Custom Compression Garment

[lestr0ke]

Hello, I had LVA surgery 3 weeks ago and am still recovering. I am wondering generally how long I should wait before ordering a custom compression garment? Thank you.

[Lynora]

I see you are in the US. Did your surgeon give you advice about this?

[Perido]

Hi, I had an assessment with the Oxford Lymphoedema Practice, UK in 2020 for suitability for LVA for secondary lymphoedema in my leg. Unfortunately I wasn't suitable but I was assured that the surgery fee would include aftercare support. I would suggest calling the team who did your surgery because aftercare might vary from one case to another.

[Perido]

I believe that LymphieStrong is to release a recorded webinar by a Lymphoedema surgeon, Prof Furniss from the UK, on their youtube channel later this week. I've seen the webinar and it's excellent, it has a lot of useful tips in it.

[Microsurgeon]

Good question but the answer depends on lots of factors. Certainly best to discuss it with your surgeon / therapist. In Oxford, our approach is to put patients back into their compression that they were using pre op after 5 days once the scars are healing and have strength. When / if the patient gets volume change following LVA then the garments can be optimised. Sometimes the volume improvement can take 6 - 12 months depending on the initial limb volume, amount of fluid present in the limb, upper or lower limb, the stage of the disease, number of anastomosis, residual function in the targeted lymphatics etc. Lymphoedema is not all about volume however and patients with early lymphoedema eg <10% we are trying to get the patient to move down a class of compression, not wear them as much or ideally get rid of the compression altogether as the LVA control for fluid in the limb.

As with most things in lymphoedema, there are some basic principles to guide treatment decisions but real advice comes down to a bespoke and individual plan for the patient depending on their wants, needs, stage of disease etc etc.

Sorry for the long answer for a simple question. Good luck.