Saturday, September 27, 2008

CirCaids, not for the weary

I have Lymphedema in my lower legs. This has been an ongoing issue that started last Fall, and I have been trying to get compression stockings since June. Long story short, the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) supplier locally who could furnish me with custom made stockings (the only one in town, mind you) was unable to fill the rx because she was limited on manpower and it was incredibly hard trying to get in for a fitting. Frustrated, I called my doctor's nurse and she took it upon herself to try to find someone to accomodate my needs. Bless her heart- she called all over the place and I appreciate it so very much. I met up with a physical therapist who works with Lymphedema patients who was able to get me in touch with a lady down in Bellevue who is a supplier of medical supplies, and she told me about these things called CirCaids, which are a compression garment that is made up of velcro that you can adjust as the swelling goes down. After many missed calls and describing my situation to her, she fit me into an appointment when she made the trip up north here in Bellingham.

The lady brought me CirCaids and taught me how to use them. They are a pain in the NECK and NOT cheap. $800-$1000, seriously...and I'm hoping to god my insurance covers them. She called for benefits and they told her they do cover it, but I was told something else (that a Pre-determination needed to be done). In any case, she got the rx and the letter of medical necessity from my primary care physician and is going to submit the claim, so we'll see what happens. It's hard trying to 1, put them on in the mornings, and 2, keep them on during the day. It's a bit hard trying to adjust them while at work, and I hope this investment is going to work, but I will purchase compression stockings as well, as the physical therapist told me I would need those too.

I also spoke with my PCP and discussed aquatic therapy with him. When we were in Anacortes during our Labor Day vacation, I went swimming daily, and noticed the swelling went down tremendously and it was NOT a problem at all during that trip. It's not just that but now my knees are really starting to feel the pressure from my weight, and I think this will help the aches and pains I am dealing with. I am hoping that the aquatic therapy will work and it is something I can fit into my schedule. I'll continue with Curves, but I need to do this as well. More updates later.

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2 Comments:

At 8:38 AM, Blogger Donna @ Snowbound said...

I hope these work for you and your insurance covers them. I love swimming I just wish we could do it more but ours though an indoor pool is only open 4 months of the year. It's rather sad. I'm sure it will work wonders. Take care. :)

 
At 3:49 PM, Blogger Sara Beth said...

I'm so glad you're finally blogging again and I'm darn glad you finally got those!

 

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