Lebed

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kane744
kane744 Member Posts: 461
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Just started doing Lebed.  When you do it, do you still have to do MLD or does it replace it?

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

    Kane, true confession time: despite the best efforts of my therapist, I am not very effective at self-MLD.Frown So I find the Lebed works better for me. That said, I also do a mini-MLD when I shower, clearing the nodes before I step in, then washing, drying, and lotioning all in the direction and order of my self-MLD. I do the opening section of the Lebed and then one or two other sections, randomly chosen, each day -- not the whole DVD.

    Try it and let us know what works for you, yes?

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited May 2011

    I do mini-MLD twice a day, but since I have the flexi-touch machine I almost never do Lebed...but I will tell you that it works almost as well as my flexi-touch does. 

    And I dig ABBA so it's all good.  Kiss

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  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2011

    Question:  when you all say MLD (or Ledbed or Flexi) "works" - exactly what do you mean?

    Do you see and feel your swelling reduce as you do them or right after your finish?   Or do find your sweling increases rapidly or gradually if you don't do them?  Or what?

    Because I see/feel no difference from doing MLD (immediate or over time).  I only used Flexi twice - w no apparent effect either time.  Haven't tried Ledbed.

    ????    

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2011

    OK, what's a Flexi?  Does that mean more shopping I must do?

    SleeveNinja, there is no doubt that MLD works for me providing I spend enough time on it, go slowly and not try to rush through.  My main "test" that it's worked is being able to slide my favorite righthand ring easily on that hand, proof that I've opened up my channels and the fluid is moving.  I never wear it, of course, but when it slides on easily, I admire it for awhile before taking it off.  That's enough.  If it doesn't slide on, then I know I wasn't doing something correctly and I make sure to take the extra time I need the next session.  Also, I do the Chikly method of drainage.  If it's done correctly, my fingers/hands feel sticky wet, like I'm almost pulling the fluid out.  If I don't do it correctly that sensation doesn't happen.  It took me a long time to get it and there are occasions when I still have problems but practice makes perfect.  FYI, when I have a flare, my LE doc refers me to a LANA certified therapist for treatment which Medicare pays for.  However, every three weeks I go to the Chikly therapist just to make sure things are moving.  For me, I've found that this method works better and just makes more sense.

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  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2011

    Thanks Kane,

    Flexi - Flexitouch machine- is a big contraption that provides sequenced pumping action to the lymph system.  Hugely expensive and not covered by many insurance plans (mine, for one.)    

    I probably don't do MLD correctly.  But nothing happens when therapists do it either -- I don't even pee.  I also use a ring just to montior for finger swelling.  I've read about Chikly but never tried it. Pretty amazing to feel fluid coming out!  I sometimes I get a soothing, throbbing feeling in my arm after swimming, when bandaged, or when I first don my sleep sleeve.  I think that's an indication of something draining or moving in a good way.

    (PS - nice to see you back here!)

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2011

    So what is Chikly? This is the first I've heard about that one.

    I do the MLD.  I too can judge the effectiveness with a ring.  Plus I can see the difference in my fingers.  If my fingers have rinkles around the knuckles. My pain level & heaviness of my arm are less if it is working. 

    I do seem to be sensitive to weather changes. I do wear a compression sleeve during the day. NJ

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2011

    NJ and Sleeveninja, Chickly is just another drainage method invented by Dr. Bruno Chikly, M.D.  He's originally from France, I think, and now resides in Arizona.  I know it's kind of looked down upon by LANA people, but since I have to pay for this extra treatment myself, I was looking for something more reasonably priced and decided to give it a try.  My "Chicklette" (she'd croak if she knew I refer to her as such) is fantastic.  And I pee like a pregnant cow after every session with her.  She's a fabulous instructor as well.  And she says things like "Don't hate your LE arm.  You must give it extra love."  Last flare I was having real problems with my hand and she got me unblocked first time out.  She taught me to roll the finger inbetween each knuckle and then massage from top down.  IT WORKS!!  I wish I could go every week, but just can't afford that.  We started with monthly but then moved to every three weeks.  Anyway, as time goes on I find I'm doing my MLD using mainly Chikly with a little LANA thrown in.  Works for me and I guess that's what we all struggle with here--experimenting with what works and what doesn't and torpedoes be damned.

    NJ, do you bandage or use a night sleeve?  I find that helps bring me down a lot.  If I have a stubborn flare, we bandage.  If things are just the new normal, I wear my nightsleeve (or oven mitt, as we fondly refer to it).

    Beer Can Chicken and Roasted Corn and Asparagus tonight for dinner. Why am I thinking so much about food????

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2011

    BTW, how do I know what a pregnant cow pees like?  Firsthand experience, mates.  Many years ago my best friend was giving me a ride to work in her new convertible.  We pulled up next to a cattle truck and all of a sudden this hot, wet, smelly stream of pee doses me with an awful wetness that about made me puke.  My friend exclaimed, "Girl, you got peed on by a pregnant cow!" 

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

    Kane, boy is it good to have you back!

    Thanks for that indelible image of the pregnant cow pee!

    I go to my LANA trained, Klose and Vodder certified LMT twice a month, I've learned to use the bathroom before, and as she likes to bandage me after--I used to be jiggling my leg, waiting to dash to the bathroom--now I just go and come back for the bandage.

    Kira

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  • haltsaluteatx
    haltsaluteatx Member Posts: 97
    edited June 2011


    Funny, I always have to pee after MLD appointments but never made the connection.I head right to the ladies room before I leave the building. I guess I am not as smart as I like to think I am. Embarassed

    Nicole 

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  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited June 2011

    What is the difference between MLD and CDT?  Is one more extensive?

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

    KC, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is just the massage part of therapy. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the therapy itself, which includes the MLD, wrapping, specific exercises, and skin care. Does that help? It took me forever to get all that stuff straight!Frown

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited June 2011

    Great answer, binney.  Thank you!

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