Looking for bilateral LE help and suggestions

((((Chris)))) I well remember the crazy feeling I had when first working through all the new LE procedures. It was overwhelming and I was often discouraged.  It does get better, but it tends to come and go in severity for many of us.  I have confirmed LE in my right arm, but not my left.  However, my left non-LE arm is often very effected - it just seems to balance itself a bit better, so that's why it's not officially LE on that arm.  I've recently been working with a new therapist who is more aggressive in the lower abdominal drainage, and I've found that to be surprisingly helpful.  Maybe it can help you, too.  In addition to my existing MLD work, he has me working the abdominal area 2 ways - breathing, and massaging.  The breathing starts with a very strong exhale, which includes tight kegels to fully compress and hold.  To inhale, I'm to simply release all tension and allow breath to come in, then fully inhale.  Repeat many times.  The massaging component is done deeply in the triangle between the hip bones and the belly button, as well as over my scar, as I had a DIEP recon with a scar that runs side seam to side seam.  Those deep nodes are the core of our body's drainage, so massaging and stimulating them can help the other areas drain more effectively.  MLD is light pressure, but this that I'm describing in the lower abdomen is very firm and deep.  This therapist has also suggested rolling a tennis ball deeply and repeatedly over/into that lower abdominal area since my hands tire.  At first I thought this seemed odd, but it has added one more helpful layer for me.  I have mild LE, but it's not always well controlled and seems to change for no reason.  When it flares I'm a big crab, so my family is happier the fewer flares I have.  It seems by working the lower abdominal area, my arms look smaller for awhile.  That's just been my experience so far.  I don't believe this is documented in research, so this is just personal experience.  I've had no success with insurance whatsoever, but others here have.

Chris--I only have LE in one arm so cannot help you on the bilateral.  But I am sorry you have to join us-but welcome!  I am sure Binney has given you some sage advice.  It will get better.  Hang in there.  Becky