Need New LE Therapist - DC Area (Montgomery County)

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NatsFan
NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Ack - I just called to make my annual follow up with my wonderful LE therapist at Holy Cross and they said she's no longer there. And, they don't even have another LE therapist on staff now - they hope to have one "in a few months".  

I tried to find out if she'd gone somewhere else, but they indicated she'd had to leave for medical reasons so apparently is no longer in practice.  I know there's good info here and on stepup-speakout.org about finding a certified LE therapist and I will certainly do that, but there's nothing like a good personal recommendation from someone who has been there. 

I'm devastated.  She was amazing.  

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  • JAT
    JAT Member Posts: 81
    edited February 2011

    Hi -- I see Joanna Murphy at Georgetown. She's really wonderful, up to date, and conducts research on LE and exercise.--Julie

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2011

    Ooh, NatsFan, that's a sad loss!Frown I'm so sorry. Hoping for a great replacement soon,
    Binney

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited February 2011

    I see a LANA certified LE therapist at Shady Grove Rehab. I see Vicky who is truly amazing. There are 2 additional LE therapist at Shady Grove. I waited several months for my first appointment but it was well worth it! I previously went to NRH and the care I am getting now is far superior.

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2011
    Thanks to both of you.  Toomuch - I tried to make an appointment with Shady Grove when I first suspected I had LE a few years ago - they refused to even make an appointment, but instead put me on a waiting list for an appointment!  After called weekly for a few months and making no progress on the waitlist, I opted for Holy Cross.  My guess is unless Holy Cross gets a LE therapist ASAP, it's going to be even more difficult to get an appointment at Shady Grove.  Frown
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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2011

    Toomuch - I have an appointment with Vicky at Shady Grove Rehab tomorrow morning!  Laughing  I think I was able to get in more quickly because I'm in the maintenance phase and will just need a couple of appointments.  Not like that initial intensive phase - I went every day for a week, then 3 times a week for several weeks after that, and I'm guessing Shady Grove does something like that as well. 

    It's good to hear about Vicky from someone who has already been there.  I'm really excited about finding a certified LE therapist so quickly.  I was afraid it was going to be weeks or months before I could see someone.  Thanks for the recommendation!

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited February 2011

    Sounds like you don't need more advice, but I go to the lymphedema clinic at INOVA and while it sounds far to go to VA, its literally right off the beltway.   I like their approach a lot.

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited February 2011

    NatsFan- That is GREAT!!!! Let me know what you think after you've seen her. I hope that you'll be extremely satisfied : )

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited February 2011

    I can get you info on Bretta Farbo? (I think that's her last name.) She works with the George Washington Breast Care Center..and they would be able to give you her # if you called them directly. I believe Bretta also has an office in MD? Bummer is you have to submit to your insurance company, which is often a deal breaker for me, but I did see her after a fall and got the sleeve,glove and teaching. She is good, my friend sees her weekly and loves her.

    the main # to the MFA (Medical Faculty Associates) which is like the outpatient building to George Washington University Hospital is 202 741-3000, then listen to prompt for Breast Care Center.

    I am suspicious I don't have her last name right, because it looks too much like Greta Garbo, and I am an old movie buff. :) Her first name is correct.

    Best to you!

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2011

    Thanks for all the referrals.  Squid, Juile & MOTC- I'm going with Vicky at Shady Grove for now, but I'm going to make a note of your recommendations as a backup.

    Toomuch - You're right - Vicky is wonderful!  I'm very pleased.  And apparently I was very lucky to get in so quickly - she said this was the first time in months that they didn't have a waiting list. 

    This thread certainly demonstrates the shortage of qualified certified LE therapists - I got one Montgomery County referral, 2 in DC and one in Virginia.  As populated and wealthy as this area is, it's shocking that there are so few choices when it comes to getting quality LE treatment.    

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