SAPL/Dr. Chen

[daveman]

I will be having SAPL surgery done by Dr. Chen in Iowa, on my left leg.

Has anyone used him? How was it.

I'm beyond terrified. The recovery seems difficult and long.

Thanks

[Snaomi]

I do not know anything about your doctor. I have had the SAPL surgery on my left leg a year and a half ago. My doctor has a team approach with the therapist. Like you I was really scared. The first 2 weeks to a month are the hardest, but not near as difficult or scary as I had conjured up in my mind. I was up walking the same evening as my surgery and by the 3rd week I was walking a mile every day. Going up and down stairs was a little tricky but doable. I don't know what protocol they are suggesting for you to follow after, but my doctor and therapist gave me their instructions which I have followed. The one thing I changed was the night wear after 9 months. I am doing fantastic since the surgery and I'm extremely happy with the results. You will most like have more energy right away as you are lugging around less weight. As I said earlier I am due to have right leg done this October. Again I am having anxieties but not because of my doctors. Every surgery is a little scary but the outcome for me has been great so far. Have you investigated your doctor? Has he done many of these type of surgeries. Do you feel comfortable with him? What is his follow up protocol?

Snaomi

[Chocolate-e-clare]

Hi Daveman, to find people in the US to ‘talk with’, you can also try the Inspire website (inspire.com), and join the NLN (National Lymphedema Network) group.

[GabbiD]

In Iowa???? In US? I am in Iowa. Good luck! I am very interested to hear what you think. I would love to have this done.

[Millie290]

Hello,

How did the surgery go and how was your recovery? I am scheduled to have the SAPL on left leg this January.

[leonda1976]

Hi Dave. I have lymphodema for almost 30 years . My doctor qualified me for SAPL surgery. I just read that you didin't get suction due to the amount of time you had swelling. Did they informe you before surgery or they found out during procedure? My doctor didn't tell me anything about it... I was so happy but now I'm worry.....

Thank you and good luck eith your LE