Lymphadenectomy on Thurs

I had a TLND of the groin on Dec. 6, 2011. I obeyed the doctor's orders and kept my leg elevated for 1 1/2 – 2 weeks. I had very little pain and didn't need any pain medication at all after surgery. I have a very minimal amount of swelling in my leg, and I am hoping it will eventually go away. I was off work for 2 weeks and then went back for about 6 hours every other day. I work in an office setting so I am able to sit down the majority of the time. I still try to elevate my leg as much as possible and elevate it every night on 2-3 pillows. I wish you well on Thursday!!

~Cindy

I had a TLND of the groin on Dec. 6, 2011. I obeyed the doctor's orders and kept my leg elevated for 1 1/2 – 2 weeks. I had very little pain and didn't need any pain medication at all after surgery. I have a very minimal amount of swelling in my leg, and I am hoping it will eventually go away. I was off work for 2 weeks and then went back for about 6 hours every other day. I work in an office setting so I am able to sit down the majority of the time. I still try to elevate my leg as much as possible and elevate it every night on 2-3 pillows. I wish you well on Thursday!!

~Cindy

I had a TLND of the groin on Dec. 6, 2011. I obeyed the doctor's orders and kept my leg elevated for 1 1/2 – 2 weeks. I had very little pain and didn't need any pain medication at all after surgery. I have a very minimal amount of swelling in my leg, and I am hoping it will eventually go away. I was off work for 2 weeks and then went back for about 6 hours every other day. I work in an office setting so I am able to sit down the majority of the time. I still try to elevate my leg as much as possible and elevate it every night on 2-3 pillows. I wish you well on Thursday!!

~Cindy

I had a TLND on October 8th and It was not that painful for me at all. The most annoying thing about it was the drain in my left thigh. I had it for a month. I went home the day of the surgery and was able to walk around. I tried to keep the leg elevated as much as possible and spent alot of time on the couch. I am sure you will need some help with the little one at first. I did not have much pain at all, its more numb than anything. The drain site is what was sore. I am now dealing with some lymph edema which I am seeing a Physical therapist for and they teach you massages to help drain the lymph fluid plus when my swelling is down a little more they will fit me for a stocking that fits my leg properly. Good luck with your surgery and hoping for a quick recovery.

                                                                                    Kim

I had a TLND on October 8th and It was not that painful for me at all. The most annoying thing about it was the drain in my left thigh. I had it for a month. I went home the day of the surgery and was able to walk around. I tried to keep the leg elevated as much as possible and spent alot of time on the couch. I am sure you will need some help with the little one at first. I did not have much pain at all, its more numb than anything. The drain site is what was sore. I am now dealing with some lymph edema which I am seeing a Physical therapist for and they teach you massages to help drain the lymph fluid plus when my swelling is down a little more they will fit me for a stocking that fits my leg properly. Good luck with your surgery and hoping for a quick recovery.

                                                                                    Kim

I had a TLND on October 8th and It was not that painful for me at all. The most annoying thing about it was the drain in my left thigh. I had it for a month. I went home the day of the surgery and was able to walk around. I tried to keep the leg elevated as much as possible and spent alot of time on the couch. I am sure you will need some help with the little one at first. I did not have much pain at all, its more numb than anything. The drain site is what was sore. I am now dealing with some lymph edema which I am seeing a Physical therapist for and they teach you massages to help drain the lymph fluid plus when my swelling is down a little more they will fit me for a stocking that fits my leg properly. Good luck with your surgery and hoping for a quick recovery.

                                                                                    Kim

I had a lymphadenectomy in June 2011 in my left groin. I had no pain and didn't need any of the pain killers prescribed by my surgeon. I attribute this to a remedy prescribed by my naturopath.

I followed the post-surgical instructions to elevate my leg and to get some to moderate exercise. I also followed the surgeon's advice to seek immediate treatment from a clinic that specializes in lymphadema management. In addition to the treatment they also educated me and taught me self massage that I continue to do twice a day.

An important recommendation of the clinic that I followed was to purchase and wear compression stockings as soon as the drain was removed.

My drain was in for 6 weeks. Be sure to learn how to strip the drain when you are shown how to empty and measure the fluid. The drain routinely becomes blocked due to loose tissue that is in the fluid that is draining.

