I went to a physical therapist for my treatment and I weighed 422 at the time.  I needed both of my lower legs treated as I had developed some seriously infected cellulitus too, that was treated by my pcp first, then I went to the PT.  The treatment worked wonders for me.

Lymphedema Therapy Services
Indiana Physical Therapy Woman
8028 Carnegie Blvd. Suite 300
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
Phone: (260) 969-8992
Fax: (260) 969-8993

If they are too far away, they may be able to direct you to someplace closer.

What is Chronic Illness?
"A chronic illness is a condition that lasts a year or longer, limits activity, and may require ongoing care. More than 125 million Americans have at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, cancer, glaucoma, heart disease, Fibromyalga, Multiple Sclerosis, and Lupus. Nearly half as many have more than one chronic condition." 

Hello,
This group was specifically created for WLS candidates and post ops who like me face the unique challenges that living with a chronic illness may often present.  As individuals with a chronic illness, we face greater challenges that the typical mainstream weight loss surgery patient may not face. Sometimes we feel left out of the loop as we read about others who are doing certain activities that we are no longer able to fully tolerate.  

You may find the group by clicking on groups in your index. Once at groups, type in the word Chronic Illness in the search box and the correct group will appear.
 
Thank you for your interest,
Obesity Help Support Group Leader.

Sorry but no I hadn't until you mentioned it.

I would strongly recommend that you consult with a certified Lymphedema therapist before you try this.  What I do know is that you have to be extremely careful about any damage to your skin, as lymphedemic skin has a lot of trouble healing after wounds of any type - and if the brush used was too hard you could find that you end up with damaged skin.

If you're considering it due to dryness I would recommend Eucerin's lotions.  My PT recommended the original formula (because it's Ph balance helps keep skin healthy), but I like this one www.eucerinus.com/products/hb_plussmooth.html  because I find it spreads better and it definately helps removed the "sheeting/flaking" skin you can get with Lymphedema.

Google manual decompression treatment and see if you can't find a listing of certified providers.  I was almost 400 lbs when I had my lymphadema treatments at our local rehab hospital.  I had mine outpatient because I was working.  My therapist did a lot of the Medicare Medicaid work in hospital.  My provider was at Siskin Hospital in Chattanooga TN.  My PT showed me pics of people who were much larger than I and the before and after pics were remarkable.  Manual decompression treatment is a lot of work, but it is amazing and mine was some combination, progressed beyond level 2 but not to the point entirely of level 3.  I have since lost 203 lbs with lap band, had lap band removed and have regained about 50 lbs then lost 8 of it.  I have much more problems with the swelling at 212 than I did at 170.  I will probably have another surgery this summer, I am thinking the gastric sleeve since my stomach prolapsed with the band.  It would probably happen again.  Frankly I am scared of the sleeve, but I am more frightened of regaining all my weight back.  You certainly have a complicated situation, but I do believe that God makes things possible that we never thought possible on our own.  Take one step at a time, and you should be able to find a way to get the lympedema treatment even if you have to travel.  My PT told me that many of the patients he treats are from neighboring state.

You should have someone with you supplement that is assigned as your case manager.  Get in touch with them, explain the issues and see if they can't help.

Good luck to you on this long journey.  The skin can be dealt with.  I am still carrying loads of extra skin even with regaining part of my weight back.  The skin is easier to carry than the weight.

Corliss

Hi Jazz,

I feel for your situation (I grew up in a very rural area with extremely limited services so I know how it can be not having a lot of choices).  It's a little weird that you have to go through the hospital DR to get to the PT's.  When my PCP referred me, there was no other middle person - I saw only the PT.

What I would try is a couple of things:

#1 having it out with this doctor (nicely) - you have a medical condition that is interfering with your ability to function (sitting is pretty basic).  It can also get lots worse if you get a sore/ulcer.  He is a medical professional with an OBLIGATION to help you (especially if he's the only game in town). Maybe talk to the doctor that referred you there and ask them to help intervene. There is no such thing as "too fat" for this treatment.  Bandages don't exactly run out!  Document these attempts - take a tape recorder with you if necessary.

#2: You said he heads up treatment at a hospital - I would instigate a complaint with the hospital administrator.  I would give them your documentation on your efforts to resolve this issue with the DR directly and give them an opportunity to intervene.  If they won't do anything I would then make whatever threats you need to   hospitals generally don't like the thought of being sued (for example, media exposure for another, posting your experiences on every MD/hospital referral site on the web for others).  The hospital is his employer - they are responsible for his actions, and they are reponsible for ensuring your problems with him get resolved. Sounds like this is also going to hold up your ability to have another necessary procedure done on your knee - further impacting your health.  I'd simply point out that the hospital's refusal to treat could result in further/worse issues for you - and those issues would be a direct result of their inadequate care and unprofessional behaviour.

#3 if after all that you still don't get anywhere - then I would report the bast**ds.  The medical association and the state licencing board for starters.  (Doubt you'd want him to treat you at that point - but he shouldn't be allowed to get away with this).

Just because we're obese does NOT mean we do not have the same right to medical care and treatment as everyone else - in fact, I believe that there are a ton of federal laws requiring medical professionals to treat everyone equally (since you are on disability that goes treble)! Eg: Americans with Disabilities Act.

Obviously you need to decide which is the better path for you: travelling a long way to get treatment elsewhere or fighting back. 

Good luck with whatever you decide - I've learned the hard way that Lymphedema is nothing to mess around with.