First pt appointment

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bhd1
bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi everyone.. I went to pt and it went well. Marie is great. Very smart and nice. She did the evaluation and told me about the program. Sent me home in bandage and said I can do the 5 k walk tomorrow, plat golf sun, and go to Zumba on mon if the bandage stays on. On

Mon she will do massage and wrap again. Y husband is coming. She thinks 2 wks pt should do it.

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    I am worried i will not be good at self massage and bandaging. Any encouragement?

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

    Barb, has your therapist instructed you, given you written instructions, and watched you demonstrate your grasp of self-mld strokes and routine? Those are all good steps to take in learning.

    None of this is easy, so give yourself room to make mistakes and try, try again (and again...and...)

    Once you learn wrapping and "graduate" to garments it's a really good idea to wrap your arm at least once a month to keep your skills up. There's nothing more crazy-making than experiencing a flare and then having to fumble around trying to remember how to wrap.

    YOU CAN DO THIS! Be easy on yourself as you learn!Smile

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    Good advice. Thx

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  • teacher911
    teacher911 Member Posts: 853
    edited August 2013

    Hi  Barb and Binney, 

    I also had my pt evaluation this week.  I really liked my therapist as well.  I think I was a little luckier in that I did not have to be bandaged.  In fact thanks to your advice Binney I started wearing compression shirts and it has made a big difference.  She told me to continue wearing those for awhile.  She measured me for a compression sleeve and gauntlet.  My therapist told me I can also go back to my exercise routines but I must wear the sleeve and gauntlet.  I am once again so thank for the great advice and support found here.  I hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

    Thanks,Michele

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    Hi Michele. Can u tell me about the compression shirt? I never heard of it? Where do you get it?thanks. . Barb

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    What do you wear under the compression shirt?

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

    Barb, she's talking about a compression sports shirt (like UnderArmour, only you can find less expensive brands). They're great for swelling in the chest, breast and back. Make sure the fit is snug, and you can turn it inside out so the seams don't irritate your skin. Most of the women here prefer the men's shirts because the sleeves fit better in the axilla area.

    Michele, I'm so delighted that you're getting the help you need, and thanks for letting us know. It's a relief to have a good therapist on your side! I notice from your other post that you're traveling this weekend. Stay really well hydrated, keep up with those exercises, and if you're driving do stop frequently, walk around a bit and exercise your arm. Elevate whenever possible, and be careful about hefting luggage. And HAVE FUN!Smile

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    binney can you wear the maidenform control it camisole under the compression shirt?   i guess you get short sleeves since you would be wearing your compression sleeve?   i am small  (size 4)  wouldnt mens be too big for me?

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

    Barb, it the ControlIt cami working? If so you sure don't need to add the shirt. If there are areas that the ControlIt is not covering, then a sports shirt could help. If so, try it both ways, with and without the ControlIt, and see which offers you the best control. A men's might be too big--you might try boys.

    Let us know what you discover!
    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    I order the control it Cami but did not receive it yot. So what would you wear under the compression shirt? Is it ok to wear a regular bra?



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  • teacher911
    teacher911 Member Posts: 853
    edited August 2013

    Barb, I have also been wearing the maidenform control it cami and my therapist said it was a good fit.  I am sure you could try wearing that under the UnderArmour.  I actually wear the UnderArmour under a long sleeve or heavier shirt,  or at night when I am at home.  Most of my swelling and pain is in my back and side so these compression shirts have really helped reduce the swelling.  I usually wear a women's sm/med and the men's small is good fit.  I did check out the boys as well, so I know the sell them.  Good Luck!

    Binney, thanks for the great information.  I am planning to enjoy myself.Cool 

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    Oh Michele what a great idea to wear the compression shirt around the house or to bed. I will get ione

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    Michele you sound like you are close in size to me. I just got the maidenform control it Cami today. I got small. It felt cinfiortable at first but after wearing it around for a couple of hours , it is feeling tight. Do you mind my asking if you got the small or the med? How tight should it feel?

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited August 2013

    I'm just so happy that the camis are helping you. If I don't wear one I get a full and pinching feeling at my back of my pit. That would be swelling. Sometimes I skip a night or a partial day but usually I try and wear them close to around the clock.

    bhd, The fit should be tight but not cutting into any areas.

    Also most of us don't use a bra because that cuts lymph flow causing pain and swelling. Some use the uniboob bra :( which is not very flattering but works.

    For work I tuck my foamies into my commpression shaper or cami which has a soft shape where boobs are suppose to go, they pretty much stay put.   At home I usually wear a Underarmour mens compression tee with a shirt over to hide it. I can't put the foamies in because they just float up out of the underamour. Sheesh why is this such a battle when we just want to comply.

    Make sure your compression for truncal is always at least one  size smaller than you usually wear for proper compression. We like compression tees without cap sleeve so it doesn't cut at the axilla. That is why we usually wear mens.

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    Michelle does the maidenform control it Cami ride o

    up on you?

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited August 2013

    mens compression shirt did not work for me.  way to big.  no compression.  i am going to yoga today.  my le pt said it is ok.  so i have the sleeve on. and i am off.

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