Hysterectomy due to cancer

I had my hysterectomy on March 8th because I had cervical cancer, I also had my lymph nodes in the pelvic area taken out. Still very swollen, can't bend out, squatting down to pick stuff up hurts and makes me swell up also. Was taking 4 Advil every six hours while at work to manage the swelling. I stopped taking the Advil because I have gone through 5 bottles already and called my doctor. I was told that I have lymphedema because I had my lymph nodes taken out. Anyone else had this problem and what did you or the doctor recommend?

Kimbaloo -

I am so sorry that you received a cancer diagnosis but am glad you found us here at HysterSisters.

There are many supportive women here that can help you with your questions about lymphedema treatments.

I hope this helps you determine your treatment options.



G.

Sorry you have so much to deal with. This site has a whole lot of information from ladies dealing with lymphedema. Use the site search and you will learn so much. I have a leg vein issues that result in a condition similar to lymphedema. I am learning what to ask my surgeon and Drs. to find out if I might also have lymphedema, since the two conditions share similarities. Also the leg vein problem could compromise the lymph system and cause lymphedema.
I sincerely hope your Dr. has done more than simple diagnose you. Do you have any tests or followup appts. scheduled. Did he refer you to a specialist? From what I've read here and on lymphedema websites treatment is very important in controlling the swelling.There are compression garments used to help control the affected areas. For my problem I have to wear prescription compression stockings. They were a little difficult to put on the first few times. But my skill has improved. And the benefits from using them far outweigh the slight discomfort of being a little warmer than bare legs. Good luck on your search for info.

Hi - Do you have swelling in your legs as well as your pelvic area?

When my leg swelled, my gyn/onc (many miles away) told me to go to the emergency room to make sure I didn't have a blood clot, which could also cause swelling. Once that was ruled out, I was diagnosed with lymphedema (LE) and was sent right away to see a physical therapist who specializes in treating lymphedema. Caught early, LE can be managed well with a specialized type of massage and compression stockings.

Please make an appt to see your doc (or another) right away. I've never heard of LE being diagnosed over the phone. Best to you!

I had pelvic swelling for close to a year after my hyster. We have to remember that while the outside has healed, the internal things have been through h-e-double-hockey-sticks! It takes them much longer to adjust and heal properly. My swelling was minimal in the morning, but progressed throughout the day. The only thing I could do to ease it was rest in the evening.

I'm also concerned about the immediate LE diagnosis. Were any other tests run? Not everyone that has lymph nodes removed develops LE. The swelling *could* be related to the post-surgical healing. I have to echo what the other ladies suggested as far as going to see your doctor to address you concerns.

Welcome to our little club that none of us wanted to be part of. This forum has been wonderful for me. There's always someone who's experienced something similar to what I'm going through and the posters here are very knowledgeable and generous with their advice and support.

I also had my hysterectomy in March. I haven't had the issues you're having but everyone's different. You've received great advice so far. Good luck.

Hi Kimbaloo,
I'm sorry you are having this problem and want to echo the advice to make an appointment with a doctor to get a first hand evaluation of the swelling, If the swelling is due to lymphedema, you want to get the right strength hose, possible massage therapy, etc. Pls let us know how you make out.
s

Kimbaloo -

Also this link will lead you to a couple of articles on Lympedema



G.

Replying back to some of your questions. I only have swelling in my pelvic area it goes up to my belly button on bad days. My doctor noted that I was still swollen at my last appointment, he said he had wished for less swelling. They told me if the swelling didn't get better to call them. I think they just gave me the diagnosis over the phone to save me a hour trip to see the doctor. They did give me a website to look at with a list of physical therapist that deal with pelvis lymphedema. I'm going to hold out since I have another doctor appointment at the beginning of August. Just want to make sure so I don't waste money on another doctor appointment plus I'min the middle of switching insurance. So we will see what the doctor says in August. I have felt like crap for 17 weeks, what's a couple more.

I have pelvic swelling once in a while - it might be related to what I eat/drink. Alcohol definitely adversely affects my LE. I rarely have more than one drink at any given time because of that.

Lymphedema in the legs responds best when it's treated very early after it has begun. I don't know if that's true of pelvic LE, but I would think it is. If you can get in to see a lymphedema therapist right away, do. Best to you!