Lymph Nodes

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  • Post
    • December 23, 2016 at 2:48 am
    Aloha14
    Participant

      I'm back from the surgeon and although she said she would drain the fluid built up after lymph node removal, she changed her mind because she is too worried about infection. 

      I don't understand how this works. Is the lymph system a closed system? After removing one isn't the place it was removed from stitched back up so there's no hole left? Is the extra fluid causing the lump supposed to reabsorb or what? Having this lump putting pressure on my muscle/nerves in the area down my lef is more uncomfortable than the large incision on my lower leg. 

       

       

       

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    • Replies
        • December 23, 2016 at 3:29 am
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          Infection is a big risk when draining seromas, most docs don't want to do it since they will usually resolve on their own eventually. Your body is just freaking out a little, from surgery, and now missing two of its guys to help move the fluid along. You are still healing in that area, and lymph nodes help with the healing, so, again, missing 2 lymph nodes means the other guys are having to pick up the slack which causes the fluid to build up. Not everyone gets big seromas or even any. I know it's uncomfortable, I hope it starts to go down soon for you, just have to have a little patience with your body while it heals and adjusts.

          This is one reason why some people are opting out of full lymph node removal, because lymphedema can be even more uncomfortable than what you're experiencing now. I did not have all of mine removed. But, when I fly, my left leg and ankle get really swollen and it's very uncomfortable. I have to wear compression stocking when I fly now. Not full on lymphedema, but missing 4 lymph nodes in my groin makes everything different for that side now.

          • December 23, 2016 at 3:29 am
          jennunicorn
          Participant

            Infection is a big risk when draining seromas, most docs don't want to do it since they will usually resolve on their own eventually. Your body is just freaking out a little, from surgery, and now missing two of its guys to help move the fluid along. You are still healing in that area, and lymph nodes help with the healing, so, again, missing 2 lymph nodes means the other guys are having to pick up the slack which causes the fluid to build up. Not everyone gets big seromas or even any. I know it's uncomfortable, I hope it starts to go down soon for you, just have to have a little patience with your body while it heals and adjusts.

            This is one reason why some people are opting out of full lymph node removal, because lymphedema can be even more uncomfortable than what you're experiencing now. I did not have all of mine removed. But, when I fly, my left leg and ankle get really swollen and it's very uncomfortable. I have to wear compression stocking when I fly now. Not full on lymphedema, but missing 4 lymph nodes in my groin makes everything different for that side now.

            • December 23, 2016 at 3:29 am
            jennunicorn
            Participant

              Infection is a big risk when draining seromas, most docs don't want to do it since they will usually resolve on their own eventually. Your body is just freaking out a little, from surgery, and now missing two of its guys to help move the fluid along. You are still healing in that area, and lymph nodes help with the healing, so, again, missing 2 lymph nodes means the other guys are having to pick up the slack which causes the fluid to build up. Not everyone gets big seromas or even any. I know it's uncomfortable, I hope it starts to go down soon for you, just have to have a little patience with your body while it heals and adjusts.

              This is one reason why some people are opting out of full lymph node removal, because lymphedema can be even more uncomfortable than what you're experiencing now. I did not have all of mine removed. But, when I fly, my left leg and ankle get really swollen and it's very uncomfortable. I have to wear compression stocking when I fly now. Not full on lymphedema, but missing 4 lymph nodes in my groin makes everything different for that side now.

              • December 23, 2016 at 5:12 am
              Aloha14
              Participant

                Thanks Jenn for the explanation. That helps me a lot. This possible side effect of the surgery was not explained to me. I had no idea this could occur. I certainly don't want all lymph nodes in the groin removed. I think I need to ask about needing to wrap my leg when flying. Not planning to fly for 2 months. Thanks for that tip. 

                • December 23, 2016 at 5:12 am
                Aloha14
                Participant

                  Thanks Jenn for the explanation. That helps me a lot. This possible side effect of the surgery was not explained to me. I had no idea this could occur. I certainly don't want all lymph nodes in the groin removed. I think I need to ask about needing to wrap my leg when flying. Not planning to fly for 2 months. Thanks for that tip. 

                  • December 23, 2016 at 5:12 am
                  Aloha14
                  Participant

                    Thanks Jenn for the explanation. That helps me a lot. This possible side effect of the surgery was not explained to me. I had no idea this could occur. I certainly don't want all lymph nodes in the groin removed. I think I need to ask about needing to wrap my leg when flying. Not planning to fly for 2 months. Thanks for that tip. 

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