I am about to start having the MLLB. How much does it affect things like climbing ino a 4 x 4 car or on to bed etc?

[nessiethemonster]

I live alone with no help near and use my mini 4X4 (an old-style RAV 4) to get around. It is adapted for hand-only drive, and I use a 4" plastic step to help get in and out. Will the bandaging affect my ability to climb into my car by restricting bending of the knee - or increasing the leg weight? I am nervous about going to the hospital in my car, having it done , and then finding I can't get in the car to go home!!

[Christo]

Hi,

Better to plan ahead. To be safe it might be a good idea to take a taxi on the first day. It maybe dangerous to try driving with legs bandaged.

Goodluck!

Cheers

Christo.

[Kelmisty]

I'd get a taxi like Christo says

[ninewells]

Please excuse my Ignorance, what is MLLB short for.. Very new to all of this so i do apologise for not knowing the abbreviations.

.

In my own experience of when i have had my treatments and have been fitted with my Faro wraps, i can not bend my legs at all.

I purchased a new vehicle that is hip high to make getting in and out much easier. When my husband brings me home he wheels me in a chair to the car, then i slide along the back seat with legs out as they can't bend at all. He jumps in the opposite side and helps pull me into position. I have to admit its easier to have pillows placed under both legs to take the bounce if we hit pot holes on the road, also speed bumps are a killer just after surgery.

I know this may not have been connected to MLLB but reading your post and seeing the word bandaging, i always feel its better to have someone else with you to do the driving if possible. You don't want pulled over to be told your not in control of your vehicle, then having to be reported to DVLA then the possibility of not having your licence, all over a bandage. My Car is my life line, i would be house bound at all times if i didn't have my car. Once i am back in my compression garments then driving isn't a major concern any longer.

Good luck for a happy outcome x

[Hidden]

If you have a car fitted with hand controls (as you state) then I think you'll probably be fine. But I've not had this procedure myself and overall I think I agree with the first couple of answers - that it would be safer to take a taxi for the first day. After that you'll know what to expect and can make an informed decision.

[Aliphant1964]

Hi Nessie

I was diagnosed with Primary Lymphoedema in both legs just over a year ago and since then I have been almost permanently in bandages from toe to knee and occasionally toe to thigh.

My movement is very restricted when I am in bandages and the swelling in my feet is so bad I haven't been able to wear normal shoes since my diagnosis and I find the velcro Kerraped boots very cumbersome and they also slip off or come undone really easily - therefore I didn't feel I was in safe control of my car and I gave up driving at my own volition.

I have had to rely on friends and relatives for transport and I have really missed my car and my independence - and I also live alone and don't have access to public transport - so I genuinely sympathise with your predicament.

I am having a driving assessment on Thursday to see if I might be able to manage a hand control vehicle - I am very nervous but keeping my fingers crossed as I would love to be able to get an adapted car and drive myself again!

I agree with the other respondents - don't rely on your car for the first visit - it may well be that you will have more movement in your legs than me and that once the bandaging has reduced the swelling you will get down into support stockings and be more confident and capable of

driving, but certainly for the first visit I would be very cautious. I know it is hard asking other people for help and having to rely on the kindness of others - it came very hard for me and I am still not comfortable with it - but safety is your main concern.

I hope it goes well and that you will soon see the benefits and be able to manage your condition well - good luck!

Alison

[sue32]

I found it very difficult and very painful the first time I had compression bandaging. I could hardly climb the stairs and when I put my feet up in the afternoon the pain on lowering my legs was terrible. Don't want to sound negative, but it's better if you know the truth. Saying that, it really improved my legs and after the 2 weeks of binding I felt soooo much better and can now cope with just the stockings. I live alone too nessie and it isn't easy, I know. The stockings are devils to get off and on - I think getting them off is worse than putting them on!!!! But they do help, so please, persevere, even though at first it will be difficult XXX

[nessiethemonster]

Many thanks for the commentts. Adding to the problem is that I have severe osteo-arthritis of my right ankle, which restricts the distance i can walk and means I need to use a lightweight mobility scooter to get around the hospital. My car is adapted to carry it, but most taxis won't take it. I think I will have to see if the only bus service out to my rural village can take me. Oh what fun!!!!!!! But if you people who answered don't mind, I shall keep you updated on my progress. Nice to have some people who seem to care!!.

[morganite]

when i had both legs bandaged for 8 months i didnt drive, i only rememeber working asa nurse many years since in A and e dept, some insurance companies invalidate insurance if anything happens if you are bandaged etc, i dont know about now but before driving my advice check.

[janeymb04]

Hello .. when i had mine done i checked with my insurance company and it was not legal to drive, so found alternative transport, your lymph nurse will tell you more.

hope all goes well for you

[PennyUK]

I have driven in bandages for many years with absolutely no problem. To get in my car I have to use a caravan step which I then haul in on a rope! I need the step even if not bandaged. I find no difference getting into bed either,