night sleeve

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katbob
katbob Member Posts: 43
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I have had lymphedema for atleast 5 years, wearing a day sleeve and gaunlet.  This past year it has gotten much worse, along with progression of the cancer in the armpit.  I have begun therapy with the bandaging in hopes to shrink the arm some, but even if it doesn't work, am planning to get a night sleeve.  I also have nerve damage in this arm, and have no use of my fingers and wrist or elbow movement.  Locally I can be fitted for a Reid sleeve(opera style) but get the impression from these boards that the solaris tribute is better. Do you think I would have any issues with getting it on?  I am able to get the day sleeve on but usually use a donning aide. I would have to order the solaris on line, but am confident I can do the measurements accurately.  I am not impressed with the local Reid representative, but it would be more convienent if this sleeve is as good-comfort and weight are factors for me.  Any help is appreciated!

9opera

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

    Katbob, I think we all just don't have much experience with the Reid Sleeve Opera--donning the Solaris or Jovipak requires a donning glove--for me. The jovipak comes with a sheet of nonstick material, that Binney knows the name of, for you to place your arm on it.

    My concern is always getting a good fit and not having to deal directly with the manufacturers: I got my first Solaris with measurments from my LE therapist, but it was just not helpful. The second one came from the fitter, and when it came all wrong, she dealt with the company.

    I'll pm Binney.

    Kira

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited October 2011

    Katbob--I have a jovipak and I use a dycem pad to help put it on.  It comes complimentary with a sleeve.  I also ordered a donning sleeve but could not get it to work.  But with the dycem I have no trouble.  My therapist had a prototype Reid Sleeve for me to see but I went with the jovipak.  I did talk to a fitter the other day who prefers the Reid Sleeve.  She says it is easier but you do have to determine if you have it tight (or loose) enough.  She said it is good if your arm measurements vary.  It looked like a beach whale to me.  That is why I went with jovipak.  Becky

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

    Hi, Katbob!

    I have a friend who used the opera and loved it. But as I recall she couldn't dry it in the dryer, so it took a couple of days to dry. Before you order an Opera, do ask about that, because that's a real nuisance if it's still the case.

    By all means have your Solaris made with a full-length zipper for ease of donning. It adds an expense, but hopefully your insurance will be paying some percentage on it, yes? I have zippers in my Solaris sleeves (because I'm bilateral and snap my sleeves to my vest, so there's no way to tug the sleeves on.)

    Jovi will make a sleeve with a zipper, but only a partial zipper -- either just above the elbow, or just below the elbow. I don't know how that would work for you, but I didn't think it'd work well for me.

    You can also ask for a "sling" to be made into a garment for you -- it requires at least a one-shoulder vest piece to anchor the sling, but if you lower arm gets in your way at night it can be a real help.

    There are helpful strategies for coping with life and lymphdema one-handed on the StepUp-SpeakOut RIBP page. (There's a picture of a Jovi with a "sling" on that page too). It's here:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Radiation_Induced_Brachial_plexopathy.htm

    The product Kira mentioned to help with donning is called Dycem. It's a sheet that sticks to a table or dresser top and also holds the garment in place while you shove your arm into it, but it does require the ability to control your arm in order to thrust it forward against the sleeve, so you'd have to decide if that would work for you. Here's a picture of how it's used:
    http://www.jovipak.com/pdf/armsleevedonning.pdf

    I hope I didn't confuse you further. At any rate, I agree with Kira that an experienced fitter would be a real asset in getting the right fit and the right garment. Keep us posted, please, and do let us know how we can help.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • katbob
    katbob Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2011

    Thank you all so much for your input.  It is just the kind of info I was hoping to get.  Unfortunately, there is not an experienced fitter near me so I will just have to be deligent in the ordering of this.  I also am expecting to have to pay the whole cost, as Medicare is my primary, have a medigap policy, so have not met the deductible on my private insurance as all is paid before it gets to them(Aetna).  Needless to say I don't want to throw money down the drain with a poor fit or inability to get it on!  Once agai, thanks-I will let ya know how this turns out.

    Kathy

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

    Kathy, the markup on the retail price of Solaris/jovipak is 100%--you can take an on-line or DVD course on how to fit it, and perhaps they'll let you establish a professional account. It's worth giving them a call. 

    If you can "get away" with a standard, off the shelf Jovipak sleeve-they sell them at LymphademaProducts and Bandagesplus, the cost is much reduced.

    I don't think Solaris has ready made products.

    http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/cd_arm_jovipak.html

    http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/cd_arm.html 

    Kira 

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited October 2011

    I am about to give up on another nightsleeve.  I have the tribute, and it's okay...but the other sleeves all seem to 'mimic' bandaging.  What's the point of spending 500+ bucks to mimic bandaging when they're not very comfortable, either?  I'm so confused.

    I hate bandages, but I hate uncomfortable nightsleeves too.  Bandaging works best for me, but it stinks to have to sleep in it.

    I wonder if I could get away with bandaging 2 nights a week and going without anything at night???

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

    Suzy, my LE therapist does tell me to "push my limits" although I can't seem to stop bandaging at night--I do think I'll back off on the number of short stretch bandages (currently use 5) and see what I can get away with.

    I feel the same way: the tribute is just okay and bandaging works the best, yet I resent the time and the fact that I have to do it.

    And, I've never not done it, except for when I was in the cast for 6 weeks, and the upper arm didn't swell....hmmm....

    Kira 

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