Compression massage machine

[holly-bush1]

Hi. I had lymphoedema diagnosed four years after three bouts of cellulitis (in 2010, 2011 and 2012) in both lower legs. I was given two pairs of compression knee highs. Since then it has got progressively worse but my GP tells me that there is no funding. On Amazon I have seen a VEIN ANGELAIR compression massage machine and am thinking of ordering this. Have any of you fellow suffers seen or got one of these? If so what do you think about it? I would be grateful for your thoughts.

[Lynora]

Please ask your clinic for advice about IPC (intermittent pneumatic compression) use. Some of the ‘over the counter’ devices are ineffective. Your clinic may be able to give advice or recommendations about devices which may be beneficial for you. You would also need to be taught self lymphatic drainage for your upper body, which you would need to do at the same time.

[Kallenubble in reply to Lynora]

Hi Lenora ( and holly-bush1),

I didn’t know you have to do MLD for your upper body while using a pneumatic compression machine. Why is that, if swelling is in the lower legs? I was going to get a machine recommended by my lymphodema therapist, and had a company rep come to demonstrate and explain it, but he didn’t mention that. The machine turned out to be too expensive - over $2,000 - so now I’m waiting for a wrapping / bandaging system I can use overnight.

[CCT67 in reply to Kallenubble]

You need to drain your trunk/upper body so that all lymph that the machine draws up from the legs has somewhere to go/drain. Think of the analogy of a bucket - you need to empty the bucket (upper body) to be able to fill the bucket back up again (all the fluid brought up from the legs). You could cause complications in your trunk lymphatics if you don’t first drain it and go straight to draining the legs

This 2 part video explains further and good for learning how to prepare for leg drainage

m.youtube.com/watch?list=PL...

m.youtube.com/watch?list=PL...