I too live alone - and due to my weight was not going to be able to manage applying compression bandages.  Since I was about to have WLS I figured custom compression stockings would be a waste since I expect my leg size to reduce. 

My PT helped me find a compression device made by a company called "Circaid" - called the "Ready-fit".  Now this is for lower leg only, but I believe they made some similar items if your issue is with the upper leg as well.  Not only am I able to get them on and off by myself (they are pretty easy) but compared to custom compression garments and Reid sleeves etc they are "cheap" (about $150-$200 per leg - compared to $1000+ for the other items).

Best thing I did was seeing a Physical Therapist who is certified for Lymphedema and manual lymph drainage - she was awesome.

One other thing - not sure if this will help you but might be worth a try.  My PT reccomended using Eucerin 'original formula' lotion 2x daily.  She said that particular lotion has a PH balance that helps inhibit bacteria and helps (along with the regular moisturizing) inhibit ulcers.

I think it is just this particular doctor's preference not to treat morbidly obese patients.

I will likely have to go out of town for treatment.

  NO!   pumps = bad idea ..    Chronic use of pumps w. LE has been shown to displace the lymphatic fluid into adjacent healthy tissues and, over time, spread the LE to them .    Currently MLDT + sleeves/stockings/wraps are the only way to properly manage and control  LE ..

 Hi Jazzbabe!   

  Yep, "Bat" is fine ..    lol  ..

  Wow Mishawaka ...  My dad had a traveling band up in that part of IN back in the late '40s and early '50s ..   They played many a dance hall, bingo parlor, wedding, etc. in N. Indiana and around the Lake Shore in those days ..   even played on W.W.A.E. in Hammond ..   They were kinda dubbed "the rumba kings" back then, but played mostly polkas, waltzes, Dixieland, etc.  ..      Dad grew up on a farm in La Porte ..

   I found the WLS didn't seem to make my LE that much better (although my surgeon swears it looks better!) but it did make it more manageable, since I can do my own massages and compression wrappings now ..  So I'm more "compliant" ..   Those nifty, custom-made "Ferra Wraps" make it a breeze, too ..  Just slip 'em off to shower, and then right back on ..

   The hardened tissue can be a PITA ..   Have you tried the "eggcrate foam" wrap remedy yet?   If you wear it for awhile, it will soften the tissues back up about 80%-90%, I've heard .. 

   I am a bit nervous about PS, as I'm worried that surgery in those areas might trigger the LE to occur in those same areas later on ..  I will need a LOT of assurance from my PS before I allow him to do it ..  (Dr. Kuster has a LE specialist that he works with, btw, Dr. Cardoso, there in Brazil) ..  

  Best of luck, and please let me know how things progress with you ..

  

  

Batwingsman (may I call you Bat for short?)

I'm pre-op for DS.  My big day is February 25th.  I'm certainly hoping the weight loss will do the trick, or at least help, but I'm guessing not because of the hardened tissue.  My PHP is telling me they'll have to take care of it during my future body lift  (no question about that either - my skin's been stretched out all my life, and I'm going to be 51 in January).

I just got the lymphedema within the past five years, with a sizable weight gain after prednisone treatment for SLE (systemic lupus).