How to Deal With Lymphedema Without Insurance

Lymphedema, an often misdiagnosed condition, occurs when the damaged lymphatic vessels in the arms or legs cause lymph fluid to stagnant. Lymphedema can be the result of breast cancer, injury, infection or it can exist from birth. It's a hard condition to treat without insurance, but there are ways to cope.

Instructions

• 1

  Order lymphedema compression stockings from online stores. Check lymphedema sites, such as Lymphnotes.com (see Resources below), for recommendations. Make sure the site has secured ordering form and has been around for many years.

• 2

  Buy self-care DVDs from the National Lymphedma Network (see Resources below). Massage the affected limb by using Manual Lymph Drainage techniques daily. If you have a partner or friend who can substitute for a physical therapist, have them perform the massage on you.

• 3

  Avoid tight clothing. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes, like long flowing skirts or wide-leg jeans. If you have lower-extremity lymphedema, wear sneakers or flats.

• 4

  Swim in a pool. Swimming helps lymph fluid move more easily through the body. Riding a bike or jumping on a mini-trampoline or rebounder also improves lymphedema.

• 5

  Bandage the affected limb. You can purchase lymphedema bandages from sites such as Bandage Supply (see Resources below). Refer to your self-care DVD for wrapping instructions.