Sleeves, store bought

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gcpommom
gcpommom Member Posts: 883
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Ok, I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but need to ask.  I currently have no insurance.  I have only very mild lymphedema, not diagnosed by any doctors, just by what I know and have read.  I had a bi-lat mastectomy in 1/09, and have had recent pain/achiness in arm, only very slight swelling right below elbow only.  Less than 1/4".  

So I want a sleeve to wear during exercise and yard work, because these are the things that cause me pain/swelling if I overdo it.  I have seen some sporting goods sleeves like the one by McDavid (McDavid power sleeve).  Would this be ok to use? 

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited June 2012

    Sounds like a good idea to me---What u have to watch for is the size---not to tight nor to loose. It's all in the fitting, I think that's the hard part.  But if ur's is slight I would think u can judge for yourself what would be the right size--good luck.

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited June 2012

    gcpommom,  the no-insurance problem is a biggie, huh?  But I worry about using an athletic compression sleeve, when what you might really need is a sleeve made for LE. LE compression sleeves provide gradient compression--that means it's more compressive at the wrist, and gradually loosens up as it goes upward, so that the sleeve can help prevent lymph from moving downward, into your hand, where swelling is very, very hard to control.  Also, wearing any compression sleeve without hand compression (glove or gauntlet) is asking for trouble, because even with a proper, gradient-compression sleeve, you risk pushing lymph fluid into the hand.

    So, to avoid making the LE worse (and I'd feel better if you had a diagnosis, based on an evaluation from a qualified LE therapist), it's really important that you get some professional help.

    I'm over in west Michigan, and in Grand Rapids, the Spectrum Health lymphedema clinic has Susan G. Komen funds to provide free LE screening, evaluation, and treatment, and I think their program also helps with compression garments if a person needs help with that financially.

    That's a bit of a drive for you, so here's a thought:  call your local Susan G. Komen chapter and ask if any hospitals in the area have funding for lymphedema evaluation and treatment.  I think there are quite a few hospitals in the US that have funding from Komen for this need.

    The Beaumont hospital includes a radiation oncology group that has been very proactive in doing some LE research.  Can you call their LE clinic and find out if they have any financial support for LE evaluation and treatment, for those without insurance?

    Even less than 1/4" swelling can mean you have LE that needs more treatment than popping on a sleeve.  I hear you loud and clear on insurance.  The insurance question is near the top of my list of what is frustrating about LE--treatment is too darn expensive and even those with insurance don't often get very good  LE coverage.

    So...I hope you'll pick up the phone and start calling.  I think some funding is out there, but you may need to be persistent to find it.

    Best wishes, gcpommom...this is a difficult problem.

    Carol

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