RenBeth
Apr 2, 2008, 09:04 AM
After having been diagnosed with lower limb LE a little less than a year ago I finally got around to ordering some books and really learning about what the heck is going on with my body.
I was fortunate (or so I thought) to find a specialist through my orthopedic doctor (my LE is a result of surgery to correct a broken ankle). At my sessions which lasted for three mos. I would immediately be put in the compression boot/pump for half an hour. Then a nurse would come in and perform MLD on the lower limb only and I'd be sent home. No wrapping, no nothing. I was told I'd get bandages when I was ready for them.
About 2 mos. into the therapy they decided to have me wear a compression garment instead of bandaging and also ordered a pump for home use. They gave me the garment that day, then a couple of weeks later the bandages came in. I said I didn't need the bandages, they told me to take them they were covered by insurance anyway so why not have them on hand. I SHOULD HAVE REFUSED.
One month later I was told to pump for an hour every night, wear the compression garment, thanks and good luck. I was never shown how to self-massage, was never told that without proper MLD I could compromise the lymphatics in the groin from using a lower limb pump, etc.
Long and short of it, I don't think I got the proper therapy. Turns out insurance did NOT cover the bandages so I had to pay for them. My LE flared up as a result of wearing some "rocker bottom" walking shoes and I have not returned to this therapist because it seems after reading the literature the procedures weren't being done properly to begin with!
So - here I am searching for another provider in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Help! And thanks for providing a place where I don't feel alone and where I can come for advice.
I was fortunate (or so I thought) to find a specialist through my orthopedic doctor (my LE is a result of surgery to correct a broken ankle). At my sessions which lasted for three mos. I would immediately be put in the compression boot/pump for half an hour. Then a nurse would come in and perform MLD on the lower limb only and I'd be sent home. No wrapping, no nothing. I was told I'd get bandages when I was ready for them.
About 2 mos. into the therapy they decided to have me wear a compression garment instead of bandaging and also ordered a pump for home use. They gave me the garment that day, then a couple of weeks later the bandages came in. I said I didn't need the bandages, they told me to take them they were covered by insurance anyway so why not have them on hand. I SHOULD HAVE REFUSED.
One month later I was told to pump for an hour every night, wear the compression garment, thanks and good luck. I was never shown how to self-massage, was never told that without proper MLD I could compromise the lymphatics in the groin from using a lower limb pump, etc.
Long and short of it, I don't think I got the proper therapy. Turns out insurance did NOT cover the bandages so I had to pay for them. My LE flared up as a result of wearing some "rocker bottom" walking shoes and I have not returned to this therapist because it seems after reading the literature the procedures weren't being done properly to begin with!
So - here I am searching for another provider in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Help! And thanks for providing a place where I don't feel alone and where I can come for advice.