Questions About Returning Custom Sleeves

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Jennifer1295
Jennifer1295 Member Posts: 244
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I had to return my custom Solaris Tribute Night Sleeve and my custom Mediven Day Sleeve yesterday. On the night sleeve the thumb portion was too short as was the hand portion, the whole sleeve was made also too long so the sleeve was too loose. The day sleeve was too loose between the wrist and elbow and then above the elbow. So we remeasured for both of them and the areas where the sleeves were too short or too loose were indeed off. The fitter suggested to go with a 5 cm silicone band as opposed to a 2.5 silcone band on the day sleeve, which did make sense at the time but of course I am second guessing this because of what she then told me today (see below). We discussed the length of the sleeves as well. So I get a call today from the fitter and she told me that she got the RA number to return the sleeves and was going to order the new sleeves. However I would be out of my 15 day exchange period and could not exchange the second set of sleeves if they were not right because it does not start another 15 day exchange period for each set of sleeves. Now I have had to send sleeves back before but usually just once and they come back right the next time. But now I am concerned about this. So I called them back and their machine came on (I think they may have been with patients) and I went onto tell the fitter to call me before having the sleeves made because a particular commnent she made when we talked and then I went onto explain.  

While I have never been fortunate enough to have my arm go back to pre lymphedema size I have been able to reduce the size and keep it soft and and stable. So I do not think my arm changed in two weeks to reflect the sleeves not fitting. I know my arm did not grow in length to relect my night sleeve being too long.

So I guess my question is how do others handle this if the sleeves do not come back right after the second time? I only have one day sleeve made and then if it feel right after trying it on. I wear the sleeve for about a week to make sure it works out after washing and wearing. Then if all is well I have them order me a second sleeve to these same measurements. But now this makes me wonder what they would say if this second day sleeve comes back wrong. 

Does anyone know Mediven and Solaris's exchange policies or is this a fitter policy trying to cover themselves in case they make a or a second mistake? I also requested a second outter jacket for my night sleeve because they only sent one and I have always gotten two in the past, but they said I had to pay for this myself instead of going through the insurance company, which was never an issue with the insurance company before. I have paid my copay of 15% and the insurance company has been billed so I can't walk away with sleeves that won't work. I am going to call the fitter tomorrow and put a hold on having the sleeves remade and ask for a second fitter to remeasure me and speak to the office manager or owner about this so called exchange policy. I just want to get sleeves that fit properly.

By the way is anyone in Maryland and if so are you comfortable enough to reccommend a fitter for my next fitting?

Comments

  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    Jennifer,

    Re: the night sleeve--Solaris will make it right--I also had my first one come back with the short thumb and virtually no hand compression, and it was remeasured, and a new one was made--it's a one year warranty on the garment, and they guarantee they'll remake it until it fits

    I've had to send back custom Juzo gloves 5 times until it was right.

    Is this a new fitter? It sounds like a royal mess, and so frustrating.

    Solaris has youtube videos for how to measure for their garments: here's the arm

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4OkHj-VS-4&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL 

    The hand

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCFSWiIAjQQ&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL 

    Kira 

  • anna4969
    anna4969 Member Posts: 86
    edited January 2012

    Hi Jennifer,

    I, too, have had issues with my Tribute.  Had to have it completely remade.  First one had itchy, itchy material and hand was much to tight.  Fitter sent it back for adjustments.  It came back, not much better.  In the meantime, I did call Solaris myself because I was so upset with this and they were FANTASTIC.  Told me not to worry one bit that they would get it right and this was nothing to stress about.  The fitter did a RA deal and I chose a completely different color and changed measurments all over the arm and they made a new one and let me keep the old pink sleeve and sent a new sleeve to match the new Tribute.  So, if you are having an issue with your fitter, I would recommend calling Solaris yourself and explaining the situation.  I am absolutely sure they will make it right for you.  And I would think they would want to know if you are having any issues with the fitter as after all, the fitters are the middle man and they want to be working with responsible fitters.  Don't worry.....Solaris will make it right for you.

    Be well.....:)

  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2012

    I've had custom fit issues too and in the end, they fit.  It's so easy to get discouraged with the process.  And it can be a LONG process.  Don't give up.  Any company who offers a custom fit should and hopefully will stand behind their product.  It's just that it might take them a few tries to get there.

    My experience is only with day sleeves not night.

  • Ericamary
    Ericamary Member Posts: 44
    edited July 2012

    did you find a good fitter in Md if so please share. thanks

  • Ericamary
    Ericamary Member Posts: 44
    edited July 2012

    WOW! sounds like the problems i am having.  Do you like your night time garment?

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