Kicking LEs butt!! Exercise & Self Care Log
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Ok all. I was able to run 6 mph for three whole minutes. This is a personal new goal for my old short legs. Ps. My family has banned me from running due to spraining ankles. Don't fink on e!
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Today I got to swim in the pool! The water was 82 degrees it felt cool at first but the longer I was in it the better it felt. I was in for over an hour swimming and walking both round and round! The first of many more full days to come so excited!
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Varga. That sounds so inviting. Enjoy! Slogged it out at gym yesterday and will be their againafter my shut eye. Nite all
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Hi Minus- my BS told me at my last visit that she is getting one of those machines this month. But it’ll cost about $250 per visit and she’s not sure if insurance will cover it, and she recommended having it done every 3 months. 😧 Yikes.
The good thing is that it can catch LE before the side effects even start. Very interesting. Thank you for the link.
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Hugz, sorry, been offline with a new LE flare. Hadn't had any for a while, until you mentioned it, then Bam, the next day I got one. Next time, how about you write about me winning the lottery, OK?
I probably overdid it crutching through the park, but it was such a nice day, and the flowers were out, and I didn't want to stop. Now PT and MLD every few days, bandages 23/7, the works. Sigh.
Can I ask what your mother has that affects her mobility?
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Gosh, I have been gone a while!! the pool was closed at the gym and just reopened last week,, so I am getting back into it! My favorite instructor left though,, but I will figure something out!
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Hey there ladies! My compression socks from ProCompression are wonderful. I love them. I found them through FB, so if you are on there look them up. I think they are running another buy 2 get 3 free sale. $100 for 5 pair. Totally worth it to me
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ladies,anybody know the CPT code for the lymphedema compression machine? i think it starts with an L?
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This is from Aetna's insurance manual.
A segmented pneumatic compressor (E0651, E0652) is a device which has multiple outflow ports on the compressor which lead to distinct segments on the appliance which inflate sequentially. A segmented device without calibrated gradient pressure (E0651) is one in which either (a) the same pressure is present in each segment or (b) there is a predetermined pressure gradient in successive segments but no ability to individually set or adjust pressures in each of several segments. In an E0651 device the pressure is usually set by a single control on the distal segment. A segmented device with calibrated gradient pressure (E0652) is characterized by a manual control on at least three outflow ports which can deliver an individually determined pressure to each segmental unit. The fact that the tubing and/or appliance are capable of achieving a pressure gradient does not classify the compressor as E0652 because this is not a calibrated gradient pressure.
Segmental gradient pressure pneumatic appliances (E0671-E0673) are appliances/sleeves which are used with a non-segmented pneumatic compressor (E0650) but which achieve a pressure gradient through the design of the tubing and/or air chambers.
Pneumatic pumps can consist either of static uni-compartmental pumps where an equal amount of pressure is applied throughout the edematous limb, or a sequential pump which essentially attempts to "wring out" the edema by graded compression from distal to proximal. Due to the short cycles of pressure, higher pressures can be applied compared to the static pumps. Pressures higher than the systolic blood pressure are avoided; pressures up to 80 to 90 mm Hg are typical. At this point sequential pumps (such as the Lymphapress or the Wright linear sequential pump) appear to be more commonly used than static pumps. The Lymphapress device is composed of a series of overlapping cells that apply a sequential pattern of compression moving distally to proximally along the affected limb. Using this strategy, higher levels of pressure can be applied compared to other uni-compartmental devices which apply the same degree of pressure along the entire limb. The Lymphapress device seems to be effective in acutely decreasing lymphedema, and many patients have purchased this device for home use.
Newer, advanced pneumatic compression devices with additional features that the more "traditional" type of pumps do not offer have been developed. A two-stage multichamber programmable pneumatic compression device operates in two separate phases. These devices are proposed to be based on the principles of manual lymph drainage (treat the proximal areas first, which is theorized to prepare the distal areas for drainage). The first phase is a "preparatory" phase, followed by the treatment or drainage phase, which utilizes light variable pressure to drain the fluid/ blood from the distal treatment areas. The second phase may be controlled by multiple programmable options. Examples of this type of pump include, but may not be limited to, the Flexitouch or LymphaPress Optimal.
