Flexitouch system?

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited November 2008

      Debbie,  I'm so excited for you-I'm dreaming of the day when I'll have the Flexi system in my home!  Yesterday I was told that my insurance denied coverage. Now the appeal process begins. I didn't expect a positive response but was disappointed just the same.  How I wish the people who make these decisions could experience living in a LE body for a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I'm alittle surprised that UPS would make a delivery mistake like that!  If it had been the USPS it wouldn't have surprised me at all. That was very nice of the neighbor to deliver it to your door. I suppose UPS must have left it at his doorstep when he was at work?!!!!  WOW!!!!

    Good luck with the Flexi and let us know how it is working for you!!   katiejane

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited November 2008

    Debbie, that's a delightful story! Not that USP did such a silly thing, but that it gave a complete stranger the opportunity to do something kind for you -- and he actually did it! Hooray for all the unsung heroes who take the time to care!

    Okay, so there you are with the Flexitouch -- so when does the trainer come and teach you how to use it?! Mmmmmm! Hope it feels wonderful and you love it and it really helps!

    Excited!
    Binney

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited December 2008

    Binney and friends, I have to call them and make an appt to have them show me how it works. My next goal is to work on getting in to get my suit to help keep the swelling down more. I have the people you gave me, I just didn't want to make too many appt at once, So after I have them show me. I will get in Tacoma to see the Dr you gave me and get the suit started. I am still getting more swollen on the one side and it hurts.  Katiejane do not give up! I am still fighting my old suit payment and they have no reason that it should have not been paid,  Gentle Hugs, Debbie

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited December 2008

    Hi Binney and Friends,  I got my Trainer here and he showed me how to work it and it went down in that little time, It is alittle hard at first to put on you legs and arms. But it is getting easier, My swelling has gone up cause I am on prednisone this week cause of breathing ( My Breathing Class Nurses took me to ER cause of blood presssure and breathing. I am feeling better,  I usually use my  messager 2 times a day, Top full run(about an hour) legs (evening) I cant wait to get the swelling down!  Brinney I cant wait to feel better and not so swollen. Oh yea I wrap after done to keep the swelling lower, Looking forward to getting suit soon. My friend will drive me. PS I work out alittle 4 days a week (it has to be early in the day) to help myself, But the nurse says I need the wheelchair for safety, Please let my know,  I can help you get  a Flexitouch. Thanks, Gentle hugs, Debbie

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited December 2008

    The Flexitouch has been helpful and the swelling stays down if I keep it wrapped. It is also helpful for sore muscles, I sure will be happy when I can get the swelling down and not ache. I would highly recommend this to others.  Take care, Debbie

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2008

       Debbie,  I'm so glad to hear that the Flexi is working for you!  I'm anxiously awaiting an answer to my 1st appeal with my insurance company. Hopefully, they will come through!   Katiejane

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited December 2008

    Katiejane, We must keep fighting and not give in. I was talking to  a Ptherapy lady and my old lymphedema lady ask me if I have anyone to help me yet(pay for the old garment they never billed to my medical coverage,) It was billed to me. Now I am still fighting and they should declaire it on their tax write off. But no they are still wanting payments. I wont give in, They make alot of money every day. God bless you in your fight. Debbie

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  • epete
    epete Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2009

    I've been using Flexi-touch for nearly a year now in my home. It is relaxing, seems to help with my hand pain. My insurance paid full amount. Worth checking into.

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited January 2009

    Thanks epete, I am talking to someone that is having alot of pain and swelling in her arm, I told her to check with them and the Dr and maybe she wont hurt as much, I am doing the full body. Some days when I have breathing class its harder to do the full body, But worth it, Take care, Debbie 

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited January 2009

     Hi Binney, The flexitouch works good, But wrapping is not keeping it down anymore. Been to weak to do too much til I talk to the cancer dr 28

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  • k2shine
    k2shine Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2009

    Hello one and all, I am new member here and just yesterday was measured up and signed papers for the flexitouch. After only 3 uses at the Lymphedema Center where I go. I was left with breast/truncal lymph after undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer. FUN FUN if you want you can read my story on myspace/k2shine.  It all leaves me tired and weary specially when one has to fight the insurance companies. I hope this note finds you all with less swelling and pain.

    have a good weekend. God Bless

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  • corundogs
    corundogs Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2009

    HI THERE!

    Thought I would drop my $.03 in (adjusted for inflation...he!)

    I got my FlexiTouch after only ONE 1 hour Trail with the FlexiTouch Rep at my Doctor's Office.  I had already been bandaged for a few weeks, but only to my upper thigh on my right leg and my knee on my left leg (I don't have LE from Cancer but from injuries, and it's in my legs, trunk and genital area...though my entire body is definately affected!)

    My legs still lost centimeters - from .5 to 1.5 in various areas.

