Hi All
I am going to have my arm measured next week for a sleeve and a glove. I imagine I’ll be able to try some on too, at least I hope so. I don’t have Lymphoedema but have a trip to Australia coming up and want to take all precautions.
I wonder if anyone could give me some words of advice re type of sleeve to buy. I’m being measured at the hospital so guess they will have just the basics. I’ve read several comments re the different types but really don’t know what I should look out for re comfort etc. Any words of wisdom from those of you who have real life experience of wearing the damn things would be much appreciated.
Thanks Diana
Hi Although I wear a sleeve and mittem combined I was lucky enough to find the one prescribed for me was as OK as one of these monstrosities can be. Mine is made by sigvaris and they have a web site if you want to have a look. Although I have mine on prescription I have also bought some direct from the company because I wanted the option of black and NHS seem locked into beige. I hope you can sort this out and have a trouble free holiday Andie
Thanks Andie.
Hi Diana
I too have been given a sleeve and mitten combined by the hospital, brand name sigvaris but the silicone grip at the top has irritated my skin.
Last week I had an appointment with the local Manual Lymph Drainage therapist and she has given me a prescription for a Jobst Bella-Light sleeve and separate gauntlet as my hand wasn’t swollen when she measured me. Local pharmacy have ordered them, should be here next week, am looking forward trying something different and this one is driving me mad !!
Sue
Thanks Sue- I just googled that make of sleeve and it also has a silicone grip so I’d be interested to hear how you get on with it. When I googled the Sigvaris make that Andie mentioned it showed it with a strap that went across the body to the other shoulder. I wonder if that would be more comfortable. I definately have “wings” so tight constriction on my upper arm is not appealing. Thanks for replying.
Yes it does, but they are small dots of silicone rather than a whole strip, fingers crossed it’ll be better for me.
xxx
Thanks again Sue that is exactly the sort of information I’m looking for. I’m trying to learn through other’s experiences the little things to try and avoid.
Also is it better to have a sleeve with a glove incorporated or a separate glove/gauntlet? xx
hi
i do have slight lymphodema i was supplied with a seperate sleeve and full glove which seemed to work for me
i cream up twice a day do exersises if i have a spare moment at leat 4 times a day then if watching tv i do them again and had it under control within a month
when on holiday i creamed up before boarding the plane wore my sleeve and glove then on holiday used factor 50 for a few day reducing to factor 15 while sunbathing i did excersises then went back to room and put sleeve on did more exercises then rested til ready to go out and that worked for me .
lizzy c
Thanks Lizzy
What brand of sleeve and glove do you use? I’ve read that several people have had problems with their original “garments” and had to shop around to find the best one. I’m trying to avoid that pitfall.
Hi
Just to add my sleeve into the equation.I have a glove and sleeve combined which as my arms are quite short gives a smooth unwrinkled garment. When I tried a glove and sleeve separately there were alarming wrinkles around the wrist area and that is where my LD is at its worst… However with the glove in place I do have to be careful when doing anything mucky and wear cheap disposable gloves over the top. I also find that with the combined item the fabric tightens down into the space between thumb and first finger which I pad slightly. As you are buying your sleeve as a precaution whichever you choose should be fine, and hopefully keep LD at bay.
Take Care
Andie
Thanks for that Andie- like the idea of an all in one best so I’ll just remember to stock up on disposable gloves.
Diana
Hiya,
I have a sleeve & mitten from sigvaris too, and I also find the bit between the thumb and forefinger is painful - feels like it is cutting me (although it isn’t). I thought of padding it, but was worried it might affect the pressure/compression. I shall give it a try.
Just was just wondering if anyone had any ideas about a suitable bra. I have slight truncal LD too, and it seems to get worse when I wear my sleeve as it has further to swell? I have tried sports bras for the extra support but being of ‘large stature’, they are not suitable and are not made big enough (only slim people exercise??? BENCHLAND!). Mastectomy bras just do not have enough support at the side and up the back where my pitting and swelling occurs…
I have found a few American sites, and have ordered one - but we are talking about 100 - 200 a piece and they are about as un-feminine as combats!
Any ideas?
Merc
xxxx
Hi merc
My LD nurse suggested padding the finger/thumb space. She suggested a round make up pad with a hole in the centre slipped over the thumb. This didn’t solve my problem and if you are interested how I cope let me know and I will pm you. Sorry I can’t help with the truncal side of things. It is a problem I also have but I had a bilateral with no recon so I am flat other that the pesky swelling which is sort of helped by a sloggie crop top.
Take care
Andie