Just got compression sleeve/glove -- UGH

Etherize,

LE causes pain, the fitter is mistaken.

Compression garments are for daytime use--some people need them all the time, and some just when their LE is acting up or they're very active or flying.

Bandaging is for nighttime.

Compression can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt. The uncomfortable is just the feeling of being tight. The lines at the wrist are very common, and some people put the cuff of the sleeve over the glove.

Most people have to wear the compression for just a few hours at a time initially.

And, especially if it doesn't feel right, have the fit checked by your PT.

Personally, I wash mine in the washer on delicate. And the hand washing thing is an issue, especially depending on what kind of work you do.

Compression should fit well, keep your arm/hand down and not hurt or trap fluid. 

It does sound like a royal pain.

Kira

I have washed my sleeves/gauntlets in my machine, delicate cycle, in a small lingerie bag.  I've also tossed them in with the regular cycle in a lingerie bag, but I'm less comfortable with that, since it is such a more active cycle.  They can be put in the dryer.  My LE therapist suggests putting them in the dryer for about 5-10 min (using a timer) and letting them finish up air drying.  Her reasoning is the dryer helps to re-establish the fit, but the air drying makes them last longer.  I have no idea if that's true or not.  

Etherize, I wanted to clarify what I wrote:

Bandages are to reduce swelling and can be for day and nightime use. 

Daytime compression should not hurt--but LE does cause pain, and unfortunately that myth of painless LE just persists amongst the uninformed.

Poorly fitting compression can cause harm--so as the more astute women who posted above wrote, if it hurts, or causes pain--check the fit and avoid it.

I agree, when I wear my glove, my hand and wrist feel better. But it took awhile to get the gloves that worked--I wear custom. I don't wear sleeves often, but I did find the ones that fit.

The first compression I got, the inexperienced fitter put me in too high of a compression glove--caused cold purple fingers. Took me a while and new fitters to get it all worked out.

This great fitter came to my house, and said, in her experience, people will bring in a bag full of garments that haven't worked. I spread the stuff I had across the table with her.

So, try the compression for a short while, note if it hurts, causes chafing, holds fluid and as soon as you can, have the LE PT check the fit.

I've been known to run the gloves through the dryer on low as well. 

Binney had a thread about "how does compression feel to you" and most women said they didn't like tight fitting clothes. That's what I was trying to say.

Last night, I was at a holiday party and put on the glove for the drive home, and it felt good. I needed the compression. I rarely wear it at work, as I need to wash my hands constantly, but have worn the glove when doing paperwork if needed.

for the fitter:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/essential%20informat%20for%20healthcare%20providers.htm

Pain: Lymphedema is often quite painful and that pain should be validated and managed. The pain is multi-factorial: neuropathic, mechanical, and/or inflammatory. The National Lymphedema Network issued a statement confirming that the condition can be painful, http://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/NLN_Washington_Post_Reply.pdf

Kira

I go to a lymphedema clinic at the cancer centre. The nurses there are great and they do the prescription. I found a great place that does the fitting and even though it's a bit of a drive, I will stay with them because I trust them. The first one I went to gave me a garment that caused my hand to blow up - that's not good. So keep searching till you find a good one.