Need help about other methods getting rid of fluid

[catlover408]

Would like suggestions. I have a groove on both of my ankles making it impossible to wear compression wear or the farrow wrap for more than an hour without pain. most of the fluid is in my feet. how do I move this fluid up and out of my body? what is the problem with red legs?

[roysome]

Get your GP to refer you to the Orthotics dept. at your local hospital.

They will have some made to measure.

I assume you are UK ...always useful to state where you live.

[catlover408 in reply to roysome]

sorry I forgot I was talking to wonderful people in europe. I am from California in the United states

[veriterc]

Have you tried MLD? (Manual lymphatic drainage)? I am not a doctor, but this helped me when I seemed to have a similar problem. If you live in the UK you can get a list of the top practitioners from the LSN.

[2198224]

If you are not already sleeping with your legs higher than your heart, please consider it. I sleep like a pretzel with both lymphy legs up on a wedge with three or four pillows on top of the wedge which is pushed against my butt, so the legs are over a foot high. Before sleep, I do manual lymph drainage to the neck, the sides of me, the abdomen and the knees ... and then back up. In the morning, my large, hard knees are reduced considerably in size and are pliable. Then I can keep it down pretty well by using compression thigh highs and the very uncomfortable compression capri (swelling is also in my abdomen). I am not good at doing more than knee high compression socks (TruForm brand lets toes wiggle). Could you get compression garment that ends above the ankle and then just wrap your feet in an Ace type bandage?

I looked into getting a device with a pump that squeezes the legs/abdomen, but these are not covered under Medicare in the US, and the sales rep never followed up with me. That might work for you...

There are YouTube videos that show people getting wraps on their legs. I was told to get some in January but haven't yet. It looks to me as if the inner layer of a wrap might work to keep folds straightened out, and then the outer layer looks to be the tight compression part. (I'm in rural part of US, so don't know much except what I find online; e.g., like here.)

Some folks on this support group suggested getting a rebounder to get the fluid to move upward (small trampoline in US-speak). I got one from Amazon for under $60 with a bar to hold onto while just walking. Our house is so small that I put it outside for summer, and then forgot about it. I cannot say for certain that this works, but it sure didn't hurt. I think I have to get that thing back into the house and use it again.

That's everything I know, which ain't much, though lots of words! Have only been at this about a year and a half. Lymphedema is a complication of my bladder and nodes removal due to cancer (which is now gone). I wish you the very best in figuring out how to move the fluid up to your neck better so it can get out. xx

[BADFoote in reply to 2198224]

Never wrap your feet in an ace bandage. It stretches 100% and becomes a tourniquet. Only use short stretch bandage on your feet. My PT taught me how to slip on a simple stretch sleeve and then short stretch bandage over the sleeve. My feet went down 4cm! This is the skinniest feet I have EVER had. I tried the compression stockings, but they didn't take my feet down. Had to short stretch them to get them to come down. PT also used a pump on me once a week for 30 minutes. There are great simple videos on YouTube on how to wrap your feet. Believe me, it is worth doing. The bandages are cheap and easy to learn. Your feet will feel like a million dollars. Good luck!

[catlover408 in reply to BADFoote]

thank you was just about to buy some ace bandages!! timely response yea

[CCT67]

If you’re in the UK you could ask your GP to refer you to local Lymphoedema clinic for advice about other compression options.

The Lymphoedema Support Network/LSN website has SLD instruction videos you might benefit from.

You can self- reader to a qualified MLD lymph therapist - use the post code search feature on MLDUK.org.uk. MLD would be advisable to shift built up lymph out of your feet/ankles. If you can tolerate a course of bandaging (ie complete decongestive therapy) along with MLD you could get good results. Also a MLD therapist can advise you on how best to approach SLD on your own body and lymph trouble spots.

If you’re in the US you can source a Certified Lymphedema Therapist/CLT using the therapist search and guidance feature on the website for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network

[Lynora]

Find a lymphoedema therapist who could do daily bandaging and MLD treatments. This should reduce the fluid in your lower legs, and smooth out the ‘groove’ or ‘overhang’ enabling you to wear regular compression. (The bandaging is done using specially cut compression foam)

[catlover408 in reply to Lynora]

thank you thank you

[Chocolate-e-clare]

Redness usually either signifies inflammation (ex infection, allergic reaction, overheating ...) and/or vein problems (hemosiderin staining - sign of chronic venous insufficiency). Your CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) should have answers for you. Who prescribed you the farrow wraps? Did you have CDT (complete decongestive therapy) before you started wearing compression? Having a healthy BMI is super important. Losing some weight helps to reduce some swelling in many people. With the ankle crease, you might benefit from putting some padding there before applying your wraps.

[Hidden]

Wondering if by " ankle groove" you mean a line that goes round the front of both ankles ?

Wendy

[SV2001]

"This is a marathon, not a sprint"

Doc taught me think D-Day. Multiple methods of combat applied with equal emphasis.

#1: taking a combination of over the counter drugs - 200 mg of Ibuprofen and 500 mg of Acetaminophen - dosing myself at breakfast and at dinner with these mild pain relief and anti inflammatory medications.

#2: performing lymphedema exercises 3x day. Mid morning, mid afternoon and after dinner works for me. Any time I have spent 3+ hours sitting or standing.

#3: Manual Lymphedemic Drainage at bedtime.

#4: Something to relax you at bedtime. Directed breathing? Sip of whiskey? Allergy medicine works for me - Diphenhydramine HCI 25 MG. 1 pill relaxes me. I may take 2 if I am feeling stressed. I avoid 3 - I've learned it gives me a hangover in the morning.

#5: Any type of movement that gently moves your joints - Tai Chi, warm-up exercises, basic yoga. I walk 3 x week for 30 minutes.

#6: This always sounds silly to me - I am trying to get rid of fluid but Doc tells me to take in more fluids. He explains the increased level of fluids dilutes the lymph. The thinned fluid flows out of the body easier than thick fluid. So I drink a cup of lukewarm water every hour on the hour. I envision myself peeing equal parts water and lymph.

#7: Seeing my therapeutic massage therapist regularly. During flares she is the 1st person I call. My insurance does not cover her fee but I pay it willingly. I consider her to be my most effective weapon in my personal war against Lymphedema.

#8: Rest with legs elevated above heart. I lie down on the floor with my lower legs resting on the sofa cushions. I place a soft pillow under my head, don eyeshades, lay a light blanket over me and stretch my arms out from my sides. Close my eyes, breathe slowly and sleep. I incorporate this technique on my days off work or on vacation.

It is a long list. I began with #1 and included another each day until I was doing all of them. I feel better about myself - I am not a victim when I do all 8. I am taking positive action to manage a chronic medical condition.

[catlover408 in reply to SV2001]

thank you I hope I can use some of them along with the lymphedema Ihave osteoaritis in my knees,back, hip and pelvis, chronic pain. I can barely walk and most exercises that involve my joints hurt hurt

[SV2001 in reply to catlover408]

Have you conferred with a physical therapist? I have periodically and learned how to exercise initially with no pain and gradually with increased movement. Physical Therapists rock!!

[BADFoote in reply to catlover408]

Me too! My PT said I could do all of the MLP and exercises sitting down--which I have been doing for 30 days--and I had amazing results. You are worth it! So do it! Look on YouTube for lymphedema exercises and learn to do them sitting down. Start with 10 on each side, then when you are stronger go to 20; then when you are even stronger do them all then do all the lower exercises a second time. You will slowly get stronger. You must move to move the lymph.

[Hidden]

Surgery mlva if lymphedema