2nd Leg

[Ldd1412]

I was only diagnosed is January this year. I have primary in my left leg after an infected cat scratch and a bout of cellulitis.This may sound like a ridiculous question but is it possible to go into the other leg?

[Lynora]

Very unlikely - have a chat with your lymphoedema practitioner.

[Ldd1412 in reply to Lynora]

Chance would be a fine thing. Had appointment in January when I was told it was lymphedema. Was given a leaflet, appointment for compression sock, told to lose weight and said they will see me in 6 months. Whole appointment lasted 10 minutes!! No further appointment yet!

[Dipper in reply to Ldd1412]

Ldd1412 when I initially went to see my GP 10 years ago for a referral to a clinic I read up on lymphoedema before I went so that I would not be fobbed off with excuses. The few times I have been I have always been taken seriously and have had good advice. Don't give up.

[AnneBury]

As far as I know primary lymphoedema means that your body has had something wrong with its lymphatic system since birth. However, it is usually later in life that it shows up. I have virtually no lymph vessels below my knees (both legs). One leg swelled up below knee when I was 11 & the other when I was 30. I believe it is more usual to have one lymphoedema affected limb.

[Andy13]

Could you clarify. Could what go into the other leg, the cellulitis or the lymphodema?

[Ldd1412 in reply to Andy13]

Well both I suppose. I know cellulitis can strike anywhere. I m just wondering if it's likely if the lymphedema will go into the 2nd leg

[Andy13]

Lymphoedema (the swelling) occurs when the lymphatic system can't shift the fluid in fluid in the affected limb. It's important to remember that our bodies are all different but all basically built to be just good enough to do the job. However some bits of our bodies maybe better or worse than they need to be ( no one is perfect). I have exceptional good lung function but a very poor lymphatic network in my right leg, poor in my left leg and right hand but hey my left hand is fine (so far).

Returning to your question your lymphatic system is what it is. As yet there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done to extend it although there are some things that can be done to make it work harder. Could the Lymphoedema in your left leg manifest itself in your right leg? Probably only if the lymphatic system in that leg is stressed and it can't cope. So if your right leg starts to swell or gets mauled by a cat go see a doctor immediately and rest the leg so it has the best possible chance to recover.

[Kelmisty]

Maybe if you have an impairment in the other side of your lymph nodes, then something knocked them out all together. Have you had a lymphoscintigraphy?