortable: having the axillary nodes removed/nerves cut means the pit won't sweat but my upper extremity compensates by getting moist, especially if wrapped, in a compression sleeve or while on the machine! The Tactile company, as well as their demonstrator-trainers, suggested wearing a lightweight blouse or shirt underneath which I do. I have also added a cotton glove to take care of hand dampness.

Even though our warm weather is gone & we keep the thermostat turned down, I get hot during the hour it takes the cycle to run. Has anyone tried putting these bulky garment(s) in the refrigerator as has been suggested for using Solaris Tribute type items in summer? Since they don't contain the chipped foam that can become cold, it would only be the fabric and air channels that might absorb the chill. Any other ideas for managing this problem are welcome.

carol57

vlnrph, I don't use a pump but reading your post I immediately wondered if it would help to wear a shirt made of wicking material. What's the fabric content of what you're wearing under the pump garment?

Kicks

Can't help you - I don't have a problem with my FlexiTouch.   Don't have any problems with my day or night garmemts either.  Well that's not completely true - when it's HOT and I'm active outside, it does get 'damp' just as the rest of me does.  I have a white long sleeved 100% cotton pullover that I wear daily when running my machine.  If I didn't - I'd be cold sitting in the house, summer with air on and winter with heat on.  But then we are each so unique and I am one who is almost always cold - it'll be late May/early June before I can comfortably go without 'thermies' on.

PersonalTrainer

I have a small fan I turn on when I begin to feel hot - or just have a hot flash - while using the FlexiTouch. It really helps.

vlnrph

Synthetics have not been my friend through these past couple years of "warm flushes". I tolerate Under Armour polyester/spandex, especially for travel, but look for cotton blends whenever I can (don't like to iron). As far as wicking material goes, the shirts I have are all short sleeve...

I can see having a fan handy particularly in summer. Just trying to establish a baseline procedure so when I go off tamoxifen in favor of an aromatase inhibitor next year, I won't obsess too much over side effects - for instance, if I experience more discomfort, is it from the med or the machine? Time will tell!