OLP -LVA

[Ola22]

Hi Lymph broad church,

I have just had a consultation and scan at Oxford and now considering LVA microsurgery. Has anyone had success from this procedure? I don’t have private insurance so will need to fund this.

many thanks,

Ola!

[SRML]

Hi Ola,

I had LVA surgery at Oxford about 2yrs ago. At the time of consultation I was told that it may improve my swelling by 50% at best, and it may not help at all. Everyone is different and I’m sure they will have given you a very honest opinion. There is always a risk that it won’t help but I badly needed to do everything that I could to maximise the quality of my life. I am 60 and was very fit and active and found this diagnosis truly devastating after having treatment for cancer. I think I decided that even if it didn’t work I would not regret having tried. Also, the chances of success after surgery diminish as time goes by and there was a chance of missing my opportunity.

I know that the surgery has helped. Particularly my foot and I can do some shoes up to the next notch so that is a measurable improvement. My surgeon is pleased and my volumes have hovered around 20% since surgery. I have noticed recently that I can squat fully which I wasn’t able to do at one time so I feel things have continued to improve. We tend to get obsessed with measurements but there are also more subtle improvements such as being able to tolerate standing for longer and feeling more comfortable. My skin is really good and I have not had cellulitis. I would say that I can do pretty much anything that I want to do. I still have to do all the usual stuff with compression and self-care but I do feel that the surgery gives me that extra bit of help and I’m very hopeful that it will keep my condition stable.

I know the surgery is expensive but I would not hesitate if I was young and had many years of this condition ahead of me. Bit of a ramble! Hope it’s helpful and best of luck.

[Ola22 in reply to SRML]

Hi SRML,

Thanks for this. Like you I am fit and active and would like it to remain that way for quite some time. I am just about to turn 55 and diagnosed with unilateral lower limb lymphedema. As you mention I don’t want to look back in years to come and wonder what if!

Pleased to hear you have had a positive experience overall.

Thanks again.

Ola