The Flexitouch Device (Tactile Systems Technology, Minneapolis, MN) is a 2-phase lymph preparation and drainage therapy device. The device consists of an electronic controller unit and garments which are worn on the trunk and upper and lower affected extremities and connected to the controller unit by tubing harnesses. The garment consists of 32 inflatable chambers that sequentially inflate and deflate at 1 to 3 second intervals, according to 1 of the 13 pre-programmed treatment patterns selected. Chamber pressure and treatment times can be adjusted. The manufacturer states that device's sequential action evacuates lymph from the trunk and extremities and drains it into the venous system. The garments are made from stretch material and are fitted with Velcro enclosures, so custom fitting of garments is not required. There are no published studies comparing the effectiveness of this 2-phase lymph preparation and drainage therapy device to standard segmented pneumatic compression devices.
The ACTitouch Adaptive Compression therapy system is another more recently developed pump device. It combines intermittent pneumatic compression with a sustained gradient pressure. It may be used when stationary or when ambulating (walking).
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hi everyone, just jumping on here as a newly dx lymphedema lady, ive got it in my hand mainly and mildly in my arm whic has i ncreased a couple of percent over the last few weeks, ive been dry brushing my arm three times daily and i have just started using kinesiology tape on my arm and compression on my hand....i have a couple of questions that hopefully you ladies can help me with.....firstly can i dry brush over kinesiology tape? Will it be as effective? Tried to google this but not much information out there,
I'm going to start swimming soon as ive been told its good for lymphedema has any ladies tried this and found it effective? Also same question for exercise
A low carb diet is recommended for lymphedema any success stories out there for this
Also considering LVA surgery i know this is not a common surgery but have any ladies had this done or enquired about it and have any information on it
Lastly any other tips for arm/hand lymphedema would be very much appreciated
Thanks in advance for any inform
Regards
Gill
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LVA surgery - bypass surgery - Have you done it?
Hi Gill - so sorry to hear about your lymphoedema...you may find the above thread helpful- just search for it. a few ladies have done LVA and have shared their results...
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Hi Gill,
While at the Cancer Treatment Center of America, I had an evaluation with Dr. Liu who is doing LVA and other surgeries. As most of my swelling is in my upper arm, and manageable with compression and manual lymph drainage, he did not recommend surgery. He noted that for the bypass surgery it works best from the elbow on down to the hand as the lymph and capillary drainage are more top surface there, so easier to get to surgically. He also does node transplants, but again only recommended for more extreme lymphedema. As the nodes are transplanted from the groin area typically, you can then end up with lymphedema in the leg. He did note that advancements are being made regularly, so to keep in touch with my medical staff. For now, I am managing well using the compression, along with a LymphPress occasionally. Hope this helps.
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Bumping for Diane.
And also to add a rah-rah to everyone who's plowing forward with their exercise goals. For me, summer is a downer (well, hey, I live in the desert, after all, and just stepping outside the door takes courage--and a potholder to open the car door-- 117F today). So to anybody else having heat and sheer inertia issues--JOIN ME BACK ON THE EXERCISE WAGON! I'm back on the Lebed exercise routine, for a start, and doing a daily half hour of house-walking (back and forth between kitchen and bedrooms--not exactly stimulating, but it gives me mental time to organize my day--well, as organized as it can be anyway.)
What are y'all doing?
And a shout-out to our sisters-of-swell on the other side of the planet--enjoy the winter weather for us!
ONWARD!
Binney0 -
Okay - here I am.
Seven years out. Need to DIET and EXERCISE. I had those words as much as LE. But, the years have gone by, much has happened, life goes on...... LE and extra pounds persist.
Today is a new day - I need encouragement, motivation, and I don't know what else. I am on AI's so that doesn't help but I don't want to be a side effect of my medications!
