Need to decide between Lymphapress and FlexiTouch pumps. Help!

I don't do either but the news is you may not have to do the stage one arm. Just take good care of it wearing garments, et. Ask your therapist if she is suggesting arm to. I hear a lot like flexitouc

Awe you have had it rough girl. Chin up, press forward , , .hugz4u

Busymom, have your lymphedema therapist contact the Flexitouch rep for your area--they'll bring it to her office for a trial. I don't think Lymphapress does that, but you could ask. I have lymphedema in both arms, trunk and one leg, so I have Flexi for both upper extremities and the leg/abdomen. I love the Flexi leg--comfortable and relaxing. I get frustrated using the arm garments because it ties up one hand, so it's hard to read or do anything, and I need to keep busy. I'd go for the leg garment, but if your arm is only Stage 1 I'd sure go with self-Manual Lymph Drainage and self-wrapping or garments rather than tying yourself down to the time it takes to pump your arm. JMHO.
Hugs, and do let us know what you discover!
Binney

I have a similar issue to susansnowflake, in that it should in theory help most with my back, since it's hard to reach to do mld on myself, however, I also have a large gap between my chest and abdomen/trunk piece. Also, I developed ulnar nerve damage while using the flexitouch (from the machine or wrapping, or a combo, hard to say exactly) and when I called to ask about it, the company said that some people had reported nerve damage in their lower extremities from the flexitouch. So just be aware that this can be a side effect. I'd also recommend a trial of the flexitouch by a rep to see what you think and check it out in person. Then if you do decide to go with it, they'll also send someone to your home to help you work out how to best fit the pieces to you.

IS it ok to post my Flexi-touch Model PD32-U FOR SALE here?

When I was stage 1, after bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction I used it frequently for low grade lymphedema. I found it helpful over time, and with continual weekly use. I do not need it anymore, as I have healed from lymphedema.

It is the machine with 4 chambers, plus one upper extremity (collarbone to fingertip) and one torso piece with upper thigh. Both pieces are interchangeable and can be used on either right or left side.

It comes with original owner's manual which is detailed, but you can also find it page by page, online at www.tactilemedical.com

$1,500 Or Best Offer. You pay shipping within USA only.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE PM ME.

Thanks bloggers! I hope it goes quickly to someone who really needs it.

Hi Kay G! Yes, I think you will definitely find lasting results with it. I did. I did Manual LDS massage, and then when Medicaid was done paying with that, I go this to manage it at home. ISince it's your lower arm that is worst, you need the sleeve cuff to come to your finger tips. Then it moves up the arm, with direct pressure and lymph fluid into the clavicle/mediastinal lymph nodes. I think you need to get it and give it a good six month to 12 months 2-3 times a week. The cycle is about 45 minutes long and I always incorporated my meditation time into it.

Originally I think I paid $4,500 for it, and marked it down to $1,500 or best offer. I wish the company offered a buy back program because it looks brand new, and holds its quality. Then they could turn around an offer it to people who didn't have insurance or Medicare/Medicaid to purchase DME at reduced rates.

Let me know what you can afford and I'll work with you.

Kay G, I have a Flexi pump and have found it useful at times. But please do know it will NOT definitely move fluid effectively for you. We are all different. This is helpful to some women, pretty much useless to others. Also, many, many LE pumps of all kinds have been relegated to the backs of closets because women find them too time-consuming to use. You are absolutely immobile for an hour at a time. And, yes, you can listen to books on tape, watch TV, meditate, pray, or sing operettas, but you need to ask yourself honestly if your schedule and your lifestyle permit (and even welcome!) this kind of time investment. Will you come to resent this hour-a-day investment of your time in treating LE?

What other avenues have you tried? Do you know how to wrap your own arm? Do you use foam-filled garments at night? Do you have a simple exercise routine that works if used on a daily basis? (I use the Opening section of the Lebed Method DVD daily and it really makes a difference in my LE control--takes only 15 minutes and doesn't immobilize me).

Lots of options--choose wisely!

Hugs,
Binney

Kay G, lymphedema is a progressive condition, unfortunately. Which sure doesn't mean you can't get on top of this and slow its stupid progress, but it does call for consistent effort. (sigh!) I've had LE since 2004 and my arms still measure what they did after my initial treatment then, in spite of any number of flares, so no cause for despair. The whole trick is to find what works for you (and by that I mean both what keeps things in control for you, and what you can actually stand to do on a regular basis) and then stick with it as much as possible (nobody's perfect, so don't even think of beating yourself up!)

As for night garments, I sometimes put them on early in the evening if I'm having trouble with control. In summer they can be put in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator during the day--makes them cool and refreshing to put on at bedtime, and the foam holds the cool for quite awhile. In the winter I toss them in the dryer on a low setting for a few minutes before bedtime--yummy warm!)

Hang in there!

Gentle hugs,
Binney