I once read that lymphodema was a side effect of some PCa treatments.  I
believe it has been rarely discussed here (CC, maybe?).  In any case, it is
a condition for which there is no good solution.

My M-I-L has it, so my wife has, off and on, been researching it on the WWW.
Yesterday she came across this, which sounds like a breakthrough for those
who have it.  So, if any of you do....

Information for Healthcare Professionals

The Flexitouch® Lymphedema System from Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. is a
patented, 2-Phase Lymph Preparation & DrainageT therapy system for treatment
of primary lymphedema, post-mastectomy lymphedema, edema following sports
injuries,
post-immobilization edema, and venous insufficiencies.

The Flexitouch system consists of an electronic controller unit and patented
garments, worn on the trunk and upper and lower affected extremities and
connected to the controller unit by tubing harnesses. The Flexitouch system
utilizes a light, therapeutic sequential action to gently prepare the trunk
and extremities for lymph evacuation and to assist in draining excess fluid
from the limb to the venous system.

This patented 2-Phase Lymph Preparation & DrainageT process is achieved
through innovative product design. The Flexitouch system controller unit
offers 13 preprogrammed treatment patterns, adjustable pressure, and
adjustable therapy times. The Flexitouch system garments consist of up to 32
independent, inflatable chambers that sequentially inflate and deflate in
one to three second intervals, according to the preprogrammed treatment
pattern selected. Garments are made of a soft, stretch material and fit
snugly and comfortably via Velcro® hook and loop enclosures around
hard-to-fit areas. The trunk and chest garments have a unique, patented
curved design method, so custom fitting is not required.

How the Flexitouch® Lymphedema System Compares
Patient options for treatment of lymphedema symptoms include manual
lymphatic drainage therapy, complete decongestive therapy, compression pumps
with inflatable sleeves, and the Flexitouch 2-Phase Lymph Preparation &
DrainageT therapy system.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) consists of a series of light, therapeutic,
work and release hand techniques against the skin.  These specialized hand
techniques employ a light stretching pressure that helps direct and move
accumulated lymphatic fluid up and out of the limb. This light pressure has
two purposes: it facilitates the movement of the fluid in the soft tissues,
and it stimulates the lymph vessels just underneath the skin to absorb more
fluid.  Initially, MLD treatment is focused on the lymph nodes and vessels
of the trunk in order to prepare the healthy regions of the lymphatic
system. This is followed by a focus on redirecting the lymphatic fluid from
the impaired limb to the healthy and intact regions in the trunk.

Complete decongestive therapy combines several weeks of in-clinic MLD
therapy delivered by a trained therapist, followed by an at-home,
patient-administered treatment phase.  This second phase includes bandaging,
self-MLD, skin care, exercise, and wearing of compression garments to help
prevent the reaccumulation of lymphatic fluid.  Unfortunately, due to the
difficulty of effectively administering self-MLD therapy, patients often
need to return to the clinic for follow-up MLD sessions from a therapist.
The benefit of the Flexitouch system is that it allows patients to
effectively self-administer ongoing MLD treatments at home.

The Flexitouch system, with patented garments segmented into up to 32
inflatable chambers, provides a light, therapeutic work and release action
via the inflation and deflation of these chambers that is similar to MLD
therapy. The 13 electronically controlled preprogrammed treatment patterns
provide treatment in two phases-lymph preparation and lymph drainage. The
Flexitouch system is the only electronic device for the treatment of
lymphedema that prepares the lymphatic system for drainage. It is also the
only device that has been proven to be more effective than self-administered
MLD therapy. When compared to other home treatment programs for lymphedema,
the Flexitouch system is in a class by itself.

Prescribing
A physician must prescribe the Flexitouch system. Conditions for which it
may be prescribed are primary lymphedema, post-mastectomy lymphedema, edema
following sports injuries, post-immobilization edema, and venous
insufficiencies. Contraindications are pulmonary edema, thrombophlebitis,
congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, episodes of pulmonary
embolism, infections and inflammation, acute cancer, and where increased
lymphatic return is undesirable.

The Flexitouch system may be prescribed for in-home use or for treatment in
a clinical setting. Patient feedback indicates high patient compliance. The
Flexitouch system is UL classified and has FDA marketing clearance.

Patient Benefits
Lymphedema is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. Many patients
report that current home treatment options for lymphedema have been
ineffective, inconvenient, or expensive. The Flexitouch system has an action
similar to MLD therapy and has been shown to be more desirable to patients
than previously available home treatment options.

The Flexitouch system allows patients to treat their lymphedema at home
while engaging in an activity that they enjoy, such as reading, listening to
music, or watching TV.

? The garments are comfortable and the device is easy to use.

? Patients can use the Flexitouch system in their home and on their
schedule.

? The unit is portable and lightweight so patients can easily move it from
room to room, or take it with them when they travel.

? The Flexitouch system is competitively priced when compared to other home
treatment options.

? With the Flexitouch system, patients can experience freedom from their
lymphedema symptoms-the freedom to enjoy life.