There are surgeries that specifically address the flow of lymph fluid through the lymph nodes and also sometimes by connecting them to blood vessels to restore flow. Long before you’re even considered a candidate for this, you have to be evaluated and they will determine that you either have a blockage which might be able to be addressed Surgically by implanting a stent between the lymph node and a blood vessel, or you have lost lymph function and a transfer of lymph nodes from one part of your body into the area of your body affected by Lymphedema can be attempted. The surgery are often not covered by insurance, considered somewhat experimental still, and is always the fact, there is no guarantee that they will solve the problem. What I discovered the missing link to be in my evaluation and treatment of lymphedema in my right upper extremity. Was that a referral. Her medical evaluation of lymphatic flow was never considered until I researched it on my own, discovered that these options existed, and called a facility where they were provided on my own to find out how I would go about scheduling a consultation. I think that’s an excusable and I think it happens more often than we realize. It is my personal belief that any of us who feel we are not benefiting either at all or well enough from established procedures, massage, garments, pumping, etc., should receive a referral For evaluation of lymphatic flow Only then will you know exactly what it is that you’re dealing with. You will also know if surgery might be an option and how to proceed down that path. I felt that in my case the patient was the one asking the right questions and seeking the right information. The “professionals “were busy, suggesting, lose weight, exercise, more, are you wearing your garment all the time, are you doing MLD? It was my experience that when I answered affirmatively to all of the above, they just didn’t believe me. Because if they had believed me, they would’ve thought for a moment and said, maybe this is a surgical patient. But that didn’t happen in my case, and my searching for greater help with my Lymphedema was completely self driven. It shouldn’t be that way.