LE and Surgery on bad arm

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MiniMacsMom
MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

So, I know its early, but its kinda been worrying me.  In May I have to have surgery on my right side (my LE side)  to remove more lymphs and generally clean the margins.  I will already have gone through chemo and then I will follow with rads 4 weeks later.   Whats the protocol for surgery on an affected area, is there anything I should do to prepare, or something I should make sure is being done by the docs/nurse before during and after.   Everything I have found so far says to not even scratch the affected arm, so what is having surgery going to do.  So far my LE has been mild.  I don't wear my compression most days and I am comfortable with MLD almost every night.  But after the first surgery and then flight, ect I swelled to 20% increase in size over my other (non dominant arm).  Thanks a bunch, my brains not good a shutting down when I try to figure things out.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2011

    MMsM, I can sure identify with the not-shutting-down when my brain gets ahold of something consuming to stress over.FrownTongue out Life happens, so surgery is just sometimes necessary in spite of our LE. Fortunately there are some things we can do to make the impact as light as possible. Suggestions here:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/GUIDELINES_FOR_SURGERY_WITH_LYMPHEDEMA_

    Always a good idea to involve your therapist in a consult, if your doctor is willing. Lots of women here have had surgery on their side with LE, and hopefully they'll be along to share their tips with you.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2011

    MMM - I have truncal LE, and earlier this year I had surgery to undo my implant reconstruction. I was concerned it would exacerbate it. I went for MLD with my LE therapist about three times in the two months prior to my surgery. I also became very diligent with doing self MLD and drinking lots of water, and all the positive things that keep my LE stable. For me, low salt in my diet and limited alcohol help keep my LE in check. I also planned to have MLD for a few weeks post surgery to help promote lymphatic flow while things were healing. I did have to wear compression more often for a while. 

    Because my truncal LE somewhat effects my non-node side, I wanted a neck IV and BP taken in my calf during surgery. I happened to read here about Dr. Marga Massey, a PS who does flap and tissue transfer reconstruction surgeries. She also has trained in LE care and has her LANA certification. She does MLD on her patients prior to surgery and she then wraps their at risk arms to help limit fluid traveling to the arms during surgery. She seemed to be the perfect fit for me as far as LE care even though I was deconstructing and not having any further reconstruction surgery. So, I travelled to Charleston, SC and had my surgery done by her. I do believe my proactive care at home prior to surgery, Dr. Massey's pre-operative care, and the care I received at the hospital immediately after surgery (MLD that night in my hospital room), the MLD I received daily for two weeks following surgery, and then twice a week for a few more weeks all helped minimize the impact of surgery on my truncal LE. I also was diligent with self care in the few weeks after surgery, keeping well hydrated, and all the positives I mentioned doing prior to surgery. I was on an antibiotic for two weeks post surgery.

    I would suggest taking proactive care prior to and after surgery with MLD and good self care would be of primary importance. Best to make sure ahead of time the surgeon and hospital are aware of your LE and that no IV or BP would be used on that side. I like to think since they are going in for node work on that side that this would be obvious, but I would make sure to discuss and have on record. I'd also mention to staff the day of surgery.

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited December 2011

    Tina,  Thank you so much!  I will definately make sure they do the MLD and the wrapping.  I saw two Lana PT down at MDA the last time I was there.  I guess we will just have to stay on top of it and make sure they come wrap me :)  Luckily my LE isn't so bad that I have really needed to wrap, but that also means I am not very good at it :(  Happy Christmas!

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