Alice’s Story

by Heather on July 2, 2013

I had a total shoulder replacement on the left side due to arthritis. Two months afterwards, I noticed my left arm was swollen. I called my surgeon and he had me come in for a scan for blood clot. There was none so he sent me home, with no recommendations to see another physician and no suggestion of lymphedema. Luckily I had a check up scheduled with my regular doctor and she immediately recognized what was going on and sent me for therapy. 

I am fortunate that the cost of the wraps and sleeves is within our budget, but upon discussion with my therapist I found there were many in our area that would have the therapy but could not afford the sleeves that are used after therapy is finished to keep the arm down. After a period of time when I had my swelling under control I donated my second set of wraps to the therapist to pass on to another patient. Seem so strange that insurance and medicare will cover the therapy to make things better but not cover what will stop the limb from swelling up and causing even more issues , in the future.

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