GRRRRRRRRR I HATE LE..........

Yes, it's unfortunate, but this field breeds a lot of charlatans and snakeoil salesman. I know there's got to be some caring therapists out there who are doing this to help people, but the bad apples seem to surface more.  I think these therapists think, "Well, I've had 4, 6 years of school already, and this two week lymphedema course is sniveling compared to my real schooling." Then these people work under the radar, with no real accountability or standards, then they get an ego, (How dare you tell me I'm not doing such-and-such.) 

Just not a good situation, we need stricter standards and accountability for these therapists.

Spookie

You may want to all the manufacturer about your sleeve.

My fiter swore she ordered my sleeves , but she sat on it for over 4 weeks.  In my case, I was lucky that it was LympheDIVAS.  They looked into it, got the order faxed in for me and shipped it - all within a few days once I alerted them.

Good Luck.

I got a call from Christina last Fri, informing me my pokey HMO finally approved, details about copayment , etc. these garments are custom made in Germany so it will take some time. Slow boat to Chicago I guess? LOL



This PT guy in another life was an IT guy. Was talking to somebody, decided to become LANA cert. apparently had no PT background. Less stressful job for him. He's been at it for 15 years. Still doesn't make it right.



I'm going to wait till I have the sleeve, then look for a new LEist. Maybe Moffitt, if nobody on my side of the bay. FlWarrior sent me instructions how to do MLD, can print tomorrow.

The last two times I wore my Juzo sleeve I think I had a reaction to the elastic at the top of the sleeve and at the wrist. My arm around the band was all red, raised skin. A bit icthy, but the red areas an went away in a day.

Anyone have similar issues? I washed everything but haven't tried wearing it again.

I bought a Sigvaris sleeve for the first time last year that gave me a horrible rash ... itchy, red ... I can't wear it.    I tried it again after giving it a good washing and it did the same thing.  

I had a TERRIBLE reaction to a signaris I tried on. Within 30 seconds I was itching...snatched it right off and had a red rash.  Washed my arm and  used CALMING CREAM ( you can get store brands) Worked great.  I did no accept the sleeve.

OHIO
Since you did keep this sleeve,  I might try this if I were you ... use an Aveeno lotion ( AT LEAST a 1/2 hr before you put that sleeve on) and rub it in those sensitive areas VERY well<gently>.  I really dont think it is advisable to use lotion and then just put a sleeve on.  Having said that, I personally have used these types ( aveeno type store brand and/or calming cream) after a shower and WAITED to put my sleeve on.  Then, I would try it for app an hr and see in your case.

If you prefer,  take advantage of the overnight hours and SLATHER yourself with a good cream or even A & D ointment -esp in those sensitive areas. We are after all, supposed to be taking good care of our skin.

Pls let us know what you decide.

About the rash. First time - I had a 'clean' sleeve, and used Aveeno 30-45 minutes prior to sleeve use. Don't know when the rash started but it was there about six hours later. I often use lotion prior to wearing sleeve so this was normal use for me.

Two days later - wore the same sleeve, no lotion prior, for about 6 hours and had the rash.

Sleeve is not too tight - it is an older sleeve and comfortable. Fit feels very normal, no unusual tightness or symptoms.

Interesting. Haven't worn the sleeve since. So far all is well. Just got home from a 5-hour trip and need to do some MLD and water, but otherwise all is well. Hmm...... I'll post on the Aromaxin board to see if sensitivity to elastic is an Aromasin thing.

One can never say life with LE and aromatase inhibitors is boring.

The answer to your first question Lymphgirl is yes.  It's not uncommon for doctors to minimize or 'poo-poo' lymphedema issues.  Likely because they often know very little about it.

Edit to add, red and hot can be indicators of an infection.

I'm not red, just swollen and achey.  

You can be swollen with lymphedema and not be red and hot, correct??

Of course.  Sounds like it is time to ditch this one girl!

hmmm, my arm hurt me on Tues and I was afraid I overdid the session with my trainer on Sunday or that the 5 minutes in the hot tub Sunday....  Realized last night that it was more likely as I lifted 2 30# boxes  of postcards at work on Monday....dum dumb dumbo here.

no more lifting boxes at work!  but arm feels better now, did lots of first pumping in the air!  scarey as I really do not want to end up swelling which I do not have as of now

Lymphgirl,  so now I have a really good reason to yell for one of the guys at work to move my boxes!  No more overdoing things for me!  Then again, this past weekend had that dumb stomach flu thing so maybe all connected?

Hope your pain guy is a help, amazing how dif docs think!

Feeling weird for the last few days - I don't think it is because of the new med but my "good arm" has been tingling and real tense in my neck and shoulder.  My DH checked the differences under my arms and said this arm is swollen and tight.. About 4 months ago I had the venous dopler done for some bumps near my bicep and everything came back clear.  My PCP told me to treat it like LE but now I'm not so sure, with these new feeling in my arm.  My sleeve hurts and makes the symptoms worse. Sleep doc has tried me on some new drugs lately, one I had to stop because of severe SEs the other I just started yesterday.. Wish this stuff would be easier for me.  I'm sure this isn't related to the new med though or could it be?  Does LE act this way? 

Edit: - I've been Dx with mild LE in the trunk and upper arm 

Hugz, does either supplement interfere with hormone issues? 

Marple.Good question. I know they put rhodiola in natural menopause supplements. Not sure about GABA. I better run this by my Naturopath in case he messed up. Yah I sure don't want to growing estrogen posistive cells from the stuff.