Current Lymphedema Garments Not Staying Up?
When wearing lymphedema garments on your arm or leg, if not fitted properly, the garment can slide. This can also be caused by the garment needing to be replaced due to wear. Your lymphedema garments, whether sleeve or stocking, should be fitted so that it will stay where placed and needed. When you are measured by our fitter, we will take into consideration the placement of the garment. If needed, we will recommend a strap for the sleeve or a silicone band for the sleeve in order to keep it in place. For a leg garment a chap style garment or silicone band can also be placed on the garment to keep it up. We also have a body glue that can be used to keep garments up. Most of the time our fitters will be able to assess the way you put on your garments and make recommendations to ensure that they stay where they belong.
Sleeve for Post Mastectomy Lymphedema causing swelling in hand. What do I do?
The compression sleeve works in such a way that the highest pressure is at the wrist and it gets lower as you move up the arm. This is so the fluid can move to the part of the body that has working lymphe nodes. Sometimes the fluid that has moved down to the arm cannot get past the higher compression point of the wrist and moves back into the hand. Wearing a gauntlet (fingerless glove) or glove will ensure that the fluid does not build up in the hand. If you have been wearing a gauntlet or a glove along with your sleeve from another supplier and you still have fluid build up in the hand, we can review the garments you are currently wearing. It is important that the compression be correct and that the garments overlap. Our experts can assess your current garments and help put you in the proper garments.
How many garments do I need? How long do Lymphedema Garments last?
Lymphedema garments are made of special material that helps reduce the swelling or maintain your current arm, hand, leg measurements. These garments should be worn every day, all day. They last from 4-6 months with normal wear and care. We will review your lifestyle and determine how many garments are needed. Usually we recommend 2 garments. One that you would wear and the other that will be washed. Lymphedema Compression garments should be washed daily. They are usually hand or gentle cycle washed and air dried. Night wear garments are usually replace once per year or even less because they are only worn in bed at night and are not subject to the wear that your garment gets during the day.
Where can I get a custom lymphedema garments?
Our fitters specialize in custom garments. We first discuss your needs and your lifestyle to determine what type of garment would best fit. We then discuss your goals. Once we understand what you are in need of and what best fits your lifestyle and helps meet your goals, we will measure your affected limb and possibly take a photo of the affected area. These measurements, along with what garment has been decided on will be sent to one of the countries top manufacturers to be made. We’ll call you when it’s ready and schedule an appointment for you to be fit. We will put the garment on you and make sure you are comfortable in it. We will then make sure that you can don (put on) the garment yourself or that someone who will aid you is present. We go over how to care for your garment and we’ll advise you of what to look for and how to get in touch with us if there is a problem.
My doctor said I can choose between a glove and a gauntlet. What are the differences and what should I do?
Your doctor feels that the swelling will be controlled without the need for each finger to be covered. Sometimes it is necessary to cover each finger so that the fluid can be moved out of the hand and not pool in the fingers. If your doctor is allowing you to determine which is best for you, then decide based on your daily activities. A gauntlet is a glove with the fingers off. It is a tube with a hole for your thumb (that is covered to the first digit). You can also get a glove with all fingers covered to the first digit. Your compression fitter will review your lifestyle and determine what option would be best for you.
I have not been diagnosed with lymphedema after my mastectomy, but the doctor has prescribed a sleeve for me to wear. How long should I wear it?
What else should I consider? Your doctor is taking a precautionary approach in having you wear a sleeve. Many people who have had lymph node removal can develop lymphedema. This can occur immediately following surgery, or can develop years later. Many times an activity or traumatic event can set the lymphedema in action. If you bowl, garden or do other activities with your arm, your doctor may feel that wearing a sleeve will help prevent lymphedema. Know that carrying a heavy purse or back pack on the affected side, having your blood pressure taken, or a needle in the affected arm should also be avoided. Our compression fitters are also Certified Mastectomy Fitters and will be able to discuss all of these concerns with you and offer you some creative solutions from wearing a medic bracelet to how to be more proactive in warding off the possibilities of getting lymphedema.
What does a sleeve look like and can I wear it under my clothing?
A compression sleeve is just what it sounds like. It’s a sleeve that starts at the top of your arm and goes to your wrist. The compression is highest at your wrist and decreases as you move up the sleeve. Compression sleeves come in a wider variety of colors and styles. If you are trying to minimize the look, you can go for a skin colored sleeve. If you are a bit more daring, sleeves come in a variety of colors and patterns, including Bhindi patterns, tattoo patterns, floral patterns and paisley! Our fitters will show you a complete line based on your requirements and concerns.
My doctor suggests that I get a sleeve to wear when I’m flying.
We can measure and fit you in a sleeve that you can wear when travelling. We’ll discuss with you when to put it on before a flight and when to take it off after. We’ll also go over what other precautions to take during travel.
I’m worried about being able to put on my garment and take it off.
Our fitters make sure that you do not leave our office without being able to don (put on) and doff (take off) your garment. If you have someone that will be helping you with this, we will ask that you bring them for your fitting. If you are the person who will be doing this, we will go over your ability to do this when we first measure you. There are additions that can be added to garments to help you with this. Let your fitter know of your concerns at your initial visit and we’ll make sure to include this in your garment plan. We also sell different aids that can help you put on and take off your garments. Sometimes it’s as simple as being shown how to put on a sleeve with a plastic bag! Other times, it’s showing you how to use a Slippie Gator.
I have dry skin. Can I wear lotion with my lymphedema garments? How about using powder?
Our fitters will review what can and cannot be used with wearing your garments. For the most part, you should not be wearing lotion with your garments, but should use lotion when they are not on to keep your skin soft so it does not dry and crack. Using medicated powder with your garment is allowable. Talk to your fitter about what we have found that works.
My garments feel too tight. What can you do?
Your fitter takes direction from your doctor regarding the compression. Call our office and talk to us when you feel discomfort in wearing your garment. We go over the way to build up to wearing your garments full time based on what your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop wearing your garments until you talk to your doctor. Call our office and call your doctor. We will work with you and your doctor and the next steps to take in your care. Sometimes you will be prescribed a lower compression, other times your will be taught how to wear them for short periods throughout the day until you’ve worked up to wearing them all day.
My doctor has prescribed a “Lymphedema Pump”. How does that work?
We do carry Lymphedema pumps and they are covered by many insurances, including Medicare. We first will need paperwork completed by your doctor for our records in order to order and bill Medicare. We’ll go over the prescription with you and order the sleeve and pump your doctor has prescribed.
The sleeve will go over your arm or leg and you will get one for one or both arms or legs. This sleeve then gets hooked to the pump and when you wear the sleeve and the pump is on, you will feel a massage like pressure going up your arm or leg. This is helping move the fluid out of the leg or arm and into the area that can help get rid of it.
Our fitters are certified to measure and fit you with your pump and sleeve. We will go over how to wear the sleeve and how to program the pump. We’ll set it up for you so all you will have to do is turn it on. We’ll talk to you about where you should be sitting when pumping, when to pump, how long and how to know if there are any issues. We track the manufacturer including the make and model number for any recalls or notices. You are in safe hands with us.
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