I have goals:
1) Retire - done, I am at a place where my days are my own unless someone in the family needs something, then I run (and always will).
2) Lose weight - I have only gained.I know all the tools to make it happen, I am a professional dieter. No, I have dieted many times.
3) Increase mobility - my joints are old (64 years pushing 65). Docs say I need knee replacements in a few years. I think I can prove them wrong. Yes, I have arthritis but I firmly believe I can decrease the side effects by increasing strength in my legs and losing weight.
Okay - those are my goals. I don't have a bucket list. Already did those things before retirement.
I wanna be a better me. HELP!
Today - pull out the LEBED and get my arm happy. Get out the chair and move!
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Yes! You go! Today is all we've got, and it's the only thing we have to worry about changing.
Onward!
Binney0 -
ok all I'm back after vaca and watching 93 yr old ma with broken wrist. I'll be here on weekend to get you all going and answer question best I can!
Look out for info On exercise challenge. It's coming right here tothe thread! All can do! No competition
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Hugz - so glad to see you. How was your vaca? What did you do for fun? Sorry about your Mom's wrist.
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Minus. 93 yr old Ma is doing great because she has three girls that dote over her. She just snaps her fingers and two of us make the one hour commute to her house even taking turns staying the weekends. Its been 35 yrs commute and I'm going getting worn out. She won't move in with us and has dug her heels in for rest home.I must say she is good to us although she is spoiled rotten!
Vaca was interesting. We had a scary lightning storm that produced three fires around the lake we were staying at. Had bags packed in car to evacuate but it didn't come to that. Walked half hour every day early to beat heat and took my weights with me. The smoke was not that bad as wind was otherway. Was pretty watching the mountains on fire at night but so much forest destruction. Constant firebombers and helicopters with water buckets to keep fire from invading home areas. Was entertaining from our deck!
Other vaca 7 day and clocked 700 minutes hiking trails each day and swimming.
Then did another trip which consisted swimming one hour a day in hot springs/cold pool. Yes was very careful with le in hotspring. Just enough to warm up from waist down and then off to 86 degree cold pool.
All done trips for summer except 3 days in late August. Usually don't go away that much in one summer.
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CHALLENGE! Ok all.... my gym talked me into doing their 30 min cardio a day for 30 days challenge. Almost done entire month of July and only missed one day so far. Dang anyway I should have even done it at midnight! I really dislike 7 days a week and would rather do 5 and take two days off(usually saturday and Sunday.
Sooooooo would any one like to join me for 5 cardio 2 days off challenge for month of August. NO competition just encouragment. Pick your amount of time and any days with any two off. I may aim for 45 min but not longer in this heat. The point is just getting out and moving for 5 of the seven days a week. Flowers are out, birds are chirping, doggy's are pleading with those eyes. Come on! You can even go to the gym, just do it!
It's been so hot here so I set alarm and was out the door by 7:30 ish otherwise I would have not been able to do it. WHOS IN FOR IT!
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Ohio.....this is your day and you are on my list for the 5 on 2 off cardio challenge. You and I have similar things. Wonky knees. Arthritis everywhere. A few extra pounds, retired and I'm stillworking the bucket list, your only five years older than me so that's pretty close. I'm done dang AIs and feel for you! Double mast with full nodes dissection on right. Stage 3 with hockey puck size ILC. Looks like we can lean on eachother. Sooooo what will you do to march forward. Today is a new day to your new life.The sign on my gym door says “sitting is the new smoking” yikes that’s pretty scary!
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Hugz, I am impressed. 700 minutes is nearly 12 hours! Way to go! I work full-time, but I'd like to join the 30 minute/30 day challenge in August. In fact, I think I'll start this morning. A few extra days of exercise can't hurt! :-)
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Hershey. Your doing 30/30 then, Wow that’s great! Starting Aug I’m doing 5 with 2 days off. Most likely 45 min walks.
Got my walk in early this mirn because it’s heating up already. Checked that baby off the list!
