More Hope for LE Awareness

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

I joined a gym and started some sessions with a personal trainer.  I asked for a trainer who was familiar with b/c and LE.  Before my appointment, the trainer called to confirm the info she'd gotten about me. She asked if I wore compression while exercising, and when I replied yes, she said good.  She said she'd had another client with LE who refused to wear her compression regularly while exercising, and the trainer said she finally told the client she would not work with her anymore due to that. I thought that was a pretty good indication.  

Then before we started, she took a bicep measurement (around my sleeve)  then took measurements every 15 minutes to monitorthe effect of the exercise.  She said that if it went up over .5 inches, we would have to stop.  As it was, I only had a slight increase.  She's starting off with low or no weights, and seems to understand about progressing very slowly. I was impressed that I didn't have to spend the first 15 minute of our session explaining b/c and LE and all the precautions, so I'm glad there appears to be some awareness by those in the training community about LE.

I also trying to get an appointment with a new LE therapist, but as we all know that's tough to do.  As I posted in another thread, my wonderful LE therapist is no longer in practice due to medical reasons, so I'm looking for another one.  In the meantime I'm monitoring my measurements closely (my dh created a wonderful spreadsheet for me) and wrapping and using my sleeve extra religiously as I embark on this venture.  My previous LE therapist gave me the OK to start doing light weights and very slowly building up strength, so that's what I'm doing.  

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited February 2011

    This is wonderful! A trainer who understands is invaluable.

    I wish there was some kind of national database where we could find these people.

    Good for you for being active and finding a great trainer: next--a great LE therapist.

    Very jealous here: I did start some Pilates with a PT, but she ignored my shoulder issues---although she uncovered them--I just knew my LE shoulder hurt after the cast, but couldn't figure out exactly where--saw the Norton trained PT today, and she showed me how limited my shoulder is, and how I've been compensating and making it seem better. Three times a week for myofascial work and exercises...Until the shoulder is making progress, it's just me and the exercise bike.

    Great news about the trainer.

    Kira

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited February 2011

    Wow that's amazing! I've been working with a personal trainer since I started chemo because I was afraid to go the the gym while immunocompromised. I've had to teach him about lymphedema but he's been really receptive to learning. As some point, I'm going to have to give him up because of the $$. I live in N. Potomac and would love to know what gym you're going to. Get on the waiting list at SG Rehab. It's worth the wait :)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

    Mary, congrats on finding an educated trainer. That's just terrific. Good luck as you start your new exercise program!

    Kira, the myofascial should really help. I have been surprised how much pain relief I've gotten from it as well as increased ROM. The thing I just love about myofascial release is you get a very real sense of how the "leg bone's connected to the knee bone . . " Yesterday at therapy when working down near my pectoral muscle, I started to feel my jaw moving like it was shivering from the cold. I told the PT, and he explained how the pectoral area definitely is connected all the way up to the throat and jaw. He also said that people think they have two problems, but they are often just one. Fascinating!! Anyway, I hope you get much relief from the therapy and your shoulder is feeling better soon. In your case, I guess the hand bone's connected to the shoulder bone!  Smile

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

    Toomuch - it's just Fitness First in Rockville - there was a Groupon for a 1 month membership including a fitness evaluation and a couple of free personal trainer sessions. I specifically requested someone familar with b/c and LE, but didn't expect to get someone as knowledgeable as I apparently did.  PM me if you need more info.  Still trying to get on the SGAH LE waiting list - called the scheduling people again today and hopefully we'll have something by the end of the week.  If not, I call first thing Monday!  Tongue out

    Thanks everyone - we'll see how it goes with the trainer.  Kira - good luck with your therapy.  As Tina says, it's that old leg bone's connected to the knee bone" issue.  I think that issue gets worse the older we get . . . Frown

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