Two tips that were worthwhile for me until I could wear my compression stockings:

1) leave any surgical stockings on until get your compression stockings and/or

2) purchase and wear the best quality support hose that you can purchase and wear them over your drain. It doesn't inhibit the drain but provides some extra support to your body while it is healing.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

I had a lymphadenectomy in June 2011 in my left groin. I had no pain and didn't need any of the pain killers prescribed by my surgeon. I attribute this to a remedy prescribed by my naturopath.

I followed the post-surgical instructions to elevate my leg and to get some to moderate exercise. I also followed the surgeon's advice to seek immediate treatment from a clinic that specializes in lymphadema management. In addition to the treatment they also educated me and taught me self massage that I continue to do twice a day.

An important recommendation of the clinic that I followed was to purchase and wear compression stockings as soon as the drain was removed.

My drain was in for 6 weeks. Be sure to learn how to strip the drain when you are shown how to empty and measure the fluid. The drain routinely becomes blocked due to loose tissue that is in the fluid that is draining.

Two tips that were worthwhile for me until I could wear my compression stockings:

1) leave any surgical stockings on until get your compression stockings and/or

2) purchase and wear the best quality support hose that you can purchase and wear them over your drain. It doesn't inhibit the drain but provides some extra support to your body while it is healing.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

I had a lymphadenectomy in June 2011 in my left groin. I had no pain and didn't need any of the pain killers prescribed by my surgeon. I attribute this to a remedy prescribed by my naturopath.

I followed the post-surgical instructions to elevate my leg and to get some to moderate exercise. I also followed the surgeon's advice to seek immediate treatment from a clinic that specializes in lymphadema management. In addition to the treatment they also educated me and taught me self massage that I continue to do twice a day.

An important recommendation of the clinic that I followed was to purchase and wear compression stockings as soon as the drain was removed.

My drain was in for 6 weeks. Be sure to learn how to strip the drain when you are shown how to empty and measure the fluid. The drain routinely becomes blocked due to loose tissue that is in the fluid that is draining.

Two tips that were worthwhile for me until I could wear my compression stockings:

1) leave any surgical stockings on until get your compression stockings and/or

2) purchase and wear the best quality support hose that you can purchase and wear them over your drain. It doesn't inhibit the drain but provides some extra support to your body while it is healing.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

I had all lymph nodes removed from my right inguinal area, abdomen and leg one year

ago exactly.  No pain to speak of after day two, and off all meds by day four. Was back

to work in a week (I do not reccomend this), and had three drains in place.

Lymphedema became an issue almost immediately.

I believe the rule of thumb is to raise your leg so it is above the level of your heart,

The lymphedema has improved over time with use of a compression stocking during

the day, and I invested in a lymphedema pump to use while relaxing in the evening.

The pump also saved my husband who was getting worn out from all the massaging!

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Gsnowindlon

NED for one year

Stage III

Hello Lizzykittycat,

I had my complete lymphadenectomy on my left groin in Sept. 2007 and was up and hobbling around in 30 days. 

There appear to be different ways to perform the surgery which affect recovery.  With mine (and  a couple of others), a muscle was cut and flipped around to cover blood vesssel and this lengthens the recovery.  My doctor kept me in the hospital for 4 days (was not expecting to stay that long).  Walking is somewhat painful for a while until the body learns how to use the muscle in the new position.  It would be good to know if this is how your doctor plans to proceed and how long you will have to stay in the hospital.

I was fitted for a perscription compression stocking and although it was very tight and difficult to get on (espacially right after surgery) I believe it helped my minimise the effects of lyphdema.  I did not stay in bed, but did elevate my leg when ever I could.

I think the sentinal node mapping was the most painful step in this process, and you made it past that.  You'll handle the rest fine.  I'm praying for you.

Mike from Richmond.

Hello Lizzykittycat,

I had my complete lymphadenectomy on my left groin in Sept. 2007 and was up and hobbling around in 30 days. 

There appear to be different ways to perform the surgery which affect recovery.  With mine (and  a couple of others), a muscle was cut and flipped around to cover blood vesssel and this lengthens the recovery.  My doctor kept me in the hospital for 4 days (was not expecting to stay that long).  Walking is somewhat painful for a while until the body learns how to use the muscle in the new position.  It would be good to know if this is how your doctor plans to proceed and how long you will have to stay in the hospital.

I was fitted for a perscription compression stocking and although it was very tight and difficult to get on (espacially right after surgery) I believe it helped my minimise the effects of lyphdema.  I did not stay in bed, but did elevate my leg when ever I could.

