Some help please

[rebecalis]

Hello everybody!!

My name is Rebecca and I'm a Spanish girl aged 24. On 21 December 2006 I had a surgery, and the surgeons remove one node lymph. The node lymph wasnt treated previously with medicines in order to reduce it. It was good, because previously to the surgery the liquid extracted wasnt cancer. The surgeons didnt say me previously about the consequences of the surgery. After the surgery they didnt say me preventive prudence. I only signed about the anaesthetic.

They say now that maybe my lymphatic system is damaged previously. I havent got people in my family with lymphedema or lymphatic disorders. I worked previously to the surgery (stand up) and never had problems in my venous or lymphatic system. In my opinion, is rarely for only 1 node lymph, but can be possible, or maybe they quit the sentry node lymph.

Here in Spain, we have to pay MLD by our own. The hospitals only gives 10 days every six months for free, and the therapists arent enough (In my city with 700.000 people only one therapist in one hospital and she only gives 15 minutes of MLD) I have to pay MLD in a private therapist (25 euros per session). My mum says that this illness is for rich people...

Is anybody in the same situation? Lymphedema post surgery with only one node lymph affected.? The doctors say you something about consequences before or after the surgery?? If you who are reading this, are a doctor, have you had any case of lymphedema with the surgery of one node lymph?

Thanks in advance for your time. Sorry for my english.

Rebecca

[Greg]

Getting lymphedema treatment is difficult around much of the world. There are not enough therapists and the treatment is costly. But there are some ways you can help yourself.

In the US patients are taught "self-care" so they can learn how to perform "self-massage" at home between visits to a therapist. Based on our needs, we are supposed to wear compression garments during the day and a different type at night to control the swelling. If a patient does not have insurance, they must pay for these garments themselves.

Your written English is excellent and I assume you read it as well. There are articles on this website that will help you learn more about self-care. There are also other resources here that might assist you.

You should be able to use the aids to enhance the treatment that you can receive by helping yourself manage this lymphedema between visits.


Greg