    The BEST indication of my need for it, and how well it works, was the 2.5 centimeters (a WHOLE INCH!) around my stomach!!!!

    ***Who needs a diet when you have a FlexiTouch?!?!***  (hehehe...just kiddin'!)

    I had it in my hands less than 3 weeks later...the Austin FlexiTouch Rep (Gretchen) is truly phenomenal!  She used to be a Lymphedema Therapist so she is truly knowledgable and knows what we are going through...and what is working and what isn't, and if the FlexiTouch will work or not.  At least that was my take on it!

    I use it every single day, on both legs...2 hours a day and on bad days, I actually do an extra calf/foot cycle which is an extra 30 minutes.  So sometimes, as much as 3 hours a day...and of course, there is the time involved with setting up the area (getting the remote, the phone, my apple juice, something to snack on, the pillows for my leg and blankets for my dogs) and then of course, getting it on!

    I don't know how difficult it is getting it on with the upper body...which is what I expect most of you deal with.  It is VERY difficult getting it on my legs.  I know for a fact there have to be many people who flat out can't use it!  Since of course in order for it to be helpful, it must be SNUG on your limb...and getting it wrapped around and velcro'd to my leg and snug is a workout in and of itself!

    Once I have it on, am comfortable in my recliner, the "Kids" jump up and arrange themselves wherever they fit - normally one on each side and one in the middle of my legs.  Then I hit start and away "we" go!  I say "we" because it's so funny to see their little heads sleeping against it and when that chamber fills, to see their heads rise and fall with it is pretty hysterical!  In fact, the first time Hannah, who is normally between my legs and rests her entire head on my knee, felt it...her eyes popped open and got super big!  Like "Mommy, what is happening?  It's not really scary but this is WEIRD!"  I told her "I know Hannah, I feel the same way!"  LOL!!

    I definitely don't have any pain with using it, and I was afraid I might since I have Fibromyalgia thrown into this mix. 

    I do hope that if any of you are thinking of trying it, you get the opportunity to!  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

    Now I just have to wait for the company to tell me Medicare has approved it...though according to what everyone has told me, that will probably be about a year from now...and then get ready to pay my portion.  That is going to be the hardest part about it of course!

    I still have a few questions...like what happens when - because I know they must - the actual garments wear out?  I guess that is yet another expensive 20% I have to pay?  And if it takes more than a year to get approved, and then with their 2 year no interest payment plan...will I be paying the company for something the rest of my life?  LOL!!

    But that is the least of my worries.  My parents, thank God are willing to help.  I just hate asking!

    Anyway, hope this helps someone...

    Brenda

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2009
    Bumping for KP. Good morning, KP!Kiss
    Binney
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  • Budsy
    Budsy Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2009

    I have been trying to get one for a long time. I have been fighting my insurance company.  The company has been very helpful with the appeals.

    I have no idea how much they are.

    Good Luck

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2009

    Budsy,  I was told by the gal (from Tactile Systems)who came to my home to do the pump demo that insurance was billed $10,000.00 for the Flexi.  If I were to pay cash then it would be $5000.00 up front then they would finance the last $2000.00 at 0% putting the total cost at $7000.00.  My 1st appeal has been it the works for over 2 months.  Today I received a letter and form to fill out (from insurance).  They wanted my appeal on their letter head!!!!!  Why weren't we told this from the start????  Another tactic to stall, hoping I'll get frustrated and walk away!!!!!  Well, that just makes me more determined to ride this appeal process to the end!!!!!  Hang in there!  We will come out of this the winners!!!!!

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited February 2009

    Katiejane, I am so sorry you are having trouble getting the system that will help you and cut back on medical help cause the swelling is down. Lance Willis is the on that worked with me to get it. If you want more info please let me know. I will be Praying for You. Gentle hugs, Debbie

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2009

    Thanks Debbie!!!  I feel that the appeals process will have a positive ending but the insurance companies sure test your patience!!!  I already have a Rep. from Tactile but thanks for the offer.  I'll let you know how things progress!  {{{{HUGS}}}}}  Kathy

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2009

      YAHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  My 1st appeal was successful and I have been approved for a Flexitouch pump to help with my LE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am so excited!  Insurance will cover 100% of the cost and I know that, in itself, is somewhat unusual.  I've been told that I am only the 2nd person in  my state to be approved!  That sure tells you that Utah is still in the dark ages!  Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you all!  Katiejane

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2009

    Well, super! Your patience paid off! And 100%, no less!

