Now what? It's RED!

I see it's about a half hour since you posted this--are your symptoms any better? If not, how's about a quick phone call to the ER, describe your symptoms and find out whether this is something they'd like to see tonight?

Perhaps you have a bad fit or the wrong compression level.  Because my hands are slightly 'webbed'  and arms a bit longer than they 'should be' for the other measurements, standard/OTS garments do not fit me so mine have to be custom.

For me, compression level is very critical - heavy makes 'things' worse - light works best.  My first glove and sleeve came in and I went to pick them up.  Put on and stayed there for 1/2 hr as my Guy wanted me to.  I left to go to my rad appt (35 miles away) and by the time I got there my hand looked like 'an over stuffed sausage'.   Called him and went back to wrapping and he ordered me new low compression garments which are great FOR ME.

I do now have a gauntlet but I had to 'fight' for it.  He was right on that but gloves do not allow me the 'feeling' I need with working the horses but does not work as good on controling LE in hand.  So I work in gauntlet and switch back to glove when done.  

With my night sleeve (has a 'guntlet like hand), I use an opera length isotoner glove under it.  I also have to 'over sleeve' slleves to use as I need them.  Usually don't use them but when needed I can add one or two of them.

We are each so unique - there is no "One Size Fits All".   Educate yourself but do not assume that there is only 'one way'.

Spookiesmom, you'll need to check out not only the compression level (usually 20-30mm/hg) but also the "containment" of the kind of fabric your sleeve and gauntlet are made of. Some fabrics are simply more, well...confining than others, and if you're compression sensitive (which it appears you are!), then you need a softer (thinner, less stiff) fabric. Gottfried is the brand that works for my compression sensitivity, as the others cause my fingers to turn all sorts of unhealthy colors.

If you aren't comfortable with the therapist, do look for another. This is a long-term relationship in which we need to feel confident contacting them for help.

As others have said, don't wear the sleeve without hand protection. It may be you need to switch to a glove. My fingers ONLY swell when I wear a gauntlet. I'm better off without garments than with a sleeve and gauntlet, and that may possibly be your issue here as well.

Here's information on proper fit of garments that talks about containment as well:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

Please keep us posted!
Hugs,
Binney

Spookiesmom, Elvarex is one of the sturdiest fabrics there is, and some women can't tolerate them. (My therapist, who is well aware of my compression sensitivities, jokingly tells me I should not even be in the same room as an Elvarex sleeve). They're absolutely great for women who need the firm compression, but don't always work out well for everyone. Compression sensitivity often seems to be related to small build, so if you're slight or small-boned that would be another indication that the Elvarex might not be right for you.

Just a thought,
Binney

A few thoughts: Jobst now has a guarantee of a good fit, and these garments should clearly be returned, ideally within 2 weeks of receipt.

I had an elvarex glove, ccl 1, and hated it. Some elvarex has latex in it.

You do not want swollen fingers!

Return these high compression garments and start over.

A good fitter once said to me "with hands, less is more"

I wear a custom Juzo ccl1, and even with a good fitter, we've had to send them back. The second redo is in, hope this one fits.....

I had a novice fitter put me in Juzo ccl2 and my hands turned cold and purple...