Fitting of sleeves

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Jennifer1295
Jennifer1295 Member Posts: 244
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I wrote a few months ago about custom sleeves that did not fit and I declined them. Well I'm back !

So right before the new year I went to another fitter and was measured. Today I picked up both my Medi day sleeve and Tribute night sleeve. The night sleeve felt so good and padded/protected and the day sleeve felt like a glove, They seem to fit so well and felt really nice, most likely because I was lax in getting  regular fittings (I know this was not a good idea). So I wear the day sleeve home and for about 6 hours today and all was fine, so I thought. I got home and right before dinner took off my sleeve. In doing so noticed that the sleeve had lines in the area above my elbow and even though it didn't feel like it slid down it was not up to my axilla area but about 2 or so fingers or an 1.5 inches or so from this area. I also noticed excess skin above the sleeve. Of course I decided to search and the site I ended up was Step Up, Speak Out and it lookes like my wonderful day sleeve that fit like a glove is not a good fit and will need to go back and be remade. Frown I am getting ready to try the night sleeve tonight but am curious or skeptical as to how this will work out as some of the measurements used to fit the day sleeve are also used to fit the night sleeve.

I consider the ladies here the experts in sleeves. So the $100,000.00 question is how on earth do you get a well fitting sleeve? I had a regular fitter who opened this place and she has since had to sell and retire for medical reasons. I know this place will make this right and remake the sleeve(s) so this is not the issue. I know others have had concerns with sleeves not fitting right and had to have them remade as well. So if some of you would please share your stories and of course reaffirm what I already do know about my day sleeve and of course your thougths on the night sleeve I would so appreciate this. TIA.

By the way I am going to print out the pages from Step Up Speak Out complete with pictures and expanations of the way the sleeves should fit so I can reference to them when I go back for a new fitting.

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited January 2012

    Jennifer--Your fitter will be able to tell you whether it fits correctly or not.  When I get a new sleeve it always seems at first that it is too small.  I get Jobst that has a different weave for the elbow area.  I have to make sure my elbow is at the correct spot at that  weave or it will slide down and seem too small.  If I get the elbow correct the top part goes all of the way up.  I have loose skin from weight loss and have to make sure that the top goes over the last little "blob" or it will slide down during the day.  If on incorrectly I will get a line above my elbow.  Also after a few weeks the sleeve stretches some.  Luckily my therapist helps me get it on correctly the first time each time. I also use "it stays" to help it stay in place.  Becky

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  • Jennifer1295
    Jennifer1295 Member Posts: 244
    edited January 2012

    Thanks for replying Becky. The night sleeve felt a little different too but actually felt good. I am concerned about the day sleeve but will wear it today and then wash it tonight and are how it does tomorrow as well. I did try the adhesive once and my skin had a reaction to it and I ended up with my first case of cellulitis so I decided for me it was not worth the risk. I typically try my new sleeves for about a week or so and if all is well I call and let her know if they are fitting well and if so they order me another one and if not I go back in and we remeasure and start over again.









































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