Help!! Sleeve HURTS! And Gauntlet Purple fingers!

QueenB44

Okay.. I need some advice. I'm flying on Thursday for the first time since my surgery in December. I was diagnosed (mildly) with LE in April - Fitted for a sleeve that I didn't wear because it hurt. I never wore the sleeve until today. Since then any swelling I had has basically disappeared.Even painted a room with no problems. Today I finally got into to see the LE specialist today. He said I really had a fluke bout of LE from breast saroma and swelling and that he thought I needed to wear the sleeve every day and when I fly as a precaution. I was sent off for a refitting. I spent 6 hours at work in pain! My inner arm/elbow was red when I took it off. When I put on the Gauntlet it made my fingers purple. WTH?? Any suggestions? I'm leaning toward it just not fitting right and saying screw it and risk the flight.

ruthbru

I would not wear anything that hurt, made my arm red, and was turning my fingers purple!!!

I believe if a sleeve & gauntlet don't fit correctly, they can do more harm than good (which seems to be the case to me). I don't have LE (so I hope someone who does will respond). I don't wear anything for flying. The precautions I take are to stay very hydrated, wear loose fitting clothes, no rings on that hand, check my luggage, move my arm around a lot, make fists etc. and get up and walk down the aisle one or more times during the flight. So far, so good ( I will now knock on wood!).

QueenB44

ruthbru my thoughts exactly! This is NUTS!!

ruthbru

Wearing something that is doing those things to your arm could CAUSE lymphedema!

gb2115

My question is how did you make it through 2 fittings and not end up with garments that fit correctly? Sounds like someone different needs a go at that!!!

Mavericksmom

Poor fit is exactly why I stopped wearing a sleeve and gauntlet eleven years ago!

My lymphedema didn't seem to get worse without them until I had my second breast cancer and mastectomy/DIEP reconstruction in January of this year. I'm reluctantly going to see a new therapist today. My MO wanted me to see one because of the increase in swelling. I am dreading the whole wrapping/new garments thing and I know it will cost me a lot more than it did years ago. I am going for a consultation (1 hour) today, so I am not sure what the therapist will recommend.

I really hate that this condition exists. It is a life sentence. I know there are worse things, but it adds to my depression.

I just got back from vacation, 3 days, one way, by car to see my son and family, because I am too afraid to fly. My son said he didn't think driving all that way was any better for the lymphedema. I know I can't do that drive again, just too much!

I am trying to have a positive attitude, planning a more plant based diet and incorporating an exercise program.