looking for home care service...massage therapist

[Loretta]

Hi, I found out that I have Lymphedema 2 years ago. Apparently I have had it for most of my life and did not know it. I am confined to a bed because of compliction from surgery and unable to travel to Lymphedema treatment centers. I do have a pump(Lympha Press). I have lymphedema in my legs. I have boot sleeves for my legs and a full suit that goes up to my waist. Lymphedema is also in groin area and genital area.

I need to find a therapist who will provide home care massage. We have searched and searched but to no availe. I need advice on how to proceed to find therapist.

Please help ...any suggestions are welcome..
we live outside of Baltimore, MD in town called Timonium, MD

Thank you
Loretta

[evenwaba2]

Hi,
I don't know anything about getting home-care but have you tried contacting the lymphedema clinic/ support group at Doctors Community Hospital (they have contact info on this site: http://www.dchweb.org/dch/Newsroom/events/supportgroups.html)? Maybe they would know of options in your area? Good luck!

[Ann]

Here is another suggestion to help with your problem. As you know most lymphedema treatment takes place at home and is performed as self-care as long as the patient is able to do this.

Since many patients can not manage this home care, Lymph Notes recently published the "Lymphedema Caregiver's Guide" written by Mary Kathleen Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA. The purpose of this book is to provide the information that a family member, a friend, or a hired aide need to provide this treatment.

Usually your therapist trains your caregiver to perform the treatment you need and continues to supervise your treatment. The caregiver, who comes to your home as needed, uses the book to review what the therapist has taught them. This book contains a wealth of helpful information and it is a good idea for both of you to read it.

Best wishes in finding excellent help!

Ann, from Lymph Notes

[Loretta]

Thank you for taking time to send this info. We will contact the group located at hospital. ;)

[Loretta]

[ thank you for your interest in my problem. If we can not find therapist to come to home than we will go in the direction you suggested. We do have the above mentioned book. It is a wonderful guide . What I feel that would be of great advantage to those who can not get to clinic would be:
1. video of person doing exercises correctly

2. video of trained therapist demonstrating correct procedure for the lymph removabe massages.

Are there videos pertaining to lymphedema available

Have a great day...:)

[Ann]

There are videos available, Here are two places to look:

(1) Lymph Notes has an article titled "Self-Care: DVDs and Videos.

(2) The Northwest Lymphedema Patient education center has an extensive lseries of videos on their website. http://www.nwlymphedemacenter.org/index.html

Ann

[LarryC]

Hi Loretta, My insurance would not cover my treatments any more. I found a medical massage therapist trained in LE drainage massage. Fortunately I can still get around but my therapist also does home visits. I'm not giving anything up because she is certified in LE therapy. She does the best LE massage i've had and I've been to 2 hospitals for treatment and my therapist is far and away superior to any PT dept. I've been to.

[richelle29]

i can recommend quality and good home care services In Home Care Delray Beach (http://www.horizoncareservices.com/)