I think the sentinal node mapping was the most painful step in this process, and you made it past that.  You'll handle the rest fine.  I'm praying for you.

Mike from Richmond.

Hello Lizzykittycat,

I had my complete lymphadenectomy on my left groin in Sept. 2007 and was up and hobbling around in 30 days. 

There appear to be different ways to perform the surgery which affect recovery.  With mine (and  a couple of others), a muscle was cut and flipped around to cover blood vesssel and this lengthens the recovery.  My doctor kept me in the hospital for 4 days (was not expecting to stay that long).  Walking is somewhat painful for a while until the body learns how to use the muscle in the new position.  It would be good to know if this is how your doctor plans to proceed and how long you will have to stay in the hospital.

I was fitted for a perscription compression stocking and although it was very tight and difficult to get on (espacially right after surgery) I believe it helped my minimise the effects of lyphdema.  I did not stay in bed, but did elevate my leg when ever I could.

I think the sentinal node mapping was the most painful step in this process, and you made it past that.  You'll handle the rest fine.  I'm praying for you.

Mike from Richmond.

     I had an extensive left Groin operation for removal on my left groin inguinal and iliac lymph node chains. My scar is about 8-9 inches long and I am about 2 inches wider on the right side of my stomach center line to groin area than on the left due to the material removed. The removal required going inside the omentum and insertion of two drains. I was lucky that, in spite of being forewarned by my great Melanoma specialist surgeon at UVA, that the operation might require a muscle to be cut and shifted around to protect uncovered blood vessels, the muscle re-arrangement was not required. Recovery is shorter and easier if this can be avoided. I was released 4 days after the operation when they could not often find me in my bed any more. After the day of the 2 hour car ride home (wife driving), I only took pain meds for two days after getting home. They want the drain rate of blood and body fluids to be below 40 mL a day for drain removal. You will need to keep records of the fluid from the drains. Could cough again without bad pain after 2-3 weeks. After four weeks I could again drive a stick shift.. Could finally sit and bend leg at a 90 degree angle to body. (Sure makes sitting up better.) I kept my foot elevated above my heart level when laying down and above hip level as much as possible when sitting. My first drain rate was down to 15 mL after two weeks. The other was well above that and was as high as 400 mL a day during weeks 2-4. I had some problems with milking/stripping the drain tubes from the blockage. I learned that the lymph system does not have a pump like a the heart to move the fluid. The contraction/relaxation of ones muscles acts as the pump to move the fluid. For this reason too little activity can be even worse than two much activity for fluid removal/rerouting. I used massage and activity. Shortly afterwards, since I was found to be stage IV within a month after the operation, I had a wonderful son-in-law borrow funds to bring my daughter (and the grandson that did not know me)., to see me before I was gone. Since he was with me I enlisted his help in building a deck during their visit. This might have had something to do with the high drain rate for a few weeks? The worst problem I had was the intense nerve pain which I learned was from the angle of the tubes exiting my body. I figured out how to tape them so that the particular nerves were not being irritated and then felt much better.

I have read that one should keep the leg elevated as much as possible, especially at night, for around two years. I had other leg problems from a bad automobile wreck in Germany so made sure that I did this. Other than during drain blockages, I have had no problems with lymphedema. since the January 2007 operation. There is much numbness in the upper leg area below where the incision was made. This has eased greatly over the years and is no longer a bother.

I would recommend getting a referral to a lympedema massage specialist who will train you on how to do this and to get a prescription for a compression stocking (just in case.)

I like the idea of the recliner, if you need it you can always raise the calf higher on pillows.

You have received much good advice above and I wish you luck and quick healing.

