Worn Reidsleeve twice, have a problem.

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Marple
Marple Member Posts: 19,143
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I'm experiencing a problem with my new Reidsleeve. First night I wore it for two hours.  The second night, last night, for five.  Both times my upper forearm (just below the elbow) has become sore.  I think it's the muscle that's sore but not from LE.  It seems the position of my arm, unable to move, plus the compression on top on that area is causing the problem but I don't know what I can do about it.  I'm used to being wrapped, it's not been a problem with that.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'll call my fitter on Monday but meanwhile I'm hoping someone can help.

Thank you so much.

Marple.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2013

    Marple, are you swelling? I've never tried a Reid sleeve, but they are big and heavy. Jane/Onebadboob thought she was a danger to her dh when she wore it.

    The makers of the Reid sleeve, I think they're Pennisula Medical, they seem very customer friendly: http://www.noblemed.com/contact.htm

    My LE therapist is always telling me how at the Lerner clinic they only used chipped foam, like what's in Tribute/Jovipaks for fibrosis and only with close supervision. The Reid Sleeve uses egg crate foam. When you wrap, it's much less aggressive, it's a smooth padding--artiflex or foam.

    Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in.

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2013

    My LE presents in my upper arm.  No new swelling.  Below the elbow is fine (touch wood) other than this sore muscle from the sleeve.  Thank you for the link.  I will get in touch with them.

    I wonder if I put a piece of foam over the area if that might help?

    Thanks Kira. 

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2013

    So Kira, are you suggesting that the sleeve might be too aggressive for the part of my arm without LE?

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  • OneBadBoob
    OneBadBoob Member Posts: 1,386
    edited January 2013

    Marple, are you using the compression "gauge" when you adjust the velcro on your Reid Sleeve?  You may have the compression too high on the problem area.  Adjusting this may be the answer.

    But this is something you should definitely visit your therapist, with your sleeve and gauge, and have her check it out.

    It is very easy to pull the velcro too tight on the Reid sleeve.  And yes, the Gauge is a pain to use, but once properly adjusted, you can make some kind of mark (like a stitch of red thread) to mark the spot where the velcro should "hit" the metal loop.

    Does that make sense?

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2013

    Yes Jane, it does make sense.  Thank you so much for your reply.  I got my sleeve through a fitter and yes she used the gauge and marked the spots with white velcro.  However, I suspect because my problem area is above the elbow that I have too much compression on my forearm.  Funny though, my hand, lower forearm and upper arm feel pretty good.  It's just that one spot on my upper forearm.  The muscle feels like I've overused it.

    Thx again.  I will try it tonight with less compression and maybe for a couple of hours.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2013

    Marple, how's the arm today?Smile
    Binney

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2013

    Hi Binney,

    Still playing around with the straps.  Unfortunately now I have to wait for my sore muscle to heal.  I've never had tennis elbow but from what DH says, that best describes the feeling and location.  I also had my arm on a pillow which may have contributed to the problem.  Fitter said pretty much what Jane suggested above and to discuss with my therapist.  I have yet to contact Reidsleeve from the link Kira provided above.  LE, always a learning experience.  Tongue Out 

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2013

    I feel silly asking this question but here goes anyway.  Using the pressure gauge that comes with the sleeve, should the gauge read higher at the hand and lessen as you go up or should the gauge pretty well read the same all the way up?  In other words does the sleeve take care of the gradient pressure if the gauge reads the same or do you use the gauge to lessen pressure as you go up?  

    Sheesh, sorry if I didn't explain this very well. 

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  • OneBadBoob
    OneBadBoob Member Posts: 1,386
    edited January 2013

    Marple, that is an excellent question! 

    Doing a little research, I found this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8voULTKcGA on You Tube regarding using the gauge on the Circaid Measure Up Arm Sleeve (another night sleeve in my collection!)

    There it tells you to use the same pressure on the gradient card all the way up from wrist to upper arm, which, someone help me here, would appear to me that the sleeve was meant to take care of the gradient pressure as you use the same pressure reading on the card all the way up?

    This is certainly something to discuss with your therapist, and may have to be tailored for your situation.

    The Reid Sleeve customer support people may also be able to shed some light on this.

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2013

    I am still doing some tweaking however, to answer my question about the gauge (in case someone else should wonder in future and stumble across this thread) the gauge should read the same all the way up.  The design of the sleeve should take care of the gradient aspect.

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