Information on Lymphedema

Please take a moment to review The Compression Closet articles below to learn more about lymphedema.

DONNING COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

Posted on November 17, 2020 | by Theresa | 2 Comments

GETTING THOSE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS ON AND OFF!

Donning your gradient compression stockings can be a real challenge. The number one reason that we receive returns at The Compression Closet is that people are unable to don their compression stockings. It’s not that the stockings don’t work or that they are of poor quality, or that they are not what the people expected. It’s simply that they cannot get the garment on or sometimes get it off.

Unfortunately, many of these people live alone or have little or no assistance with these compression garments, which would make a world of difference. However, there are some tricks of the trade and some gadgets that can help with the donning and doffing of compression garments. Let me share some of these with you today. Continue reading →

Misdiagnosed Lymphedema

Posted on November 3, 2020 | by Theresa | 1 Comment

LYMPHEDEMA MISDIAGNOSED FOR 17 YEARS!

Rita ended up in the hospital again, this time with sepsis. She had been here before, due to infections and wounds caused by legs that continually swelled. Time and time again she had sought medical help but to no or little avail. After the hospital stay came the nursing home. Then finally home again with a physical therapist to help her gain back some of the ground she had lost spending so much time immobile.

This was a new therapist, which disappointed Rita. She liked her last home health therapist a great deal. However, she had little say in the matter as her old therapist had left the organization. Finding a good therapist can be challenging at times. Now she says that her new therapist, Monica, was a God send. She was the first person in nearly 17 years who recognized and properly diagnosed her condition, lymphedema. Continue reading →

LYMPHEDEMA AFTER BREAST CANCER

Posted on October 20, 2020 | by Theresa | 2 Comments

LYMPHEDEMA SUCKS!

lymphedema after breast cacer “I fought breast cancer, I’m a fighter! I am cancer free, so what is this about lymphedema after breast cancer? Why was I never told that I could end up with a chronic disease as a complication of my cancer treatments? This lymphedema sucks!” It does suck, yet there are ways of reducing your risk of lymphedema after breast cancer.

While working in a durable medical supply store that catered to breast cancer patients seeking bras and prosthesis, this or a similar sentiment was often heard. It was heartbreaking to me and so frustrating. Going through cancer treatment and receiving a lymphedema diagnosis can be devastating. Were they told, and didn’t remember? Had they never been told and their doctors just hoped for the best? Were their doctors unaware or did they just not want to deal with it?

Dr. Marisa Weiss, chief medical officer of breastcancer.org says, “I can say from experience that the time right after diagnosis, when you are considering options and planning treatment, is a blur. When you are feeling so anxious and overwhelmed, it is hard to listen, understand, and decide. So even if lymphedema gets mentioned during this time, you may not remember it. Or it may not come up because the focus is really on getting you well. So if lymphedema does develop later on, it can feel like yet another insult to the body, one that many women weren’t fully prepared for. The good news is that women can learn how to manage it and lead normal lives.“ Continue reading →

Lymphedema Treatment

Posted on October 2, 2020 | by Theresa | 2 Comments

I FOUND MY LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST – NOW WHAT?

As I discussed in my last post, sometimes it is difficult to find a lymphedema therapist. However, once you have found a therapist, what exactly can you expect from your lymphedema treatment program? Of course, all therapists are individuals and not all therapists practice the same way. However, there are a few things to look for to ensure you are getting good lymphedema therapy. Continue reading →

FINDING A LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST

Posted on September 20, 2020 | by theresa sonneville | 2 Comments

A LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST

Finding a lymphedema therapist Sometimes it can be a real challenge finding a lymphedema therapist, and possibly even harder to find a really good one. Fortunately, there are resources out there to help you in your pursuit to find a therapist. But, what qualifies a medical professional to treat lymphedema? When you do find a qualified professional to treat lymphedema, how do you know if you’ve found a good one? What should you be looking for? Continue reading →

Simplifying Compression for Lymphedema

Posted on September 8, 2020 | by theresa sonneville | 4 Comments

THE CONFUSION OF PURCHASING COMPRESSION GARMENTS

lymphedema Purchasing compression garments can be very confusing and a bit overwhelming at times. Should you choose custom or over-the-counter stockings? How about a compression wrap garment or a nighttime garment? Different compression levels, different lengths, open toe, closed toe, silicone band, and umpteen different manufacturers to choose from. Too many choices, too confusing – does it really need to be? We don’t think so! We decided simplifying compression for lymphedema would be one of our priorities. Continue reading →

Compression Wraps For Lymphedema

Posted on August 25, 2020 | by theresa sonneville | 2 Comments

BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION WRAPS FOR LYMPHEDEMA

A recent study of Adjustable Compression Wrap (ACW) garments concluded that compression wraps for lymphedema were not inferior to custom-made flat knit garments. Compression wrap garments proved they could be more advantageous in the maintenance phase of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for lymphedema. The compression wraps prove easier to don and doff. They also showed a continuation of reduction in the limb whereas the flat knit stocking did not. Another advantage is the cost of ACW garments.They can be significantly less that of a flat knit garment. Although compression wraps may not be for everyone, they are certainly worth considering. There are several compression wrap garments on the market today, so which wrap is the right wrap for you? Let’s take a look at some of the choices! Continue reading →

Lymphedema and Self Care

Posted on August 10, 2020 | by theresa sonneville | Leave a Comment

YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW

“Cancer is something you can get over; lymphedema is with you for the rest of your life!” This is something I would hear often when I worked with cancer patients at a durable medical supply store. There is an attitude and a hopelessness that sometimes goes along with lymphedema. However, there are ways to combat this feeling and this attitude. Don’t allow lymphedema to define you and your life. Get back up, keep going – for you are stronger than you know! Lymphedema does benefit from self care. Continue reading →

Benefits of Nighttime Compression Garments

Posted on July 28, 2020 | by theresa sonneville | Leave a Comment

DON’T LOSE SLEEP OVER LYMPHEDEMA

Are you reaping the benefits of nighttime compression garments? Are you familiar with them and do you know how effective they can be in the management of lymphedema? Don’t lose sleep over lymphedema, treat your lymphedema while you sleep. Continue reading →

Caring For Your Compression Stockings

Posted on July 13, 2020 | by theresa sonneville | 4 Comments

PROTECTING YOUR COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

Gradient compression stockings are expensive – and to get the best, most effective use out of them it is important to care for them properly. Caring for your compression stockings by wearing donning gloves is one of the first things you can do to protect your investment

These gloves not only help you get your compression stockings on and off, but they also help protect the stockings from jewelry and sharp fingernails. Continue reading →