machine for lymphedema

[candlegranny]

does anyone have one of these machines to use for lymphedema? I just got mine, It is to take the place of the therapist. I am to do it once daily and it is for 1 hour. my machine is called flexi touch. it works on a program and for the first 30 minutes it prepares for drainage of arm. the last 30 minutes is the actual drainage of the arm. I am having a hard time getting used to it and wondered if others have expereienced this as well. i feel detained and it is hot and sweaty on my arm. i have slight clostephobia and with the tight fit and the restriction for one hour it is hard for me to get used to.
jsut wondered if any one else has one of these or something similar with a little advice. thanks! Bonita

[sarah]

wow never heard of this. could you post a photo and the name of the machine, etc.
I'm part of a cancer support group here in France and it would be helpful to know about.
thanks
health and happiness
sarah

[custom]

I have heard they work good. would like to buy one if you know of one for sell.

[Jackie07]

A clinical trial on the use of the machine:

2009_11_23Study (http://her2support.org/archive/NCT01019512/2009_11_23)Nothing (earliest version on record)2010_03_23Study (http://her2support.org/archive/NCT01019512/2010_03_23)Changes (http://her2support.org/archive/NCT01019512/2010_03_23/changes)Recruitment status, Recruitment, Administrative, Misc.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/archive/NCT01019512/2009_11_23


Estimated Primary Completion Date:

January 2011 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)


There's a Facebook site on the machine:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flexitouch-System/150114158333829

[Rich66]

http://www.tactilesystems.com/flexitouch/details.html

Wonder if it works on non-lymph edema

[Pam P]

I have a flexi-touch machine. I rarely use it. It's a hassle to set up and put on, and really comfortable and I don't like being "stuck" in it in one position for an hour. I don't mind the feel of it working, but I have never thought it did much good for me, Certainly doesn't replace a skilled therapist.

[laureen]

I am interested in trying anything. I even looked into experimental surgery (decided it was too expensive w/o conclusive results). My work schedule does not allow me to go for mld therapy. Did insurance cover this?

[candlegranny]

Insurance paid for it. the machine was like $5000, depending on your insurance, i had a $300 deductible, but my husband is retired military so with my Federal Blue Cross and his insurance I didnt have to pay anything. your lymphedema therapist can get you to the right place for the machine . it is called Flexi-touch.
I am like Pam.. it is hard to lay in one place for an hour and i cannot get it on myself. when my husband travels i cannot use it. I am so hoping my arm will go down. it was fine until the radiation. i still see my therapist 2 times a week and continue to do MLD on my own. I jsut wish it would go back to normal so i can wear my watch and wedding rings.

[custom]

Thanks for all the info on flexi touch. My insurance will onlypay $2,500 on medical equipment. I'm going to have alot of out of pocket expense,but I thing it will help me

[vlcarr]

I've had the Flexitouch for about a month now. It was $7,200 but my insurance paid it all since I've met my out of pocket. I therapist came out and spent about 3 hours showing me how to use it (included the hour in the machine). I have put it on by myself but it's not easy. It's much easier when my husband is here to help.

I can't say it's made my arm smaller but it does seem to help with the additional swelling and pain. My lymphedema therapist told me today that I could use it every other day versus every day so I'm going to start doing that--it is a pain to use it every day.

I would recommend it. I keep thinking if I could get some of this weight off I've gained it would help but maybe that is just wishful thinking!