No glove no gauntlet

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

My le therepist says I do not need to wear a glove or a gauntlet because I have had no swelling in the hand. Is she wrong?

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited August 2013

    Yes, from everything I've read, she is wrong.  I'm sure our resident experts will weigh in soon, but the problem is that if you wear a compression sleeve without a glove or gauntlet, the sleeve may have a tendency to trap fluid in the hand, triggering hand LE.  If you do choose to wear a sleeve without a glove or gauntlet, be hyperaware of any swelling or other unusual feeling in your hands and fingers, and be prepared to go to hand compression immediately.

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited August 2013

    My therapist started me out in gloves and after a year moved me to a gauntlet even though I have never had hand swelling.  But I helped find a support group and have attended many groups plus NLN and LLN conferences and many, many wear sleeves only with no hand garments.  Go figure!

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  • Jennifer1295
    Jennifer1295 Member Posts: 244
    edited August 2013

    I wear a sleeve with no glove or gauntlet. I do not have swelling in my hand or fingers. I was fitted for a glove but after several attempts of blue fingers I tried with out and have done fine. I monitor my hand and fingers. I asked the last PT about it and she said it would do more harm then good. I think it all depends on the person.

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

    Barb, here's the Andrea Cheville article (she's a doctor and a researcher specializing in lymphology) on why hand protection (glove or gauntlet) is important. You might want to copy it and share it with your therapist as a way to start a discussion about it.

    http://www.lymphedivas.com/handprotection.asp

    Do let us know what you discover. Hugs,
    Binney

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  • LynnInColorado
    LynnInColorado Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2013

    Thanks for the article. I have more tightness than edema, but think I'll do this to also prevent skin trauma. I have a gentle African Grey parrot who accidentally scratched my hand on the unaffected side yesterday.

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