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  Laney Brackman I was wondering if anyone might have experience with a surgical drain placed in a leg affected with lymphedema. I recently had surgery on my swollen leg and subsequently developed a seroma that required a drain to be placed. Now, after two weeks, the...  moreI was wondering if anyone might have experience with a surgical drain placed in a leg affected with lymphedema. I recently had surgery on my swollen leg and subsequently developed a seroma that required a drain to be placed. Now, after two weeks, the drainage is still pretty high and it seems I will never get it out. Could the lymphedema impact the amount of drainage?  

  • November 18, 2012

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    Deleted Member Hi Laney I had a wound vac attached to my leg to suck out the liquid to assist with healing ..the drainage is high because your lymph nodes have amnesia and dont know what to do with the fluid...which is why the massage and wrapping of the leg is...  moreHi Laney I had a wound vac attached to my leg to suck out the liquid to assist with healing ..the drainage is high because your lymph nodes have amnesia and dont know what to do with the fluid...which is why the massage and wrapping of the leg is important to guide all that fluid ...It is a pain with extra steps to change dressings and rewrap up the lymph...    

    • November 19, 2012
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  Laney Brackman Is there any evidence that lymphedema of the leg has an impact on bursitis of the knee? I have secondary lymphedema of the left leg and have some pain and swelling of the medial knee. Self-diagnosis is bursitis. Thanks for any info.

  • August 20, 2012

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    Staff Certified Lymphedema Therapist I would imagine that if you have a chronic swelling condition, (lymphedema) that this could put strain on your knees and subsequently cause bursitis. I have not come across any official research on this topic, but a good...  

    • August 20, 2012
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  Laney Brackman Hello, all. I am about to take my first beach vacation since developing lymphedema and am a little bit concerned about sand in my stocking. Does anyone have experience with this? Tips on getting it out? Do I just have to sacrifice one?
  
  Thanks!

  • June 22, 2012
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  Laney Brackman I am working with a surgeon in Arkansas who has successfully performed microsurgery on post-mastectomy patients to treat lymphedema. It is unclear whether or not my insurance is going to help pay for this type of surgery, especially since my lymphedema...  moreI am working with a surgeon in Arkansas who has successfully performed microsurgery on post-mastectomy patients to treat lymphedema. It is unclear whether or not my insurance is going to help pay for this type of surgery, especially since my lymphedema is in the leg, and the success of the surgery isn't as great. Does anyone else have experience with this type of surgery? The cost is apparently around $25,000 just because it is such a lengthy surgery. I'm wondering what the opportunities for medical tourism might be to say Italy or Japan where the surgery is standard of care.  less

  • March 9, 2012
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  Laney Brackman Hello, all. I'm new to the forum, and I hope that someone has some good advice! Maybe I will have some for someone - eventually. Anyway, I have lymphedema of the left leg secondary to cancer surgery. And, I am planning a vacation. My partner really wants...  moreHello, all. I'm new to the forum, and I hope that someone has some good advice! Maybe I will have some for someone - eventually. Anyway, I have lymphedema of the left leg secondary to cancer surgery. And, I am planning a vacation. My partner really wants to go to the beach, and for the life of me, I can't figure out how to enjoy a walk on the beach without getting sand in my compression stocking. Does anyone have any experience with sand?  

  • February 15, 2012

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    Deleted Member Welcome to LC Laney.

    • February 16, 2012
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    Deleted Member Laney, This is what i found on being at beach with Lymphedema.
    Salt Water Activities
    
    Sea water is an excellent medium for aquatic therapy because the salt in the water increases the buoyancy of the body. The salt water also kills many bacteria on the...  moreLaney, This is what i found on being at beach with Lymphedema.
    Salt Water Activities
    
    Sea water is an excellent medium for aquatic therapy because the salt in the water increases the buoyancy of the body. The salt water also kills many bacteria on the skin.
    
    A salt water pool is a beneficial setting for aquatic exercises and therapy sessions. Enjoying sea water in its natural setting, such as on the beach, is also a wonderful...    

    • February 16, 2012
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    Laney Brackman Thanks, Bernadette. I wonder what the salt water will do to a stocking. I imagine you could never get the sand out very well. Going without it seems a bit risky, though.

    • February 16, 2012
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    Deleted Member Laney,
    
    I am not sure either. Are you still seeing your lymphedema therapist?
    They may be able to guide you in a good direction.

    • February 17, 2012
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  Laney Brackman has just joined the community. Say hello!

  • February 15, 2012