Tips for getting made to measure sleeves that fit comfortably please.

[clown]

I have had at least 25 pairs of sleeves that I have been unable to wear because they are so badly fitting eg, cut into my arms and make sore red indentations. I have tried to persevere with wearing a few of the better ones but find them too painful to wear. I am being measured this week for another pair of sleeves. I have been made to feel that I am the cause of the problem. I am looking forward because I need sleeves desperately but am very worried.

[nicolams]

Hello there, I haven't tried to get made to measure but it seems to me that you have every right to have a sleeve that fits - it may make you feel too vulnerable but I have found that if i say to the health practitioner how I am feeling they suddenly become a little more human and sympathetic...if I bottle it up they think I am coping and treat me like a number...

just a thought, may not suit you, very best wishes

[clown]

Niocalms - Thanx I will try.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Clown - it may be worth getting your lymphoedema clinic to contact the manufacturer of the sleeves as most of them have area reps who would be happy to come and measure you and try and find you a garment that works for you. Are you being measured by a lymphoedema nurse or a breast care nurse?

[anami]

Hello there,

In my previous life I used to wear Jobst stockings and they were quite painful and sometimes after a while they'd become loose. When that happens I used to amend the stockings by hand. Sometimes if I feel that the stockings are chafing me in an area I'd investigate to see if I could do anything to help. So in your instance find out where the garments are causing pain and distress and get someone to alter it for you or alter it yourself.. Play around with the old ones and use that as a template of your new garment. Give that to your therapist when you next visit. The people that make the garments are very understanding they'll happily make alterations if it is possible. Plus it could help them design their garments a bit better.

From the sounds of it, it could easily be the material. I now wear Schiebler stockings and they are made of cotton and much more comfier to wear they do not tend to dig in like the Jobst ones. Just so you know that Jobst garments are rubbery and very thin. They do compress your limb but the material lends itself to dig in into your skin wherever it can.

I hope that helps..

[clown]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I have in the past had a rep. come to measure me from one of the larger companies. I knew when she measured me that my sleeves won't fit as she really pulled the tape measure tightly over my arms. When I said something she said "who is the expert you or me?" I told her she may be the expert but I have the experience....when her sleeves were too tight she blamed me. I was so upset. I did think of complaining.

I was measured yesterday, and told my therapist how I felt. She was kind and assured me that she would try her best. I now have to wait 2 weeks for the sleeves. I am hoping....

[Milliemand1961]

Hi clown, I am recently diagnosed and have felt very emotional about the fit, comfort and look of the sleeves. Seems to me that each different proffessional has their own ideas and after explaining how you feel and then discussing a possible solution that you may feel happy with they then get off the phone and send you something totally different leaving you feeling confused and upset and not heard! I'm so fed up and feel like I'm just a number with a file and no face! I have initially seen a lymphoedema nurse who measured me and seemed very nice and understanding who then sent out a different sleeve to what was agreed in clinic because she found out they didn't do the original sleeve agreed upon with an attached mitten. The one sent out was to big on the hand since then I have had a further four sleeves sent to try, one fitting reasonably well, after further discussion with another nurse it was agreed she would send out the same sleeve in the correct class a class two. The next thing to arrive in the post was not the sleeve agreed but two more different sleeves without mitten and a separate glove of a different material which the first nurse had said wasn't suitable for me! One sleeve class two is too long and rolls down! The other is a class one and without mitten! The glove comes up to my nails and feels extremely restricting leaving me feeling absolutely terrible and emotional.