Pump

barb, it doesn't take the place of a therapist doing MLD, but for those who can't manage self-MLD at home it can be a real help. I use one because my LE is bilateral, which means if one arm is flaring and achy I can't do self-MLD on the other. There are some gals here who use it even though they can do the self-MLD, and they find it more effective than their own efforts. It takes an hour a day, during which you're stuck in one place. That's a time committment that can be very hard to maintain, and self-MLD rarely takes that kind of concentrated time. So, worth thinking about before deciding to try it. Flexitouch reps can give you a free demo at your therapist's office (assuming your therapist is open to that).

Be well!
Binney

I am one who LOVES their FlexiTouch! Without it, NY QOL (Quality Of Life) would be GREATLY lowered!



I have been dealing with LE for 3 1/2+ yrs. I am quite capable of doing/'managing'to do' self MLD, I am not 'too lazy' to do it. Early on - I did everything that some here claim is the 'best/only' way that everyone should do because it's what is what they do - we are each so unique iin all wys - there is NO one way taht is the best for all.



I am a VERY active 'outdoor woman' - to not be who/what I am is to not be ALIVE - I will do what I need to do to live everyday to the utmost and to Hades with anyone who tries to put me down as wrong. I'm sure that there are no others (or few) who would want to do all that I do and that is as it should be. There is an old saying "Unless you have walked a mile in my shoes - do not judge me."

(Off my SoapBox!)



When I was DX'd with LE I was still in my adjuvant Taxol. I did EVERYTHING my CLE wnted me to do, I got my custom garments (I'm 'weird' size/shape wise ) and OTS will not fit me correctly. The worst part is that my fingers are slightly 'webbed' so big problems with gloves. Compression level is also a bit of a prob for me - low level works best. I am the first person that my CLE guy ever ordered a 'machine' for - I didn't ask for it - he thought it would bbe a good idea.



I wear my day garments basically all the time I'm 'up', my night garments at night and use my FlexiTough daily. It does take an hr to run it's mssage cycle but I use it usually while I'm using my light box (I'm SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder) while watching TV.



How my machine works is - the first 30 minutes it isolates the lower/outer areas to encourage lymphatic drainage and works down area to area to fingers. The 2nd 30 minutes it then starts at fingers and continually works up and out. Basically what self MLD does but goes on evenly.



Bottom line is - YOU have to find what works/is right for YOU! Not what WORKS for ME or for anyonne ELSE. You are YOU - get aas much info/education as you can - only you can know what works for you.