Fashion

No one who claim me to be a fashion diva, but I think it is something that lymphedemia patients struggle with.  A winter I have been in short sleeves or sleeveless.  It works better with my compression sleeve.  The material of the long sleeve pulls my compression sleeve down.  Since live in Wisconsin, I do need a winter coat.  The same thing would happen.  I stumbled upon a winter cape (coat) at Kohls and it has solved that problem.   The cape is very stylish and I have had sooo many compliments from complete strangers.  The cape allows my arm to  have plenty of room to move.  If it is really cold I wear a quilted vest or fleece under the coat.  The vest doesn't show and keeps me warm.  I am hoping to find a raincoat that is a cape too.

Flexi touch

I got my flexi-touch lymphedemia pump !!! My family all thought I look like a cosmonaut.   They said that without hearing what the other had said.  It is quite cumbersome to put on, but I know it will get easier when I am more familiar with it.   I used it yesterday for the first time after a training by a company rep.  She was very nice and came to my home to explain everything.  I then must lie for 1 hour a day while the pump works.  If you know me, this will be the hardest part. I don't like sitting still for a long period of time.  I always have something to do.  It feels good while it works. After the first time my hand swelling was considerably down.  It has since built up , but I think if I used this everyday I can get it in control.  The pump is expensive.  Insurance is renting it for 2 months to see if it works then will decide if they will continue.  That sounds fair to me.  It is sill to own something if it doesn't work.