ALL THINGS Gloves and sleeves

The itchy rash is definitely from the bandages. I have super sensitive skin. I can get a rash like this from a tag in a shirt. I changed the bandages this morning and before putting on the clean set, I put on Hydrocortisone, aquaphor and then some oatmeal/shea butter lotion. The itching isn't as bad right now. I really notice it at night when I wind down and not distracted by other things. I bought some Benadryl today and if it's bad again tonight, I'll take it. I don't want to get in the habit of taking meds though. I see the therapist tomorrow and we'll see what she says.

DiZZyMom, you should not take Benadryl if you are on Tamoxifen.

I am struggling with my skin turning red from the sleeves, so I'm trying a few of them right now.  I had a Juzo sleeve before, and right now am trying a Jobst.  The Jobst Bella Lite (RTW) is the softest I've had on so far  (I've only tried a few), and so far, I'm not breaking out from it.  I am ordering through brightlifedirect.com.  Their prices are reasonable and they return/exchange without question.  I got their info from this forum. 

mnmbeck - I am wearing the Jobst Bella Lite as my fitter talked me into trying it.

Actually, I like it.  The fit is good and it hasn't caused me to swell.  It seems to help

keep things under control without bad stuff.  It is gentle on my skin as well.

HOPE IT WORKS FOR YOU!

Hi Linda, yes I was having wrist/hand swelling from the 2 pc sleeve/gauntlets.  That's why I switched to Medi-95. But my wrist was always really swollen with the Medi-95 as it did not have enough compression for me on the wrist.

When my LE measurement person suggested the Jobst Bella light I got pretty indignant with her because of that fact.  But it has brought my wrist WAY DOWN and it has not gone to my hand at all.  I've been wearing it almost exclusively since November 24, 2013. 

Plus, it's winter and freezing cold here in Ohio!  I never thought I would be a winter person, but with LE I sure am now!

Just to let you know that my black glove and sleeve by jobst is too tight afterall and we have sent it back. I only hope they give me another set as it was a bit past 10 day mark that it was returned. I must talk to my fitter. I think she is avoiding the subject but did take my money!  GRRRRR. ..................oops wrong thread.

Hello to all you brave women. I was interested to see that Lymphediva is planning to add Max sizes. My wrist is super small and my upper arm is not. I've purchased a couple patterned Lymphediva gauntlets to wear with my beige Juzo sleeves. Not a problem with long sleeves during the winter and gives a bit of variety. I like the patterns with some beige, so it kind of goes with my sleeve.

mnmbeck. These are custom garments and generally after a short time they are not refundable although I am pushing to have them fixed. 

 Brightlife are the best.

I would love a short max lymphadivas. I know they make short.

Denise, thanks. So sorry about the flare up. I know the feeling, that urge to just DO something, and it doesn't hurt right then, so you have no way of knowing (other than by history) that what you are doing can cause a flare-up. 

I am going to try to see a new lymphologist who was recommended by a couple of people - not sure what to expect, but apparently was able to help another person adjust garments to avoid the muffin top thing ... 

and I am going to look into the Bella Light. What hand protection do you use with the sleeve? I have been having good hand response to the Farrow Light, but the wrist still has a little puffiness, but it is the easiest glove for me to tolerate for the day. All the others make me so clumsy I can hardly function and are constant reminders of why I am so unhappy so often. When I can function, I can distract myself and feel more useful and happy overall. 

Thanks so much for your continued support and suggestions - they are greatly appreciated!

HELP HELP HELP -   Insurance issue (NOT medicare)-  I was fitted back in November for 2 off the shelf sleeves and 2 off the shelf gauntlets.  My insurance covers OFF THE SHELF items and not custom items.  My insurance company paid for the sleeves.  However, they denied the gauntlets.  Gauntlets were billed under a custom code.   Called the provider asked them to change it to a non-custom code because it is an off the shelf item.  A HUGE argument ensued because the gal said she has been doing this for 8 years and the only code for gauntlets is a custom code.  I said, "Then women across America are being discriminated against because this item is not custom.  Who makes up the codes?"  She said,
"The government."  I said, "If I have to go testify before the Senate I will.  This is wrong!"  A supervisor is supposed to call me back.

It is a $45.00 bill, but I HAVE coverage.  ANY INSIGHTS OR HELP would be appreciated!! 

Carol - thank you SOOO much.   I will write him right now!  I see you live in Michigan.  The controversy is from Wright & Fillippis who have offices in Michigan..

LOL for sure!  And no call back today!  They are quitting handling Mastectomy and Lymphedema items except at just a few stores starting now one of their people told me.

Hi Carol - wow, it took a lot of fighting, but they are going to resubmit it under another code.

The man you suggested I write, wrote me back and gave me the code.  I am so grateful to you!

And thanks for sending me these codes!  Sorry I haven't been on BCO for a week!

Denise

Bump for ejlj.

Just catching up with some of you - I got my fitter to relax the wrist at C1 and C6 a little, and no longer need to wear a glove all the time!!!! That helped the hand swelling so much, I can hardly believe it and wonder why she didn't try it earlier. In fact, it was the fitter who was taking care of her clients while she was away for a couple weeks who did this initially for me, and I was so happy with the custom sleeve I have re-ordered it. Am using Farrow Light gloves when I need a glove. Also alternating between Farrow wrap and Tribute for night use - each has its advantage & disadvantage. The Farrow wrap packs better for traveling but is more user-dependent for how effective it is - I still have occasionally not got the right pressure on all the tabs as I wrapped so I ended up with a few pockets of swelling that I don't get with the Tribute, but I can use my fingers and arm a lot more easily without having a "pillow" over the whole hand & arm.

Hoping you are all heading into warm weather in good shape, hoping you all stay that way. Garden easy!!!!!

So I went to re-order Medi 95 gloves and have discovered they are being discontinued.  You all might already know this, but thought it was worth a mention. (and Purple, nice to see you!)