Topic: Newest Report on Flexitouch

<font> Sorry to have taken so long to get back to you on this. This is my second attempt to write this. First one disappeared when I tried to post it AAAARRRRGH! Hopefully I will remember to copy it before I try to post it this time.

Anyway, here goes. Please remember, everyone has different results with meds, treatments, etc... This is just how my experience has been, thus far. There are pros and cons.

Cons & tips:

I compare it to wresling, one - handed, a toothless alligator and then wearing a tight fitting coat indoors. Slippery and frustrating to get on and hot to wear. It isn't anywhere as easy as implied in their video, to get on by yourself. Heck - even with Tommie's help, it was a struggle. but after awhile, I have learned ins and outs and though still a struggle, I can get it on by myself. It is hot - maybe just because I still have hot flashes but I think it is partly because of both. Because of difficulty in getting into it and the duration time of using it - I suggest you do anything such as, letting dogs in and out or going to bathroom, before donning the sleeve and stomach vest. The stimulation you feel from the pumps inflating and deflating, will make your bladder cry for relief. Take it from me, it is a bummer having to unhook and wiggle out of and then back into everything again. Plus, although it has a "pause" button, it is only good for a short time before you have to start all over again. Not enough time to go, and get back into everything again before your time runs out. You will want to have your pillows arranged, a phone within easy reach, any remotes, etc.... Once you lay down, that's it. If you are lucky, nothing pops loose when you lay down. Also, you will want to have the hoses already connected before putting on the garments - ten hands would be wonderful - only one hand is a real bear! I also turn the "on" button in the back too before laying down. Hard to reach otherwise.

There is a "cleansing " cycle which takes a over an hour. Since my arm is swollen and I can't do regular massage - I also use second cycle, which works mostly on my arm drainage - it also takes over an hour. All in all - about two and a half hours actual massage/drainage time spent in garments. That doesn't count getting into the thing. I have learned to ignore the doorbell when hooked up.

After going thru both cycles and taking off the garments, my arm is smaller. But there are lumpy places. I spoke to my LE therapist. She said this is because the fluid is drained off more than regular massage would do in one session and the lumpy parts are where the proteins have built up. I didn't see that part when doing regular massage because the overall lessening of swelling, was more gradual. She showed me how to massage the lumpy parts down. The fluid returns in the course of the day, as it did after doing regular massage. But hopefully, the Flexitouch will eventually acheive the same result as the regular massage did, over time and the swelling will go away and I can just worry about maintaining. My arm is better.

Pros:

It is so relaxing, I always fall asleep unless I am watching TV. Tried reading but always fall alseep and usually drop the book and can't reach it. It doesn't hurt in anyway - just so you know.

As with everything else in dealing with BC or LE - nothing easy. It is a royal pain in the arse - the time and effort one has to use in wrapping, massage, etc.... It is an unwanted intrusion in my life. But the alternatives are worse, so I do it - we all do. This one is best alternative for me - at least for now. With neropathy in both hands and still having weak right arm from torn rotator cuff - not much choice. Will probably keep using it after right arm healed. Hope to reduce swelling and be able to maintain with the Flexitouch. Will try and keep you updated as time and I progress. As I said, everyone is different. I remember reading where some said this didn't work for them.

Hope I have given info that will help. Feel free to ask questions. I don't go on boards as often as I once did but I try and check here at least once a week. I lurk more than post but will be glad to answer any thing I can.

Alligator Wrester Champion!
Niki
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