Need some advice on garments

Paula, I'm so sorry for the stupid flare -- that kind of news is so unwelcome!

New fabrics, huh? Preferably something air conditioned, right? NOT! There's no good news on that front.

Okay, so you're starting treatment tomorrow. Probably will involve wrapping for a time. I hear you on the not keeping up with the self-MLD and wrapping and sleeve-wearing. So I'll make a few suggestions that are less-than-ideal but may be more doable, depending on how much you're willing to do about this.

First of all, since the LE hasn't been in good control for a while there's likely some fibrosis in the arm, which does eventually lead to further lymph blockage, so that may be what's going on with your arm and hand. If so it can likely be reversed to some extent by the therapist, but it'll take some wrapping and exercise-while-wrapped to unblock it. Not easy, but maybe worthwhile -- your call.

Once you're past the wrapping business (a few weeks, probably), you'll be back to the question of compression garments. The darn things are hot, no way around that. Because I live in the desert where it's dry most of the year, I carry a spray bottle with me and spray my garments when I'm out. That cools me down and it dries fast enough that it doesn't cause fungus problems. If the part of TX you live in is, say, Houston, that won't work, but in Abilene it might. Another thought, at least for your arms, would be to try an UnderArmor-type long-sleeved shirt that wicks away moisture. I'd try a size smaller than I normally wear, and turn it inside out so the seams don't irritate. 

Don't know if you've ever had a night garment (Solaris or JoviPak, for instance). They're foam-stuffed, quilted affairs that are hot, BUT you can put them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag during the day and by evening they're actually luscious to put on, and they hold the cool for a long time. If you're fabulously wealthy or have agreeable insurance, get two and switch them out as needed.

I'm not sure what to suggest about sweaty hands. Gloves are the pits for that. I hope others will be along with lots more suggestions, because we really are here for you and rooting for a great, quick outcome from really competent therapy!

Do let us know how it goes tomorrow. Gentle hugs,
Binney

Paula, now that I think of it, some of the women have been using the new over-the-shoulder unilateral sleeve made by the LymphedemaSleeveCo, and they say it's moisture-wicking. Maybe worth a try. There's another thread about it that I'll try to find and bump for you (though this board moves so fast sometimes that bumped posts can skid down to the bottom really fast).

Consistency with treatment is a challenge, for sure, but it's a huge help in getting control and maintaining it. Glad you're getting help soon! Hang in there, and tell us how we can help!
Binney