     I had an extensive left Groin operation for removal on my left groin inguinal and iliac lymph node chains. My scar is about 8-9 inches long and I am about 2 inches wider on the right side of my stomach center line to groin area than on the left due to the material removed. The removal required going inside the omentum and insertion of two drains. I was lucky that, in spite of being forewarned by my great Melanoma specialist surgeon at UVA, that the operation might require a muscle to be cut and shifted around to protect uncovered blood vessels, the muscle re-arrangement was not required. Recovery is shorter and easier if this can be avoided. I was released 4 days after the operation when they could not often find me in my bed any more. After the day of the 2 hour car ride home (wife driving), I only took pain meds for two days after getting home. They want the drain rate of blood and body fluids to be below 40 mL a day for drain removal. You will need to keep records of the fluid from the drains. Could cough again without bad pain after 2-3 weeks. After four weeks I could again drive a stick shift.. Could finally sit and bend leg at a 90 degree angle to body. (Sure makes sitting up better.) I kept my foot elevated above my heart level when laying down and above hip level as much as possible when sitting. My first drain rate was down to 15 mL after two weeks. The other was well above that and was as high as 400 mL a day during weeks 2-4. I had some problems with milking/stripping the drain tubes from the blockage. I learned that the lymph system does not have a pump like a the heart to move the fluid. The contraction/relaxation of ones muscles acts as the pump to move the fluid. For this reason too little activity can be even worse than two much activity for fluid removal/rerouting. I used massage and activity. Shortly afterwards, since I was found to be stage IV within a month after the operation, I had a wonderful son-in-law borrow funds to bring my daughter (and the grandson that did not know me)., to see me before I was gone. Since he was with me I enlisted his help in building a deck during their visit. This might have had something to do with the high drain rate for a few weeks? The worst problem I had was the intense nerve pain which I learned was from the angle of the tubes exiting my body. I figured out how to tape them so that the particular nerves were not being irritated and then felt much better.

I have read that one should keep the leg elevated as much as possible, especially at night, for around two years. I had other leg problems from a bad automobile wreck in Germany so made sure that I did this. Other than during drain blockages, I have had no problems with lymphedema. since the January 2007 operation. There is much numbness in the upper leg area below where the incision was made. This has eased greatly over the years and is no longer a bother.

I would recommend getting a referral to a lympedema massage specialist who will train you on how to do this and to get a prescription for a compression stocking (just in case.)

I like the idea of the recliner, if you need it you can always raise the calf higher on pillows.

You have received much good advice above and I wish you luck and quick healing.

     I had an extensive left Groin operation for removal on my left groin inguinal and iliac lymph node chains. My scar is about 8-9 inches long and I am about 2 inches wider on the right side of my stomach center line to groin area than on the left due to the material removed. The removal required going inside the omentum and insertion of two drains. I was lucky that, in spite of being forewarned by my great Melanoma specialist surgeon at UVA, that the operation might require a muscle to be cut and shifted around to protect uncovered blood vessels, the muscle re-arrangement was not required. Recovery is shorter and easier if this can be avoided. I was released 4 days after the operation when they could not often find me in my bed any more. After the day of the 2 hour car ride home (wife driving), I only took pain meds for two days after getting home. They want the drain rate of blood and body fluids to be below 40 mL a day for drain removal. You will need to keep records of the fluid from the drains. Could cough again without bad pain after 2-3 weeks. After four weeks I could again drive a stick shift.. Could finally sit and bend leg at a 90 degree angle to body. (Sure makes sitting up better.) I kept my foot elevated above my heart level when laying down and above hip level as much as possible when sitting. My first drain rate was down to 15 mL after two weeks. The other was well above that and was as high as 400 mL a day during weeks 2-4. I had some problems with milking/stripping the drain tubes from the blockage. I learned that the lymph system does not have a pump like a the heart to move the fluid. The contraction/relaxation of ones muscles acts as the pump to move the fluid. For this reason too little activity can be even worse than two much activity for fluid removal/rerouting. I used massage and activity. Shortly afterwards, since I was found to be stage IV within a month after the operation, I had a wonderful son-in-law borrow funds to bring my daughter (and the grandson that did not know me)., to see me before I was gone. Since he was with me I enlisted his help in building a deck during their visit. This might have had something to do with the high drain rate for a few weeks? The worst problem I had was the intense nerve pain which I learned was from the angle of the tubes exiting my body. I figured out how to tape them so that the particular nerves were not being irritated and then felt much better.

I have read that one should keep the leg elevated as much as possible, especially at night, for around two years. I had other leg problems from a bad automobile wreck in Germany so made sure that I did this. Other than during drain blockages, I have had no problems with lymphedema. since the January 2007 operation. There is much numbness in the upper leg area below where the incision was made. This has eased greatly over the years and is no longer a bother.

I would recommend getting a referral to a lympedema massage specialist who will train you on how to do this and to get a prescription for a compression stocking (just in case.)

I like the idea of the recliner, if you need it you can always raise the calf higher on pillows.

You have received much good advice above and I wish you luck and quick healing.