Lymphedema compression pump

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out03doors
out03doors Member Posts: 36
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Anyone use this?

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  • sisterinspirit
    sisterinspirit Member Posts: 204
    edited March 2011

    out03doors,

    Weocome to the "swell" soroity.  Not sure if you are looking at a particular type of pump, but if you search on "pump" or "flexitouch" in the lymphedema forum, you will find a bunch of posts on the subject.

    I tried the flexitouch pump which is the gold standard for pump systems.  It seems to trap fluid in my shoulder and upper arm which actually made my pain worse.  After 2 months, I returned it.  There are many people on this board though that have had very good success with it.  I found the company excellent to work with.  They offer a 30 day trial and they extended my trial for another 30-45 days.  I think it is well worth a try to see if it works for you.  One thing to keep in mind is that you will be connected to a machine for an hour a day, which is a big committment. 

    The pump can be a good tool for treating LE, but you want to be sure that you have all of the other tools in your toolbox first, such as manual lymph drainage, exercises, compression garmets and bandaging.  Be sure to checkout the stepup-stepout.org website for excellent info.  I am sure others will be along soon with more info. 

    With the right tools, LE can be successfully managed. Good luck to you. 

    Deb

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  • 1bmoregal
    1bmoregal Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2011

    I now use the flexitouch at home.  I have had it for about 2 weeks and so far I guess it is working. I used to go in for MLD 2x a week for several months.  While I have not had any problems with the flexi I also dont know if it is really helping. I took measurements on Sunday and will take new ones this Sunday to see if it has helped.  I know that it feels good.  When I am done with the cycle, I do put my compression garments (bra, sleeves and gloves) for about 4 hours.   

    I am trying to be really proactive in keeping this under control especially since I have to have total knee replacement surgery on Monday and am stressed that it could make my lymphedema blow up.  

    I will post on Sunday about my results of using the flexi this week and hope it helps. 

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited March 2011

    I also use the flexi-touch, and love it, but you have to be very, very careful about how tight you strap it - you can do some major damage if you don't apply the garments correctly.

    I have not used any other pneumatic pumps, but have not read anything good about them.  I think you're better off with MLD and the rest of the standard of care for LE rather than the old fashioned 3 or 4 chambered machines.

     Best of luck to you - I love my flexitouch, but again, I have to be very careful of how I don the garments, and how tight I strap them.

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  • ahew
    ahew Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2011

    I have been using my flexi-touch machine for approximately two months.  It is great.  When I went back to see my lymphedema therapist for measurements and evaluation she was very pleased with my improved measurements.  It is true that it takes an hour a day to use it, plus some minutes to get in and out of it, but if you can manage to set aside the time for the machine to do its thing and use the time to breathe deeply and listen to good music or simply think, it is a wonderful time and you will be both physically and psychologically better off as a result.  I strongly recommend the machine and think it well worth the price. 

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  • CherylG711
    CherylG711 Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2011

    I use a Lympha Press Optimal http://www.lympha-press.com/lympha-press-optimal.html.  Works pretty good.

    Cheryl

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

    OutDoors, hello! I have a Flexitouch but don't use it daily. For me, it's very helpful for flares, when doing bilateral MLD is simply too much. A pump is a substitute for a full self-MLD session, but it doesn't remove the need for any other self-care routines (compression, skin care, exercise, general good sense). In fact, before you start the pump session you will still need to clear the nodes in your neck and groin. So, not a quick fix for all the things we'd really rather not do!Frown But for some of us it does have its uses. 

    bmore, welcome! Sorry you've joined the Sorority of Swell, but really glad you found us.Smile I'll be looking forward to your Sunday results. Keep us posted! Hugs and prayers for Monday's surgery.

    Ahew, you're an inspiration! We haven't heard from you in a while, so it's great to hear you're doing so well.Cool

    I do agree with Suzy about the importance of making sure the pump garments are adjusted correctly. My pump trainer was in too much of a hurry the day she came and didn't take the time to get it rightFrown, but when I called about it the rep came out and spent a couple of hours making sure all was well with it. I've been pleased with the service they offer and feel very comfortable calling them for answers as needed. 

    Ahew, the rep told me I could don the leg part and start the machine while I finished donning the upper-body garments. For some reason that small gesture makes me feel like I'm saving time!Laughing

    Be well!
    Binney

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