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Posted by Cassie on 8/24/2009, 10:29 am
12.72.93.193
Carrie wrote this question on a post lower down, and I thought some wouldn't see it there so I'm re-posting it here:
"Is there another way to treat Lymphedma (left arm) than massage therapy? The cost of massage therapy is close to $5,000 without including the maintenance that goes along with it, sleeve, bandages, follow up, etc. I do not know of anyone that has gone this route and decided to see if I could find a support group to enlighten me. Thank you in advance."
Carrie, there are no workable alternatives, but sometimes there are ways to get around the high cost. One is to contact all the well-trained lymphedema therapists in your area and see which ones are able to be flexible with treating you. For instance, fewer therapy sessions can work if they'll teach you massage and wrapping right off the bat and allow you to check in from time to time by e-mail. That is not ideal, of course, but with their help you can learn the skills you need to at least do some adequate self-care.
Here's a website for finding qualified lymphedema therapists near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm
In fact, that whole web site might give you some ideas about how you can manage other aspects of self-care and coping.
When you call or email each therapist in your area, ask them for their suggestions about how they can help you as inexpensively as possible.
Hope you find great help, Carrie. Do come back and let us know how it goes.
Cassie
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