Lymphedema - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Lymphedema

Lymphedema

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I am suffering from lymphedema in my leg six months after hysterectomy for cervical cancer. My doctor took twelve lymph nodes, and now my leg is filling up with fluid and is very painful. What should I do?

Lymphedema (LE) is very uncomfortable, and it is a lifelong condition, but there are things you can do to alleviate the discomfort. Your first step should be to see your doctor to rule out blood clots, which can also cause swelling in the legs. Once you know that it is LE, you will need to see a physical therapist (PT) certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) to be fitted for compression stockings and to receive special massage treatments that stimulate circulation of the lymph throughout the body. Compression socks are tight stockings that squeeze the legs tightly and help prevent fluids collecting in the legs and causing swelling.

You should seek treatment promptly. The sooner treatment begins, the better the results. If swelling is left alone for too long, it can become permanent. By following your doctor’s and your PT’s instructions carefully, you can minimize your edema and its effects on your lifestyle. Daily precautions include a healthy diet, regular exercise, wearing compression garments, elevating affected limbs, and self-massage. Walking and water aerobics are great exercises to help alleviate the symptoms of LE.

Finally, know that there are emotional factors to LE as well. It feels like yet another “slap in the face” to someone who has gone through so much to beat cancer to have yet another chronic, painful condition to deal with for the rest of one’s life. Along with pain and discomfort, hiding the swelling and compression garments is a daily challenge for some, and many LE sufferers struggle with the fit of pants and shoes due to swelling. But many survivors find comfort in the fact that they did beat cancer, and they remind each other that LE is manageable, and it is an acceptable price to pay for that victory.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Aarathi Cholkeri-Singh, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Ste. 100 Napeville IL 60540 630-428-2229	Bruce Pierce, M.D. 2 Princess Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-896-0777	Mini Somasundaram, M.D. 4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard Suite 220 Columbus OH 43214 (614) 583-5552
Scott Dinesen, M.D. 599 W State Street Suite 301 Doylestown PA 18901 215 489-2066	Gerald Harkins, M.D. Department of OB-Gyn P.O. Box 850, H-103 Hershey PA 17033 717-531-6447	Larry R. Glazerman, M.D. USF College of Medicine 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 62 Tampa FL 33612 813-259-8500
Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868	David Zisow, M.D. 2005 Rock Spring Rd Ste. 3 Forest Hill - Baltimore MD 21050 410-879-1139	Arnold Advincula, M.D. Florida Hospital Celebration Health 400 Celebration Place Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573

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