Help, after lymphovenous bypass/lymph node transfer, how soon can you walk the stairs?

[ulverin]

I am a candidate for one of the surgeries, its for my thigh/groin. How long do you think it takes before I can walk the stairs? I'm going to look at a new appartment today and possibly moving, I am afraid that it's great otherwise but doesn't have an elevator! My surgeon is available to phone only a couple times a week so I appreciate if you can give your opinion/experiences quicker. Thanks

[Lynora]

You really should get the info/guidance from your surgeon. Each patient is different.

[ulverin in reply to Lynora]

You are right. But I would think that when I'm able to walk, I should be able to walk some stairs too, slowly

[Kir6 in reply to ulverin]

Ulverin, I wish you lots of luck with your surgery. I do think it would be wise to leave any logistical decisions based on your recovery until after the surgery - when you will know how successful it has been. I doubt your surgeon will be willing to commit to saying what you can and can't cope with afterwards either, as everyone is different. If you have limited mobility at the moment and couldn't manage this apartment now, it's probably a good idea to wait until there is one you absolutely know you can cope with. Best of luck

[syrup01]

The surgery isn't too invasive, so once you leave hospital where hopefully you would have had a bit of bed rest, I can't see there being any change in your mobility, however seek guidance from your surgery team, as I am not an expert.

[lymphite]

I could only guess because I had only bypass and not a node transfer. I was offered a node transfer and I was told you stay in the hospital for 4 days. But my surgeon seems much more conservative than others. Could you check with a lymphedema therapist.? The doctors at oxford lymphedema practice will answer questions tweeted to them even if you are not a patient.

[ulverin]

Thanks for all your answers. I think I should be ok in the new appartment. Walking is more difficult with lymphedema but it's only second floor and it should get better after surgery and recovery.