LVA Surgery

[corellc]

Have any of you had an LVA?

[Mary-intussuception]

What's LVA?

[Lynora in reply to Mary-intussuception]

lymphovenous anastomosis

[christinej1950]

Yes, I have. The surgery was performed by Prof Furniss and Mr Ramsdan of Oxford Lymphoedema Practice in April 2015 on my left arm. I developed it after lymph node removal during treatment for breast cancer 5 1/2 years ago. I was lucky (!) I was a perfect candidate, 19% when first diagnosed and now stable at 6%. I no longer wear a sleeve and can do most things I could do before. It isn’t a cure, my immune system isn’t what it was as I found out when I got stung twice on my affected hand and it took days for the swelling to go down. I try to be aware of accidents when cooking and gardening. It’s expensive as it’s not on NHS in England so I paid privately. I’m sure if you use the site search you’ll find other threads talking about it. It has given me back my life and I can’t recommend OLP highly enough.

[lymphite]

I had it one year ago. I was very fortunate that I did it in the first 7 months of having lymphedema in my left arm. I didn’t wait for it to get worse. I had sentinel node removal for breast cancer and radiation to the area. Before surgery I only was about 10% larger in that arm than the other side after massage from a therapist and sleeve wearing during the day. Within 6 months afer surgery I am stable at 2-3% bigger without wearing a sleeve or doing massage. I can use my arm for even heavy activities but I am very careful about cuts or anything that would cause constriction. I had surgery in Chicago. My insurance covered it.

[Cervivor1974]

May be having it soon. A leader in the field at University of Iowa Hospital is possibly going to do mine. I had a Radical Hyst with 44 lymph nodes removed and 5 weeks of radiation in 2005. The dr is amazing and travels to speak to others about the five procedures he can do. I’m hoping I’m a good candidate as my Lymphedema has just popped up. The dr is Dr. Wei Chen. Google his research.

[little-hen]

Hi Corellc, I had LVA surgery in may 2017. I developed lymphoedema in my Rt arm following surgery for breast cancer. The procedure was done within 6 months of my surgery. I was thought to be an ideal candidate but alas it didn't work for me, so i have gained little or no benefit from it. Having said all that I don't regret going through the procedure at all. I found the assessment process and scanning fascinating, I now have a greater understanding of my Lymphoedema, but obviously will need to continue wearing the compression sleeves for ever!