compression wrap problems,self wrapping and MLD

Options
nowords
nowords Member Posts: 423
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema
compression wrap problems,self wrapping and MLD
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • nowords
    nowords Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2011

    I have been going to Therapy all week to bring my first bout of swelling under control. The wrapping is uncomfortable and causes a burning sensation sometimes, I keep it on as long as I can...23 hours is recommended. I was instructed to remove if it becomes painful...All week I kept it on about 20 to 22 hours each time. The wrap that was done Friday was very painful by early Saturday morning, so I took it off, my hand was swollen more than it was when I started Therapy on Monday...but my arm was okay....I did MLD and put the sleeve and glove on. Have to wait until Monday to see what the Therapist says...maybe the wrist compression was too tight? The staff did that wrap...if anyone has any experience with that...chime in.

    How do you know if you are wrapping right...how much compression pain and uncomfortableness is normal and required?...hard to gauge because I am one who hates even socks...so judging levels of confinement and constriction are not great by me!

    For the MLD, the PT had a heavier touch, said concentrate on moving the fluid and deep breathing...the PT assistant had a lighter touch and was very step by step - follow it all----where is the balance...what works for everyone? Any tips...much obliged...really bummed to have to deal with this but trying to focus on how to have my life within it instead of bitchin...

    Thanks for listening!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011

    Nowords: Wrapping should not be uncomfortable--bulky, but not painful. I've been wrapped poorly, and it hurt and pushed fluid into my hand. My current--wonderful--therapist, does not believe in pulling on the short stretch bandages to put more tension on the arm, she just adds layers if more compression is needed.

    There was an article where they measured high compression wraps vs. lower compression wraps, and the lower compression worked better! 

    We all have this tendency to want to "drive" the fluid out, but it is painful, can trap fluid, and counter-productive.

    And, MLD should be feather light--like petting a kitten--I've had a PT who slathered me with Eucerin and kneaded me like bread dough.

    So, good for you to take off the painful wrap, and you need to tell them to lay off the overly tight wrap and not trap fluid in your hand.

    Whatever staff did that wrap--they need to be supervised. The LMT who wrapped me so tight I almost threw up--she muttered "Some days my wraps are lousy"--duh, it made me nauseated, turned my fingers purple and pushed all the fluid into my hand.

    When my LE therapist wraps me, it is NEVER painful. 

    You have every right to be bummed--this whole process stinks, and to be in pain and come out of the wrap with a swollen hand is horrible.

    Work with them, and if they don't take you seriously, that's a real concern.

    For now, elevate, hydrate and pat yourself on the back for being such a trouper.

    Kira

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited March 2011

    Hi, Nowords:

    I am so sorry you had issues with the bandaging - it sounds like your therapist got a little overzealous...the bandages should not hurt at all.  Yes, they get on my nerves, but when I'm bandaged right, within 4 to 5 hours of bandaging, I can tell they are getting a bit 'looser' at the top, and it's because my arm is actually getting smaller.  No pain, no burning...that means the bandages are too tight.

    When I first started bandaging myself, I would get the wrap around the wrist too tight and my hand would be super inflated the next morning.  Your therapist is wrapping too tight and you need to tell her to back off on the tightness. 

    And MLD is supposed to be super-gentle...I have a tendency to overdo it, but my LE therapist never does...she's awesome. 

    If you continue to have these problems, you might want to find someone else.  And LE is a total bummer but you will get used to wrapping, and you'll get used to all of the other stuff that goes along with it and you'll be a pro at it before long.  I think that's what depressed me the most about LE to start with...there was just a big learning curve to deal with.  Hang in there - it gets easier!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nowords
    nowords Member Posts: 423
    edited March 2011

    Thanks Ladies...I was starting to think I was a wimp, not able tolerate the burning and pain...

    Do your Therapists prefer gloves or gauntlets? 

    Learning curve is right...I will get there...I am right handed and it is my right arm that is affected...so I am wrapping left handed...I did teach myself to eat, and sign checks left handed...and adjusting other things as I go...trying to chop garlic and make meatballs with the wrap on has been a learning experience!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories