Looking for a recommendation for lymphedema massage therapist in the greater Chicagoland area. Hospital affiliated or even private as long as they are certified and acceapted by insurance. also any ideas on lessoning the turkey neck, lymphedema would be appreciated. does it get better on its own? Selective Neck disection 3 wweeks ago with nine nodes removed.

I can not recommend one in the Chicago area. However, I was referred to the "Wound Treatment" area of my local hospital where a PT worked with me 2X per week with exercises that she had me doing 3x per day on my own also. I was fitted with a Therapeutic Edema Garment to wear at night made my Solaris. And I am thrilled to say it worked. I felt a bit bit vane at first complaining to my RO about my turkey neck - however, he was quick to make the referral to the hospital PT. I am now 7 1/2 months post treatment and no turkey neck. The exercises really helped. The edema garment made a big difference first thing in the morning but the exercises through out the day made the big difference. Cost of the edema garment was about $500 but my insurance paid for it after a bit of tap dancing.

Sorry, I haven't got one in the Chicage area either, but I also had PT 2X's a week and it did resolve the lymph build up and the turkey neck. I would highly recommend you seek out someone. Have you tried asking your doctor's for a recommendation?

Take care,
Eileen

Dear Rick,

I'm in California, and my certified facialist/massage therapist was able to help my husband Ron with his "turkey neck". She has a lymphatic drainage machine, but it took awhile before she would use it on him due to the fact that he was so weak after the radiation. He would massage his throat every morning and the fluid eventually would dissapear from his throat. For Ron, it did get better with time. Good luck.

All the best,

Shelley

I found a therapist close to home at a local hospital.

Carmen can you give me more information on the Solaris garment, perhaps a model number or some other identifying mark?

Thanks everyone, I start the therapy next week.

Rick, Solaris info:

solarismed.com
414-918-9180

Item Code FN-MA "Tribute individually manufactured therapeutic nightwear edema garment" (Previously FN-NK) E1399

Good Luck. The Gobbler neck will be gone before you know it!

Carmen