Hi, twice a year is very little to my knowledge. Once a week is ideal to keep things under control, once every other week and you are pushing it. And that is for the arm which does not have to fight gravity as much! Unfortunately, the fluid builds up immediately...Not sure if IPC pumps work but maybe worth the try?

Best wishes,

Athina

Stockings come into their own when your affected limb is 20% or below. Above that, the garments are all about maintaining the situation as a compliment to other therapies. Not wearing a garment will always make the lymphoedema worse.

I use Solidea Silver Wave stockings, which have made a world of difference. After wearing them only a week, I could tell a difference in the size of my leg. The compression is not strong but for some reason they make a big difference.

Have you tried a compression machine? A machine plus garments can help reduce the volume of a limb quite a lot, in my opinion.

It is important to remeber that often bandaging achieves compression levels that reach between 70-90 mmHg, after compression garments with much less pressure are applied. As said in the previous comments, it may be useful to speak to your therapist about applying an extra layer of garments, only do this with the advice of your therapist. good luck

In my experience compression works. It's not a cure but if I wear my compression whenever I am out of bed my leg stays in reasonable shape. however I have primary lymphodema and which in my case means a general lack of lymph vessels in my leg. You have secondary lymphodema,

I have worn compression stockings for the past 2 + years because of secondary lymphoedema in both lower legs...I see my therapist every 6-8 months when she measures my limbs...I have gone from a size 14 to a size 8 in compression stocking size...so I know the stockings are working for me...both legs are soft to the touch...Both legs have dramatically reduced in size...7cm off ankles...10cm off calves.. and 15cm off thighs.. I walk for at least 30 minutes daily ...most days it is closer to an hour...I also do 10 minutes on the treadmill..

I only can add a few things from my experience. I'm 22 years with right full leg LE. My fitter always reminds me that compression stockings are for maintenance of size, not reduction. Secondly, Flat knit compression is the only thing that will hold my swelling. Circular knit stockings will not maintain my leg. I do lots of ankle pumping and calf pumping exercises during the day, I walk a lot and do self massage as well as MLD and I wear night garments. It's a full time job, but it helps. My leg responds better when I skip the cocktails and eat clean !