Bad fitting compression garments and possible solutions.

hugz4u

So I was saying on the other thread that I have such a tight thumb web. inserting big fat markers while drying doesn't solve this particular areas problem.The markers work great at stretching the other web spaces of the glove and makes the fingers more roomy which I do religiously.

Any Ideas why I am being measured wrong here by my fitter. She is very concerned about this but just cant get it right.

SusanSnowFlake

I copied this from the other thread and put it here just in case anyone has any ideas:

This was my 3rd sleeve. 2 manufactured longs and then this custom that is 2 inches longer than the long. The fitter is very nice, I talked to her today she said I need to see my PT to get help learning how to wrap because it may be all I can do. BUT, during the conversation I found out that the cancer center only deals with 2 LE supply makers. That's frustrating, there are people on these boards saying that they have had good luck with a variety of makers.

I haven't really started to swell yet I have truncal LE that is more than likely moving to my arm. I see a difference in one finger now and then. My arm is still slightly sore and my thumb is a little tingly, I'm afraid wearing that sleeve for 2 hours has hastened something that could have taken months or even never occurred. I've been waiting for my LE PT to call, but it's looking like Monday now.

LE is constant frustration, shopping, frustration.

@crystalphm, in one of these threads, and it could be further back on this one, someone mentioned a manufacturer that made a lined sleeve to help with skin irritation. You might want to look back on this one because the person said it worked.

As soon as I think I've gotten to a point where I know what I'm doing about LE something else happens and poof, I'm starting all over again.

carol57

Great new thread, Hugz! I especially like the idea of getting in touch with the garment makers and pointing them to this thread, so they can 'hear' first hand about everyone's garment frustrations

Binney4

Hugz, I think experienced fitters have tricks for making it all come out right. Mine uses a very loose measurement at the base of the thumb for just that reason. Another I had measured the base of the thumb at an angle (instead of measuring straight around like you would at the base of a finger) to allow extra room.

Another problem area is the measurement around the palm. When it's too tight it draws the whole hand inward, which leaves the palm completely un-compressed (not to mention that it makes your hand very tired and achy by the end of the day because you've had to work so hard to use it against that inward tug).

You'll also notice that the tips of our fingers taper inward. If they're measured that way it can easily result in blue fingertips, so the top of the fingers shouldn't taper.

Experience helps in this area, not to mention also common sense. But I think the most important factor in a fitter is that s/he cares about the fit, understands why it's so important, and will accept nothing short of our ease and comfort. Our hands, after all, are not insignificant body parts.

So I'd like to propose a sort of FITTER APPRECIATION DAY. If you have a great fitter--or even one who's TRYING to be a great fitter--let's send them a note of appreciation, a plate of brownies, or an email to their bosses telling them they've got a great employee.

None of this is easy!
Binney

crystalphm

Binny, Good point to thank a good fitter. I am not sure all of this is the fitter's problem or cause, mine scratches her head and says "I see what you mean". She is an educated woman who is a former nurse, so she has a lot of knowledge. We are all so different, have different "sore spots" and different swellings even the custom is not exactly custom.

This is one reason I am so thankful for all of you, because we struggle to find the answers together.

Do you think the friction block will break down the fabric?

I can see one thing I need to do is approach my fitter in a more friendly way, to be seeking help rather than complaining. But on the other side, I am paying a huge amount of cash for these items, they should be right.

My Mom has about 6 custom leg sleeves now, and you can easily see 4 of them are completely different, even a different fabric look. She is not getting the same product, and it seems it can't even be requested. How frustrating. She is 85 so every 6 months she has a new learning curve. I am still on my first one.