Lymphadenectomy Side Effects

Hi @myhealthnow, that's a good question whether the swellling you're experiencing is a possible late term side effect of having lymph nodes removed over 20 years ago. To help me connect you with other members and put your discussion in the right place, can you tell me a bit more?

Were the lymph node removed related to breast cancer surgery?
Has it been determined that the swelling is lymphedema? Or perhaps something else like gout?

@myhealthnow, Here are a couple of related discussions that might interest you as you research more:
- Lymphedema in legs https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lymphedema-in-legs/
- Swollen legs and feet https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/swollen-legs-and-feet/

See all search results for the term "lymphedema" https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=lymphedema

Over 20 yrs. ago, I had breast implants removed and the lymph nodes under my left arm were also removed. There was no cancer.

When the swelling first started in my left leg & foot (about 10 yrs. ago), the doctors thought I had May Thurner Syndrone, but I did not. That is where the doctors left it. They've never tested me for anything else.

@myhealthnow, thank goodness there was no cancer. I'm tagging a few members like @emine @johnbishop @cindylb @rosy33 @mariwy59 and @amkaloha who have dealt with lymphedema or swollen limbs.

What do you do to manage the swelling? Is it painful?

it may ne lymphedema or lipedema. do they take doppler to ur leg?

@myhealthnow I had similar swelling in my legs with my right leg being worse but I have not had cancer treatment. I was diagnosed with lymphedema at Mayo Rochester when I had a lymphoscintigram test. Mayo Clinic has some information here on the diagnosis and treatment - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374687. There's no cure as far as I know but there are ways to control/reduce the swelling. My doctor prescribed knee high compression socks that I have to wear during the day to control the swelling. I've also found slightly elevating my legs at night helps. I put a folded blanket under the mattress to slight raise the bottom end of the bed.

Has your doctor suggested any type of treatment to reduce the swelling?

u can translate turkish; lenf damarlarını, atar damara dikiyorlar. bunu yapan doktorlar var ama tavsiye edilmeyen bir operasyon. ben de lenfödem hastasıyım, lenfödem cihazını bile tavsiye etmiyorlar. manuel bandajlama ve bası çorabı kullanmak tek çaresi diyorlar.

Hello @emine, I translated your text from Turkish to English below -
They're planting the lymph veins on the vein. There are doctors who do this, but it is not recommended. I am a patient of lymphedema, they do not even recommend the lymphedema device. They say the only way to use manual bandaging and pressure socks.

I was not aware of the procedure but it does sound promising although it's not yet received FDA approval. I did find this 2021 article - New minimally invasive vascularized lymph node transfer for lymphedema: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cancer/news/new-minimally-invasive-vascularized-lymph-node-transfer-for-lymphedema/mac-20506177.

I wear 20-30 mmhg compression socks which do a pretty good job of keeping the swelling down in my legs. I did find some that zip up the sides and are easy on and off. The manual wrappings are the pits.

benim tüm bacağım, bu sebeple özel ölçü yapılıyor bası çorapları.i will buy farrowwrap, easy use.when i wash my sock, it drys for 2 days

It is not 'painful'. I do have neuropathy in both feet, but I don't think of it as being 'painful'.
I do nothing other than elevate my feet.