The post was not added to the feed. Please check your privacy settings.
Susie Savino: Thanks for posting! I’m so glad these surgeries and treatments worked for you! I have lymphedema in my arm. It wasn’t acting up until 4/5 years after my surgery and then it wasn’t bad! I could get it down with messages and wrapping! But 1 year ago... moreThanks for posting! I’m so glad these surgeries and treatments worked for you! I have lymphedema in my arm. It wasn’t acting up until 4/5 years after my surgery and then it wasn’t bad! I could get it down with messages and wrapping! But 1 year ago it got a lot worse and I’ve been battling it all year with a little improvement. I’m definitely considering this surgery! I’m hoping to go to Seattle to get it done but your surgeon seems top notch!
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 ...
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?
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.
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?
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...
Joy McMahon: I am new to this site and contemplating LVA surgery. I hope you are still posting your LVA surgery updates. So helpful for others to
know the eexperience of those that have bravely had the surgery. If my math is correct you are 3 years post surgery. ... moreI am new to this site and contemplating LVA surgery. I hope you are still posting your LVA surgery updates. So helpful for others to
know the eexperience of those that have bravely had the surgery. If my math is correct you are 3 years post surgery. How are you doing?:-). Thanks much.
May 18, 2018
-
edited
Omar K.F.: Hi Brenna,
How are you? Hope all is good. How is your legs swelling condition so far since you had the LVA surgery a while ago? Is the LVA surgery still effective for limiting the swelling? I have a similar medical condition and I was told I have primary... moreHi Brenna,
How are you? Hope all is good. How is your legs swelling condition so far since you had the LVA surgery a while ago? Is the LVA surgery still effective for limiting the swelling? I have a similar medical condition and I was told I have primary lymphedema on my legs and very recently I started to have mild swelling on my arm after an insect bite. Appreciate any info to share. Thank you.
Omar
Immediately after the surgery, the swelling in my leg went down significantly all over and stayed down while I was still wearing bandages (the first 3ish months). Now that I've gone back to a compression garment... moreHi sorry for my delay responding!
Immediately after the surgery, the swelling in my leg went down significantly all over and stayed down while I was still wearing bandages (the first 3ish months). Now that I've gone back to a compression garment and normal routine, my leg will still swell, but not as much, and also decreases much faster and responds to bandages and pump.
I'm going back for another surgery in March. I'm going to do liposuction in the leg from thigh to calf to help the fluid pass easier through the tissues (by removing the hardened and fattier tissues from the disease), and to even out the swelling.
Has anyone on here tried liposuction to help or know someone who has?
Bonnie Smith: Hi Brenna, how are you doing since your surgery? I just recently have been diagnosed with abdominal and leg lymphedema. I just like to have someone to talk to. Hope all is well with you. Bonnie
November 13, 2015
Brenna M.
Hi Bonnie - happy to stay in touch and talk to you about this anytime. Feel free to email me directly to at bmello924@gmail.com
I'd be curious to find out how you are doing after your LVA surgery. I have a surgery scheduled for Nov. 24th. I've searched the internet for as much information as I could find on the surgery but there is not a lot of new information out... moreHello,
I'd be curious to find out how you are doing after your LVA surgery. I have a surgery scheduled for Nov. 24th. I've searched the internet for as much information as I could find on the surgery but there is not a lot of new information out there.
Thank you,
Peter
September 25, 2015
Brenna M.
Hi Peter - so sorry I didn't see your message sooner. How did you surgery go? Happy to answer any questions you might.
I'd like to discuss the LVA procedure you had with Dr. Chen. I sent you a message, but I'm not sure if you can see it. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
May 7, 2015
Brenna M.
Happy to chat further with you about the procedure ... Maybe email me a contact number or we can discuss via email - whatever you prefer since I don't see a direct message option on the site. My email is bmello924@gmail. Look forward to discussing with you!
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!
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...
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...
