Hi littlemrs
Would a (different type of) steering wheel cover be any help, perhaps in addition to the driving glove?
6 months is the maximum life of a compression garment that is worn every day, or every other day; depending on lifestyle some people wear theirs out much faster than others.
Unfortunately, it boils back down to money as usual (hence the rationing of the sleeves by your bcn) and you could try your GP for a prescription, but he might need info’ from your bcn first, so then you might be up the creek without a proverbial.
Do you manage to get to a lymphoedema clinic? (If not, now might be the time to insist on a referral). They might have more flexibilty in what kind of sleeve they can give you, and how often you can have it.
If you can afford it, it is possible to buy off the shelf (as well as custom) ones yourself from many of the major manufacturers (eg, Haddenhams, Medi), although they are likely to need confirmation from your bcn/lymphoedema nurse of your measurements and the compression class you need. That shouldn’t be a problem tho’, because you won’t be costing the PCT any money!!!
Also typing ‘Activa’ into the search engine for these forums will bring up info’ on how to order an Activa sleeve through your chemist.
Also, if you are seeing, or know of, a private lymphoedema therapist (mlduk.org.uk/), they can usually measure and order sleeves for you.
There are solutions to the worn-out sleeve problem, but most of them involve spending your own money, unfortunately. That seems to be the way it is with lymphoedema. Those who can afford private treatment and sleeves when they are actually needed fare much better.
Good luck with it!
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