Lymph-edema of the legs.....and ankles.?

Question

I live in OHIO...... is there any real true help out there for this?

I have already been though, physical therapy for this .....with no results. ( lymph=edema, massage..) Also Aqua therpay .....no results either.

They tell me... that there is legs pumps for this, I need it for both legs.
I was told that Medicare won't pay for them.
I am on, ss disablity.....
The only way they will pay......and its even hard to do that too. is
if I have nasty open sores on my legs first.

that does not make any sense to me.....
I am trying to prevent my legs to get into that condition.

Any suggestions let me know, please.
or whom to get ahold of..... so medicare will pay for them..

Thanks to all that answer me...... Carol in Ohio

Answer 1

Have you gone to see a massage therapist? I know where I live in Canada the Massage Therapists are highly trained in treatment of lymphoedema. Other than that I am afraid I can't be of much help. Good luck with your endeavor.

Answer 2

A couple questions come to mind. First, you mentioned that you went through massage (pressumably manual lymph drainage and not just "massage")...please know that there are various methods out there as well. Second, you make no mention of multilayer bandaging. This is an imperitive step that should be applied immidiately after a treatment session, otherwise the results of your treatment will not be maintained. To go through MLD without bandaging is pointless.

Use of a pump alone...at least for most standard multichamber pumps...has been deemed ineffective because studies have shown that it only reduces fluid and not the proteins that the manual lymph drainage procedure helps to flush out. Without flushing out the proteins, the extremity will remain hard and subject to infection.

I hope you have received the following standard treatment:
1. Manual lymphdrainage (MLD).
2. Use of a compression pump is optional...although it does not clear proteins, studies have shown that use after MLD yields faster results.
3. Immediately after the MLD, you should receive multilayer bandaging to maintain results of the treatment.
4. Once the size of the extremity has decreased and stabilized, you must be fit for compression garments. This is imperitive because it maintains the lymphatic system in a stable state. There is no cure for lymphedema, therefore the compression garments are necessary. You must also go through steps 1-3 before being fitted for a garment (unless it's very mild), otherwise use and fit of the garment is pointless and will not fit properly.

If you have not received the minimum standard of treatment, go to a reputable professional who has been properly trained and received the appropriate credentials. Even the most severe cases should have at least some response. I cannot say there was ever anyone we have not given at least some benefit to.

If all else has failed, consider use of the flexitouch system...a compression pump that mimics the steps during MLD...our rep recently contacted us saying that Medicare has approved it, but I have not gotten back to her on the details. You can check them out at: www.flexitouch.com. But you are right, it is a darn shame that Medicare will pay for numerous hospitalizations for cellulitis due to lymphedema, but they will not cover the cost to maintain it by providing for compression garments or pumps until you have had a bleeding ulcer.

For a list of certified providers, go to www.lymphedemamanagement.org

Good luck

Answer 3

Unfortunately, there aren't great treatments for lymphedema. However, compression stockings are useful in preventing breakdown of the skin due to the edema and many people find them helpful. I'd suggest asking your doctor about them. I'm not sure what pumps you're talking about, but perhaps you're referring to the compression devices like what we use in the hospital to help prevent deep vein thrombosis. These devices use pressure to help push blood out of the legs and keep it from pooling there where it may clot. I can certainly understand Medicare not paying for those, but the compression stockings are generally the first thing we try for lymphedema or venous insufficiency. Hopefully you doctor might have an assistant who knows more about insurance coverage and can help you handle that. Good luck!

Answer 4

Carol,

My father had this last year after a bad bout of Pneumonia.
He sent away for the stockings and wears them to bed.
He wakes up now fluid free. I have seen them also at CVS.
If you can get some PT - that really helps. If not I'd say stay off your feet any chance you get and elevate them.
Watch your salt, and drink a lot of water.

Try this site out and hope this helps. :O)

Answer 5

yu need to elevate your legs during the day to help the fluid to get back to your body. do you have heart problems or failure?low heart beat and function will cause edema, also you could wrap your legs with elastic bandages? or support socks?/hose? talk to your dr.? for a medical way to relieve fluid?lasix? good luck I know what problems you are going thru!! medicare is a joke!!and getting worse!

Answer 6

http://www.lymphdema.com/?OVRAW=Lymphedema%20of%20the%20legs&OVKEY=lymphedema%20of%20the%20leg&OVMTC=standard

Read the site above and there is also a phone number.
Good luck and God Bless You.