Lymphedema Alert Bracelet for Surgery

cowgal

Does anyone remember where you can get the lymphedema alert bracelets for when you have surgery? I am having bilateral knee replacements on July 7 and need to get one asap? Thanks!

Anonymous

Cowgal, the hospital admission team actually gave me one when I had a surgery. Can you call and see if they have them?

www.lymphedema.com also 1-800-29-edema may b e able to get them to you as well. If not, PM me.

glennie19

Last resort,, if you can't get one,,, write on your arms with a Sharpie,,, NO IV's or BP's     I had a bracelet and I did that anyway.

Binney4

Cowgal, they're provided free of charge by Peninsula Medical, the makers of the Reid Sleeve night garments, here:

http://www.lymphedema.com/alertband.htm

Other options are the g-sleeve which you can order for around $10.00, here:

http://www.g-sleeve.com/contactus.html

Or the LympheDivas "Hospital" sleeve (and/or gauntlet) for $30.00 each, here:

https://www.lymphedivas.com/en/shop/hospital

The g-sleeve can be worn day or night, awake or asleep, but the LympheDivas sleeve should only been worn when you're awake and aware enough to avoid any bunching or twisting that could cause lymph blockage.

And I agree with Glennie that writing on your arm is a good idea, even if you're using these other resources. That way if they remove your band or sleeve while you're asleep, your message will still be there. Also, if you'll have someone with you at the hospital, they should make sure that when you're moved to your room after surgery there is a sign above your bed alerting all personnel to leave your arm alone.

Wishing you smooth sailing and a quick recovery!
Binney

SpecialK

Two different hospitals I have been a patient in since lymphedema diagnosis have had bracelets themselves, and one had a red sleeve that says "NO IV/BP" available to patients.  Call the hospital you are having surgery in and ask if they have them.  My surgeries have been in the Women's Center since they have been breast reconstruction related - they are more used to that type of surgery so they stock the bracelets and sleeves, so you might try that area of the hospital if where you are being seen is more ortho related and they are not familiar with those products.  I also had a sign above the bed in pre-op.  I was extremely vocal at pre-admission for surgery a month ago about LE, and brought my own bracelets (at one previous admission they gave me a bunch of them for future use) and alert sleeve, and insisted they document everywhere that I had LE, and was vocal again in pre-op the morning of surgery.  I also had my surgeon document it in her office records.  Good luck!

cowgal

Thanks everyone! It looks like I'm ready for surgery and will have my new knees next Tuesday!