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  Brenna M. wrote a new blog entry:

  Lymphedema Treatment Options That WORK

  It’s been three years since I underwent LVA and I have a promising update to share with those interested in the procedure: it works and three years later, I’m still experiencing benefits.
  What’s LVA?
  LVA is a super micro-surgery where ...

  • #lymphedema
  • #surgery for Lymphedema
  • #LVA
  • #VLVT
  • #lipo for lymphedema
  • #LE
  • #Vascularized Lymphatic Vessel Transfer
  • #treatment options for lymphedema

  • August 14, 2018

  • Denise McDaniel likes this.
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  • 
    Brenna M. Definitely try Dr. Chen - he's done more of the surgeries in the U.S. than any other doctor - https://uihc.org/wei-f-chen

    • August 28, 2018
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    Harry Chait How old were you when the surgery was performed? was it covered by insurance or Medicare? Dr. Chen is in the Chicago. Do you live in Chicago?

    • May 4, 2019
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    Brenna M. Hi Harry, I was 31 when I had the first surgery. It was covered by insurance - although it was a process, which Dr. Chen's team was VERY helpful in navigating. Dr Chen is in Iowa, not Chicago. I don't live in Iowa or Chicago. I travelled for the surgery.

    • May 7, 2019
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  • 
    Amy Tramm Hi Brenna! Thank you for the encouraging post. I have gone from stage 1 to stage 2 and my oncologist has steered me away from surgical intervention for 10 years. I would love to hear an update! Did you decide to do the VLVT?

    • December 6, 2019
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  • 
    Brenna M. Hi Amy - happy to chat about if you want to shoot me an email. Bmello924@gmail.com
    
    Im so glad I did the surgery. It stopped my leg from getting worse, but also decreased significantly in size. For many people with stage 1 or 2 it reverses the condition...  moreHi Amy - happy to chat about if you want to shoot me an email. Bmello924@gmail.com
    
    Im so glad I did the surgery. It stopped my leg from getting worse, but also decreased significantly in size. For many people with stage 1 or 2 it reverses the condition completely and eliminates the need to wear a stocking. That wasn’t the case for me bc I was too advanced already but still made it much more manageable. But email me if you want to learn more I’m happy to share my experience with you and answer any questions  less

    • December 6, 2019
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• 
  Lori Fuller wrote a new blog entry:

  Declined by Insurance for LVA

  My sister and I both are candidates for LVA surgery with Dr. Chen in IowaCity, IA. My sister Wendy Boylan is at stage 4 and stage 5 in her legsaccording to the lymphograph. (sp) The insurance company has just deniedher stating it is not medically necessar...

  • #Insurance
  • #LVA
  • #Denied

  • July 7, 2015
• 
  Brenna M. wrote a new blog entry:

  LVA is Effective Treatment for Lymphedema

  I recently underwent surgical treatment for primary lymphedema in my right leg. The procedure, called LVA (Lymphaticovenous anastomosis) was performed on April 21, 2015 and I’m already seeing a significant improvement in my swelling!
   
  Some B...

  • #lymphedema treatment
  • #surgery for Lymphedema
  • #LVA
  • #Lymphaticovenous anastomosis

  • May 1, 2015

  • Anna Ensley likes this.
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    Anna Ensley Hi Brenna, my son just had the surgery in a children’s hospital and we are told no bed rest and bandaging. I’m curious how bad your lymphedema was. My son is stage 2 I think. His feet are the worst. How long did it take for you to see results? How...  moreHi Brenna, my son just had the surgery in a children’s hospital and we are told no bed rest and bandaging. I’m curious how bad your lymphedema was. My son is stage 2 I think. His feet are the worst. How long did it take for you to see results? How many connections did he make?  

    • July 30, 2019
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    Brenna M. Hi Anna, I'm really glad to hear you son had the surgery. It's most effective the younger the person and the less advanced the stage. I was at stage 4. I think my doctor attempted 6 connections and was able to make 4. I saw results right away, and my leg...  moreHi Anna, I'm really glad to hear you son had the surgery. It's most effective the younger the person and the less advanced the stage. I was at stage 4. I think my doctor attempted 6 connections and was able to make 4. I saw results right away, and my leg continued to go down and heal more over the years. I wrote a more recent blog for an update: https://bit.ly/2Ys4yFN
    
    I'm actually going back for my annual check up in a few weeks to discuss any future options to further my healing.  

    • July 31, 2019
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