    How are you celebrating? Something chocolate, I hope. Mind if I join you?Kiss

    Happy hugs,
    Binney

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2009

      We celebrated by going out to dinner & had a bottle of Shiraz.  Then we came home and I topped off with some Hagen-Daz chocolate chocolate chip ice cream!!!!  Sure was good!!!!! And yes, you can join me anytime!!!!!  But bring your winter coat!    {{{{{HUGS}}}}}   katiejane

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited February 2009

    katiejane, I am so happy for you. I know this will help you alot! Sending you alot of happy hugs,

    I will check back later, I had a shot at the cancer dr and am worse. I will be happy to hear how it will be helpful later.  I am so glad you hung in there. Hugs, Debbie

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited February 2009

    Debbie & All,   Well, I received my Flexi today via UPS!  Tomorrow evening someone from Tactile Systems will be over to set everything up!  I cannot wait to get started!!!!!  Debbie,  are you feeling better after the injection you had at the Oncologist's office???  If you don't mind me asking, what did they give you??  Many hugs comin' your way!   Kathy

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  • footprintsangel
    footprintsangel Member Posts: 43,890
    edited March 2009

    The machine is helpful, But sometimes is hard to put on alone when you are

    very swollen. This week is a hard week to do it and I have cancer tests tomorrow.

    Good luck to all of you. Debbie

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited March 2009

    Debbie, my thoughts and prayers will be with you! Please keep us updated!

    Katiejane, do let us know how it goes.

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited March 2009

       Well, I've had my flexi for almost 1 month and I have to admit I don't use it every day because of the time it takes! Once you manage to get it on correctly (which is difficult when you're alone) it takes 1 hour per side---so a minimum of 2 hours for a full treatment.  Very time consuming for someone who doesn't sit down all day.  To sum this up--this is going to be nice to have for traveling but I still prefer MLD!  Katiejane

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  • Meggy
    Meggy Member Posts: 530
    edited March 2009

    Hi guys, I just got enrolled in a Flexitouch study today!!!!!!!!!!  It's being done at Stanford under the guidance of a very smart doctor who I have been told is the only LE doctor in the country.  He was my own LE doctor when it first hit me.  He is a cardiologist/vascular doctor also.  I just got home with my loaned flexitouch.  They were very serious, made me come 3 times before I cleared their standards.  Measured me over and over to be sure that my LE was not ever  getting smaller for other reasons.  No worries there...mine only gets bigger.  I feel so lucky especially since my insurance already denied my request but the flexitouch rep already left me a phone message about an appeal.  I am going to keep pushing.  I'll keep you all posted on how it goes.  I just feel so lucky to get a month of benefit for free.  If it works for me and insurance never pays at least then I can feel ok about coming up with cash. It's so much better if you already know it works. 

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    I actually got a machine two weeks ago tomorrow and I have noticed a difference in my arm and hand it works for me its not the Flexi-touch but its like it my insurance will on pay for certain machines and it is great so far so good plus wrapping at night etc. My arm is waiting for it when I get home from work for sure. What I was told was the Flex-touch has a little more bells and whistles like a timer etc but for the coverage I can look at the time an as long as it works I am so thankful we still have to take care of our arms by self massage and wrapping of course but there are so many hours in the day and this helps me. I am concerned on how I will fly it to Boston for my Plastic Surgery this summer I will be there over 2 weeks maybe I will check with the airlines. Anyone who is thinking about it I recommend it ...

    Maura

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  • donsuzbee
    donsuzbee Member Posts: 129
    edited March 2009

    I got a flexitouch system 4 years ago. I thought it would be great. However, I have so much scar tissue in the breast area that it hurt to use it. I tried it for a month, but just could not do it. By that time my insurance had paid for it. My PT had gotten it paid for by my insurance as I had already had cellulitis real bad in my upper right quadrant - had to have 9 straight days of infusion/antibiotics. I am happy to see that some of you are making recommendations to the company. I do think that overall it could be a great product for le. But for now MLD and bandaging are still the final answer.

    For the le in my breast area, the answer for me was a tribute garment and also the spandex camisoles. I also do kiniseo taping down my back sometimes.

    Susan

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited March 2009

      Maura,   I will be flying to Pittsburg in April and will be taking my flexi with me.  I have a note from my Dr. stating this is a medical device and I must take it with me.  That way, when I go through security it won't be a problem  I went to TJ Maxx yesterday with my pump and found a piece of luggage(kind of like the old carry on cosmetic bag) that is on wheels w/ a handle.  It's definitely small enough to carry on even with the new luggage standards.  The garments will have to have a small suitcase all their own and it will have to be checked. It's alot to deal with but I won't go without it.  Good luck with your surgery!    Katiejane

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited May 2009

     Hi All!!  I'm back from Pittsburgh. It was interesting going through security in Salt Lake City with my Flexi pump. They actually swabbed my pump for explosive powder!!!  It was fine with me and I just smiled to myself. I told this young man that I was dx'd with breast cancer and this pump was to treat the secondary effects of surgery and rads. The look on his face and the stammering of his speech was priceless!

    Anyway, I have not had good results from the Flexi and have pretty much gone back to MLD. Don't think I'll be dragging that thing across the country ever again.  I hope others are having better results!!!

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