Less compression?

[sleeviejeebies]

Just wanting to pick some brains...

Are there some cases where less compression is better? I have lymphoedema in my arm and have been battling with bulging in the upper part of my lower arm (below the elbow) for absolutely ages now. My lymphoedema worsened dramatically a few years ago (possibly following a fall and bashing my elbow, though it wasn't a heavy fall) and the clinic gave me a Class 2 circular knit sleeve. This caused the bulging, so we've tried a wrap on top - this lessened the bulging but forced some swelling into my hand, so now I wear a combined sleeve, a wrap and a glove. Wearing so much compression has been getting me down, so I tried a flat knit Class 2 sleeve instead (no wrap or glove), which still causes the bulging.

Exasperated and uncomfortable, I dug out an old Class 1 circular knit today and my arm has been much better (no bulging and much softer). Could Class 2 be too much? I had an ICG scan not so long ago, which showed poor function below the elbow and no function at all above - don't know whether that has anything to do with it...

I'm a bit confused as to what I should do now.

[On_porter]

are you wearing a sleeve that goes to the top of your arm? If not, then that may help push stuff up to your armpit and neck area where lymphatics could / should be working better.

[sleeviejeebies in reply to On_porter]

Thanks On_porter. Yes, my sleeves go right up to my armpit. Trouble is that I've no lymph nodes in armpit or chest/collar bone area owing to over-zealous surgeon (levels 1, 2 and 3 removed 🙁); should still be some in the neck, though!)

[On_porter in reply to sleeviejeebies]

I'm afraid I don't know what to suggest then... I used to wear level 2 compression on my arm but it was too much and went to level 1. Gloves etc definitely make things more problematic for me as it's not even compression through the arm. My last suggestion is that you have different levels of compression on the garment. I know it's possible for legs so maybe for arms? (Jobst do this)

[sleeviejeebies in reply to On_porter]

Yes, I find gloves problematic too, for the same reason. That's interesting to hear about the ability to have different levels of compression. I will investigate. Thanks very much! 🙂

[Stella-Bella]

I've had a similar experience (and I too have lost all axillary nodes as far as I know). The gloves cut off circulation or don't compress, as well as being inconvenient. I'm now trying different levels of sleeve compression. A compression pump sleeve for a few months last year seemed to push the fluid into my shoulder but I may try that again.

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Stella-Bella]

I'm sorry to hear that Stella-Bella. It's an ongoing battle, isn't it?! Whenever I think I've discovered a breakthrough it either causes problems in another area or isn't consistently beneficial. I'm going to try some (home) bandaging next. I'm thinking that a) it will be more even compression (not multiple garments) and b) fit my arm and hand properly...

[Stella_Starr]

You may need a scan specific to LED: lymphoscintigraphy or a MR Lymphangiography.

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Stella_Starr]

Thanks Stella - I've had an ICG scan, which showed poor function below the elbow and none above...