BTW I gained weight in the vaca that I did 700 minutes in 7 days. Two much barbecue and wine. Dang.
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Hugz - your Mother sounds like a doll. My Dad wouldn't move in with me either after my Mother died and certainly would not consider a nursing home. I commuted from Houston to CA for 10-12 days every month. I'd already been making that trip every 6 weeks for 12 years after my Mother's stroke. Looking back I'm not sure how I managed that.
I'll sign on for the 5/2 or the 30/30 - whatever the name. I've been doing this most of the summer but it will keep me from wimping out and being tempted to go to lunch w/my sister in law until AFTER I exercise. I'm going to Silver Sneakers for an hour of exercise on Tues & Thursday. Then doing water aerobics Mon, Wed & Sat for an hour. Today was at least 45 minutes straight cardio. I think the teacher had 'red bull' for breakfast. I need a nap!!!
Do we have to report in if we cheat? Or can we just share our 'wins'? I haven't been on vacation this summer and have managed to loose the 5 lbs that has been dogging me all year when I'm not doing the water aerobics. It's much harder for me to keep 5 days if I'm not in an organized class.
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Oops - editing/confirming the above. I will do 5/2 but like Hugz - I will take two days off for mild stretches or easy walking.
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Hello everyone,
I was Dx with breast lymphedema last month ( no arm involvement) and am trying to find out the best, most effective and relatively comfortable compression bra is .So do any of you have suggestions? My therapist wants me to wear the whole breast swell spot and my current bras just push the cleavage together if I try to use it. I plan to order a wearease cami ( short slimmer) which the therapist thought was a good idea .I have 2 Jodi bras now and need something to accomodate the swell spot better. I have looked at the wearease bra and the bellize which do come up a little higher in front .
Any suggestions welcome. Thank you.
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Welcome back, Hugz!
August is a real bust here in the desert, and the temptation is to sit it out until cool-off season, but that's hard on both the body and the emotions/motivation. So, thanks for this! I'm in for five days a week, half an hour fast walk INSIDE the house. Or at the mall in the early morning. I won't decide which five days ahead of time, though, as I need some flexibility. Just, any five days of each week. Even if it's midnight!
Onward!
Binney0 -
Flowergal - I have breast & truncal LE and have worn compression bras 24/7 for 5 years. So far I have been successful in keeping LE from heading into my arm. My therapist said the trick is to make sure the compression comes up high enough under your arm(s) and high in the back.
For flying I wear a heavy duty Belisse. (and sleeves & gauntlets) I hate how it rubs my underarms, but... For every day & night (I only take it off when I shower) I use the Wear Ease - Sydney Bra. It is a shorter version of the compression cami. My MD Anderson therapists were so excited when they saw I they immediately called the company for samples. I have never had a problem with this bra riding up. Also I live where it's extremely hot & humid, so less is more.
I saw an email that there is a sale on some WearEase garments this weekend, but I think it was specific ones this time. They have some sale or other every couple of months.
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Flowergal - addition to the above - I do wear swell spots off & on as needed.
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I'm in!! I'll do the 5/2 challenge! I'm not good about checking in. My house is crazy! Adult handicap child and 6 grandchildren who are in and out! There is always kids at my house and fun happening.
Flowergal- I have truncal LE to. My arm is seldom a problem. I do lift 106 pounds several times a day and I always wear my compression sleeve and use the "unaffected " side as much as possible. I wear my chip bag (or spider bag as my DH calls it because it makes my boob look like a spider web) it keeps my breast so soft! My PT just said this morning that I'm the only one she knows who wears the suggested compression everyday. I have a great collection of bras now. My insurance pays for 3 a year. My favorite new one is lymph-o-fit. It's so comfortable and I have 2 boobs! I don't look like a coffee table. If I'm doing anything like running or zumba I wear the Belize bra. I have a love hate relationship with it. Love the way it fits but hate the way I look and trying to hid it under my clothes. I'm 53 and was always a Victoria Secret girl. I have a bag full if beautiful bra that I'll never wear again...
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