limiting arm swelling

I have thus far mild arm lymphedema {after node dissection}..As long as I go for MLD,it remains in check.Self massage does not seem effective.My insurance covers 2 months /year/condition consecutively.Anyone figured out how to have maintenance  MLD covered by insurance,say 2x month? Also,anyone in Philadelphia area have an MD who is interested in lymphedema management?  

[lhughes]

I have lymphedema and I did the compression sleeve for the first 2 years.  After that, it seems to have stabilized.  Every once in a while I need to redo the wraps and the sleeve, but not that often anymore.

Can you get someone to learn how to do the MLD?  My husband will do (ok he's not as good as a therapist) the massage when I need it and it does help.

Oh, and I've violated every rule in the "do not do this" lymphedema book.  ha ha ha ha!

[mommaof2babies]

My mother has lymphedema (following breast cancer).  She just finished doing 6 weeks of treatment in a hyperbarec (sp) pressure chamber ($80,000.00).  Her treatment was done at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA.  Her insurance company has given her grief for all of her therapies for lymphodema, but the Susan G Komen Foundation walked her through forcing them to pay.  Apparently any condition caused by breast cancer must be covered by them.  Good Luck!