Medical Tourism for Lymphedema

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Nitocris
Nitocris Member Posts: 187
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi,

Our lymphedema support group has started to work on the idea of visiting either the Földi or the Wittlinger Clinic next autumn or during spring 2013.   I found an interesting article from the Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan on this topic.  If you ever wondered about programs, prices, the following article might interest you.

http://www.sasklymph.ca/medical_tourism.php

What would be the price for an all-inclusive two-week stay in a LE clinic in the USA?

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

    Nitocris, you are a fund of knowledge.

    Hildegard invited me to come to her clinic, when I met her in Vermont, but I think as a guest to hear lectures. Quite pricey as a patient, but could be nice....

    Kira

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  • Nitocris
    Nitocris Member Posts: 187
    edited July 2012

    Kira,

    The Wittlinger Klinik offers a special package (feels a bit akward to talk about a special package for LE treatment though) - "Taster Week" to get acquainted with their center.   The cost is 749.00 euros (942 USD), 6 nights, 1 hour of CDT/5 days, various services, but not full pension.  On top of that, air fare Helsinki/Munich international airport, plus transportation to the clinic (135km). I would think the whole package would cost somewhere between 1300-1500 euros (1600-1900 USD).  I'll ask Mrs. Hildegard about a possible visit to their center when she comes to Finland in August for the Vodder Training.

    The Földi Klinik does not have a special package, but it seems that the price range would be the same.  However, all costs must be covered prior to the commencement of the treatment and whatever extra costs come during the stay will be added on the final bill.  So,  even though one gets top treatment there, this is way too expensive for the great majority of patients as social security is not covering the cost of such a stay abroad.

    We might still be able to organize just a one or two-day visit to learn more about treatment modalities and self-care programs.  I am particularly interested in their MLLB technique to break down fibrotic tissues.   I recently read an article written by a Canadian lymphedema therapist, John Mulligan, in which he reported about his visit to the Földi Clinic last year.  He mentioned a special type of foam,  poetically called "waves of the Danube" used by Földi therapists.  
     
     http://www.lymphedematherapist.com/article3.htm - my visit to the Földi Clinic - John Mulligan RMT/CLT-LANA

     Back in Canada, he developed a product called "channel foam" based on the same idea.  Any american therapist using this technique?
     
     
     My therapist tried to work out her own "wavy sheet" by taping strips of foam together, but the foam she used was too soft and it did not really produce any effect.  Best thing is to see how they do it at the Földi Clinic.
     
    Those fibrotic tissues are really hard to get rid ofYell
     
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  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited July 2012

    The Danube foam looks a bit like a less dense ribbed LymphPads:

    http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/mlp-r.html 

    and what your therapist made sounds a lot like Komprex II.  

     http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/komprex2-sheet.html

    I have found both to be fairly effective on fibrosis.  I found the lymphpad to be a bit more effective, but is harder on the skin.

    Thanks for sharing the Danube foam link!  KS1 

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited July 2012

    Nitocris, Thank-you again, Your knowledge is so appreciated.(I have a Tidhar question for you I posted today about Tidhar water temps.)

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  • Nitocris
    Nitocris Member Posts: 187
    edited July 2012

    Hugz4u,  I answered you post about water temperatures in the Kicking LE's butt thread.

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  • Nitocris
    Nitocris Member Posts: 187
    edited July 2012

    KS1, thanks for the two links.  What my therapist did was put the "wave pad" (of her fabrication) on top of my sleeve in the triceps area and then she wrapped a large bandage over. No effect.Frown

    The use of these foam sheets involve wrapping which I am not doing.  I wear only a Juzo soft during day time.

    Something I am going to try is deep oscillation as a completementary therapy to MLD.  I finally located one private nurse/therapist who has the Hivamat device and will make an appointment with her as soon as she is back from holidays. 

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  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited July 2012

    the komprex 2 I used under my juzo soft sleeve (and under bandaging).It took some adjusting to get it in the right place under the sleeve, but it did soften an area of fibrosis in my forearm . The lymphpad my therapist used under bandages. Can't imagine putting it under a sleeve.

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  • Nitocris
    Nitocris Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2012

    The therapist I mentioned is back from holidays.  Called her today and made an appointment for august 13th to try deep oscillation.  She is a certified nurse  specialized in pain treatment and also a lymphedema therapist.  I am curious to see how deep oscillation could help with fibromyalgia and how it could work for lymphedema - reducing swelling and arm and chest, softening fibrotic tissues... I'll let you know how the experience goes.

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

    Nitocris, that's great and do keep us posted on the results.  If it works, I figure I can sit on top of the washing machine...

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  • Nitocris
    Nitocris Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2012

    Carol, 

    I'll join you with a basket of chocolate cookies and a bottle of Finlandia Vodka.  Sitting on top of the washing machine during the spinning cycle should give us a perfectly "shaken Vodka".Smile 

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited August 2012

    Ha,ha:  I love the idea of sitting on the washing machine for "cheaper" treatment!  I will supply the chocolate.  My nephew with Cystic Fibrosis has a vest/machine that really shakes him up twice a day to clear his lungs.  Maybe I could try that since it is already paid for to the tune of $30,000.  He looks like an astronaut ready to take off for a walk on the moon. 

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