Hi Johny,
My husband and I just read this- and Pete also had quite marked Lymphodema after his surgery back in January. His left leg swelled up to twice the size of the right one, which caused limping. The limp and pressure was so bad that we bought Pete a walking stick (an interesting look for a 47 year old!)
In Pete's case he had a build up of lymphocele in the pelvis as well, which had to be drained requiring 2 weeks in hospital (this is rare we are told). After that, the swelling did gradually go down.
Pete requested the GP to send him to our local Hospice lymphodema clinic. In the meantime we kept the leg clean and moisturised every night- which is important to stop the leg getting any infections. (having a faith we prayed each night too!).
Anyway, the swelling did go down, and by the time he went to the lymphodema clinic it was confirmed that he did have lymphodema but it is now classed as mild. He was measured up for an excellent support stocking which he has to wear each day, and he walked out of the clinic stick-free!
The support stocking helps tremendously. He will need it long term,
The thing with lymphodema is to get the right help to stop it from worsening, as if it gets worse it's harder to control or reduce the swelling.
I would really recommend you ask your GP to refer you to a lymphodema clinic in your area if you have one, or to a specialist physio / nurse. The support stocking needs to be measured to you, so it's important a professional does it, and Pete was given a EU standard one, not British, as the EU ones are slightly thicker and therefore more effective.
Having a pillow underneath the affected leg, supporting the knee area is also very helpful at night.
We know what you;re going through, so hope this helps in some way.
All the best.
Edited by member 16 Jul 2015 at 20:22
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