Pump

[Jodininey11]

I have the Flexitouch pump. One therapist told me do not let go into groin. Another told me definitely must or it won't work. Does anyone know who is right. Appreciate any info. on this. Thank you in advance.

[Lynora]

Do you only have a leg piece or do you have a section that covers your abdomen too? Have you been taught self lymphatic drainage, that you should do prior to and after a Flexitouch treatment?

[Jodininey11 in reply to Lynora]

Hi Lenora. Thank you for your fast reply.I have both legs and trunk that comes up to waist.I was told to open before. Which is sides of neck and over collar bones. Also arm pits.But I also do deep breathing. What say you ?

[Lynora in reply to Jodininey11]

That’s sounds right. ‘Open’ before and after use of the IPC. Not sure what the therapist meant by not letting device go into/as far as, the groin - it should! Have you been taught SLD of the abdomen as well as the deep breath work?

[Jodininey11 in reply to Lynora]

Only the deep breathing. Am I also to open up after ?

[Jodininey11 in reply to Jodininey11]

Also theripest said it must massage groin or nothing would work as it should

[CCT67 in reply to Jodininey11]

Hi Jodininey11

Opening up/massaging your groin, neck and arm pit as well as deep breathing should be done not only before, also after treatment.

You have now had two Lymphoedema therapists advise you to pump through the groin and up into the lower trunk - Lynora is a very experienced therapist.

I also have the Flexitouch - due to the programme settings in the control box it would be difficult to avoid the groin unless you selected the lower leg programme.

Pump up to your waist just ensure you do SLD before and afterward. Deep Breathing periodically during the programme is also advised (watch the instruction DVD).

If you have the Flexitouch Plus which has the option of pumping both legs simultaneously it’s imperative you do even more lymphatic breathwork as so much lymph is drawn up from the legs and dumped into the trunk/core - the lymphatics in lower trunk can be overwhelmed. Breathing helps stimulate lymph to move up the thoracic duct/through the lymph pathways to drain back into the vascular circulation.

[BRachel in reply to Lynora]

I have trouble with abdomen and genitals. I place a folded washcloth at my groin to make sure no fluid settles there... along with SLD and focused breathing. Many people have complained that fluid just moves to abdomen/groin. Not sure if they are following all advice regarding SLD and breathing.

[Annale]

I’m considering this for my son. How is the pump working for you?