SCD/DVT Compression Systems - which one?

[Nickib]

Hi,

Does anyone know which brand and/or where the best place would be to purchase an SCD (sequential compression device) and/or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) system? I am looking for the type that is used in hospitals with the electric compartmental "squeezing" and then release of sleeves for legs, not TED hose or those types of compression garments. Danny was in the hospital last week (another story for another time) and they used one of these on him while in there and even a week later his legs haven't looked this good in the entire time I have known him - two years! We are going to try to get a script, but not sure as of yet whether or not the insurance will cover any or all of the cost. I thought I would check here to see if anyone had any advice or suggestions as to different types and/or where we might purchase this type of device. Thanks!

[smashms]

maybe ebay would have a used one but i would ask a dme supply place they can usually get all kinds of stuff

[Nickib]

Yeah, I thought so, but I wanted to check here for any additional advice. His insurance is so whacky, who knows how much extra they will charge for the darn thing! I found one on Craigslist, waiting for a picture and some more information . . . Thanks!

[SCI-Nurse]

Is he on total bedrest? Putting SCDs on intermittently, where they are not in place for over an hour at a time (like when he is up in his chair or out of the house) can actually be dangerous, as clot can develop in this period of time, and reapplication can actually cause the clot to break of and become an embolus. They should also not be used without a screening to be sure there is not a DVT already going on.

If he is anticoagulated or had a DVT in the past or has lymphedema from a DVT in the past, then what he may need instead is a lymphedema pump system or treatment program. Sometimes this is done in a clinic, other times it is done at home. I would strongly recommend you ask his physician for a referral to a lymphedema clinic, once it has been determined that he has this problem and not an acute DVT.

(KLD)

[Nickib]

Hmmm . . . . I know they were in place while in the hospital. Our thought was to use them at night while sleeping, in lieu of the TED hose during the day. He had a clot years ago (he is status post SCI from 2000) and he was going to a lymphedema clinic last year. At that time he was living alone and it was not practical for him to try and put the Ace bandages, etc., on and off every day. Although his aid (who comes M-W-F) is wonderful, she is not really experienced in this type of preventative therapy so he did not follow through with the whole process and was using TED hose during the winter time. I have had lymphedema in my arm in the past (status post breast CA) and have used this type of pump for my arm, but, as you say, it was first through physical therapy for lymphedema, and then my insurance purchased a pump for me to use at home. Certainly he will be seeing his PCP again in two weeks and I will make sure he discusses it with him. It is so hard in this area to find medical professionals who are specifically experienced in SCI and post care, that we find ourselves having to be our own research department and advocate for any type of treatment. That is why this forum is so invaluable to people like me and I am very appreciative of your insight. Thank you for the information - the last thing we want to do is make matters worse! In your experience, provided he is not anticoagulated, does not have a DVT or lymphedema, is the night-time pump a feasible option to keep his leg swelling under control? As a side note, he began not feeling well the Sunday before Memorial Day last week, had SEVERE swelling in both legs, even after keeping his feet as elevated as possible all day, and woke me up on Memorial day to tell me to call 9-1-1 due to severe, constant stabbing pain in his lower right abdomen. He was afraid he might have an appendicitis. Testing revealed a UTI and possible bowel blockage, which was resolved with IV antibiotics and enemas. Unfortunately the antibiotics caused severe diarrhea and we are trying to keep his skin under control so he doesn't end up in the hospital again! The positive thing that came out of the hospital stay was that the swelling in his legs has improved greatly. Thank you again for any additional information!