Issues with Gauntlet

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Curlylocks
Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I am a 7 year survivor (YAH for me!) and have been diagnosed with lymphedema in my left arm (affected arm) almost a month ago.

 I have been to see a lymphedema therapist who has done lymphatic drain massage and referred me to a certified fitter to get my first custom made sleeve. Waited three weeks for the sleeve and it came back wrong, swell spot was incorrectly placed on wrong place in sleeve and it is too short.  I have started running again and am fearful of having my arm blow up, so had to purchase an over the counter sleeve and gauntlet.  

 The gauntlet really bothers me in between my thumb, seems to rub up against it.  I had this same problem with my gauntlet that I had ordered from lymphedivas that I had been wearing prior to going to see the LE therapist.  Does anyone have this issue?  I sure hope that my custom made sleeve (all one piece - sleeve and gauntlet does not bother me the same way).  I wore the sleeve and gauntlet from 6:30 am. this morning until I got home tonight.  I had to take it off as the gauntlet in between my thumb was driving me insane.  The sleeve was totally wearable!

 Suggestions please?

Thanks

Michele

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Comments

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

    Curlylocks, I posted a reply and the site ate it!

    It's common to chafe in that web space with a gauntlet, as there's often a seam there, and your skin isn't used to it. Some women put corn starch in the web space and it's not unusual to have to ease into tolerating compression garments.

    good move to take it off if it hurts--check your skin for blisters or redness.

    Sorry you joined the sorority of swell, but welcome.

    Here's a link to fitting of sleeves/gloves:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

    Kira

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  • Quail
    Quail Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2012

    Hi Curlylocks,

    I ruined my first two sleeves plucking at the gauntlet which DROVE ME CRAZY.  But it never stayed red overnight, the skin was never broken, and after about a couple of months--it really did take that long--I got used to it, and it doesn't much bother me now.  Good luck.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited September 2012

    Curlylocks, I put cotton there to pad it. Check with your LE therapist that it won't adversely affect you. For me, my LE PT said it was a good idea since my LE is in my upper arm, not my hand, and this way we don't have to worry about the skin issues.

    Leah

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited September 2012

    Thank you ladies. I ended up taking my sleeve and gauntlet off at 3:30 pm today as the thumb part really bothered me.



    I wonder if a bandaid would work as the skin wouldn't be rubbing directly against it? Will call my le fitter tomorrow to ask.

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

    Watch out for adhesive reactions from the bandaid. A square of telfa, or cotton is a better bet,IMO

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  • LympheDIVAs
    LympheDIVAs Member Posts: 35
    edited October 2012

    The issue of discomfort between your fingers is usually caused by a seam. The area itself can be very sensitive and any seam (whether in our gauntlet or anyone's) can cause irritation. It's a little drastic, but some folks are turning it inside-out (shouldn't affect compression) to reduce the seam issues. 

    The good news is that we are currently working on a seamless glove and gauntlet that will hopefully reduce this issue.

    Thank you,

    josh

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