"breaking in" new custom sleeve

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vlnrph
vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I picked up my "GF" made product Monday (don't want to name the company in case they are trolling) in anticipation of air travel in late September to a higher altitude for a week.

The fitter left ripples around the wrist and thought it might need to be shortened but I was able to get it on the next day properly. Also had my therapist see it and she thought it was fine. She provided an Isotoner glove to go along with it.

I plan to wash & wear it on several more occasions before my grace/return period is up in another 10 days.

How much time should I build up to beforehand if my flight connections, etc add up to 5-6 hours?  

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  • inspiewriter
    inspiewriter Member Posts: 876
    edited August 2011

    Wow, problems on custom sleeve?

    I use the pre-fab kind, and was fine with a certain size until they suddenly got longer and I have extra compression over the wrist.

    Washing and drying does seem to help! 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2011
    Vin, you'll be wearing it for an hour or so before your flight to an hour or so after you land. So ideally, 7-8 hours. But I'd think 5-6 would give you a good idea of how it's going. Be sure to use the Isotoner with it. Keep us posted on how it goes!
    Binney
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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited August 2011

    So happy to meet you Binney! I've appreciated all your advice to other posters.

    It was warm in the car leaving the shop so I couldn't wait to get the thing off but then have tolerated  it for a couple hours around the house and to therapy since the weather finally moderated a bit. Our destination (New Mexico) should be nice at that time of year. This will be our post-chemo celebration trip since my final treatment was this week.

    I was planning to put it on 60 minutes prior and leaving it in place for the same amount after arrival. My wrist is small and I like to think of my upper arm as 'muscular' so didn't size correctly for anything premade off the shelf. Will try not to gain weight once I go on tamoxifen!

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

    When I have flown, I've learned to put on my LE gear AFTER security.  They are suspicious of anything looking odd, including a compression sleeve.  I was pulled out of line for 15 minutes just for a sleeve.  So, now  I get through the line and get to business getting on my stuff.  

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited August 2011

    Yes, I imagine the NSTA could be curious. Perhaps I could try wearing a long sleeved shirt if it's cool enough that morning so they might not notice and then just have the glove to put on. My husband always gets wanded for his 2 replaced hips which means I'm usually in charge of getting through and collecting all our stuff in order to keep it safe!

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

    Vln, you want to wear your sleeve and glove when you're packing and when you're hefting luggage around, so you could wear them to the airport and just take them off when going through security. Just a thought.

    Bon voyage!Cool
    Binney

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  • Lynn18
    Lynn18 Member Posts: 416
    edited September 2011

    vinrph:  I hope you enjoy your trip to NM, where I am from, will you be going to the Balloon Fiesta?

    I also just got a custom sleeve, because I have a small wrist.  I am wearing it a little each day and it feels really tight.  Does anyone know if this is normal?  I was told it was a good fit.  It is light compression for prevention.  I really don't like wearing it,  but maybe I just need to get used to it?

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

    Lynn, hello!

    Here are some thoughts on proper fit of compression garments:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

    It does matter WHO told you it was a good fit. If it was a well-trained lymphedema therapist, then that's no doubt reliable. Fitters are a bit iffier, as their training and experience varies considerably, and some are simply anxious to make a sale and be done with it.Frown

    You don't mention a glove or gauntlet (fingerless glove), but hand protection is important when you're trying to lower your risk of lymphedema. Here's a brief article that explains why:
    http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/

    Absolutely love NM -- met my DH at UNM!Kiss

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited September 2011

    Not leaving for our trip to the Southwest until next week (will be there for the balloon fiesta) but am now wearing the sleeve/glove all day due to arm swelling after working in the yard!

    Will resume PT in order to get a handle on this. Also trying to elevate and remain hydrated. Just when I was becoming more energetic, getting over the anemia and going back to my part-time job after a 4 1/2 month break, this problem arises... 

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  • Lynn18
    Lynn18 Member Posts: 416
    edited September 2011

    vinrph:  I hope your arm gets better before you travel (enjoy the balloons)

    Binney4:  Thank you for the links.  I asked my fitter about the glove and she said I didn't need one. This article says otherwise.  After looking at the photos, I am not sure my sleeve fits right, doesn't come all the way up my arm.   I may need to start over again.  (That's neat to hear you went to UNM--me too). 

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