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Lymphatic Bypass: Can anyone share their Post Surgery experiences?

Posted by cactusqueen91 @cactusqueen91, Aug 5, 2025

Hi all, this is my first time posting. I am planning on having a lymphatic bypass this year but I was wondering what everyone's experience is post surgery. How soon was your follow up and was recovery difficult? Any information helps!

Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lymphedema Support Group.

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cactusqueen91 | @cactusqueen91 | Jan 27 1:53pm

Hi Colleen,

Thanks for asking! A few days ago my body's pain level finally went down. I'm definitely still feeling pain but it's not as intense. It's more from the stitches and skin healing.

Sleep has still been hard for me so that makes things a bit more frustrating. Mobility has been better so I'm thankful for that.

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janiebill | @janiebill | Jan 28 12:07pm
In reply to @cactusqueen91 "Hi Colleen, Thanks for asking! A few days ago my body's pain level finally went down...." + (show)
Profile picture for cactusqueen91 @cactusqueen91

Hi Colleen,

Thanks for asking! A few days ago my body's pain level finally went down. I'm definitely still feeling pain but it's not as intense. It's more from the stitches and skin healing.

Sleep has still been hard for me so that makes things a bit more frustrating. Mobility has been better so I'm thankful for that.

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@cactusqueen91

What else is involved? How long was your hospital stay? Did you need rehab after or were you dismissed to home?

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janiebill | @janiebill | Jan 28 12:09pm

I’m expecting to have a lymph node transplant sometime this year. Had that been discussed or just the bypass?

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cactusqueen91 | @cactusqueen91 | Jan 28 6:39pm
In reply to @janiebill "I’m expecting to have a lymph node transplant sometime this year. Had that been discussed or..." + (show)
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I’m expecting to have a lymph node transplant sometime this year. Had that been discussed or just the bypass?

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@janiebill I had 3 bypasses done but not a node transfer. I was released the same day but I went in around 9 am and didn't come out of surgery until 7-8 pm. My surgeon did mention that node transfers usually require a night of observation in the hospital. I believe you'd have drain tubes/bulbs like I did, they were not fun but liveable.
So far I haven't been asked to do any kind of rehab except compression on my right leg where the bypasses were, compression in my groin and abdomen, and to keep both legs elevated as much as possible.

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steadyplodding | @steadyplodding | Jun 3 8:09am

I have right arm lymphedema after breast cancer chemo, surgery and radiation. I wear a sleeve daily and a special night. I use a pump daily for 50 min. ALL of this keeps it under contol, but it is exhausting and make travel difficult.
I have be told I am a good candidate for surgery. My question is what is recovery like after this surgery. It is apparently 4-6 hrs under anesthesis. How hard is that when you are on Phesgo? How about use of arm after surgery? What will I really be able to do? I am active now, weight lift, walk, swim, yoga.
I would value hearing from anyone who has had the surgery or being connected with someone who has.

Thanks!

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 15 hours ago
In reply to @steadyplodding "I have right arm lymphedema after breast cancer chemo, surgery and radiation. I wear a sleeve..." + (show)
Profile picture for steadyplodding @steadyplodding

I have right arm lymphedema after breast cancer chemo, surgery and radiation. I wear a sleeve daily and a special night. I use a pump daily for 50 min. ALL of this keeps it under contol, but it is exhausting and make travel difficult.
I have be told I am a good candidate for surgery. My question is what is recovery like after this surgery. It is apparently 4-6 hrs under anesthesis. How hard is that when you are on Phesgo? How about use of arm after surgery? What will I really be able to do? I am active now, weight lift, walk, swim, yoga.
I would value hearing from anyone who has had the surgery or being connected with someone who has.

Thanks!

Jump to this post

@steadyplodding, welcome. I moved your question about recovery after a lymphovenous bypass (LVB) to this existing discussion:
- Lymphatic Bypass: Can anyone share their Post Surgery experiences? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-surgery_-lymph-bypass/

I did this so you can read past posts and connect with members who have had the surgery like @cactusqueen91 @janiebill @aubreybill @edythe and others.

You might also appreciate this information from Mayo Clinic experts:
- Freed From Lymphedema by Unique, Minimally Invasive Surgery: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/freed-from-lymphedema-by-unique-minimally-invasive-surgery/

- Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Microsurgery can help treat lymphedema: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-qa-podcast-microsurgery-can-help-treat-lymphedema/

@steadyplodding, when is your surgery scheduled for?

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