Diane’s story

Diane is a 44 year-old lady who came to see us regarding the lymphoedema in her left arm. Two years previously she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and had both surgery and radiotherapy to the lymph glands in her left armpit. Her arm was fine until just a couple of months before her appointment at the Oxford Lymphoedema Practice, when she noticed pain and swelling. She had been to see a lymphoedema practitioner and been fitted with a compression sleeve, but wanted to explore other treatment options.

The full story

Diane and her husband came to a consultation with Alex at the Oxford Lymphoedema Practice. Alex listened to her medical history and discussed both why lymphoedema happens, and Diane’s concerns regarding the future. He then carefully examined and measured Diane’s arm. This showed mild lymphoedema with a small amount of swelling. Diane then underwent ICG Lymphography, which demonstrated the lymphoedema, and guided Alex’s treatment recommendation. Diane and her husband then had an opportunity to discuss the operation, recovery, and likely outcomes.

Diane decided to go ahead with LVA surgery. She underwent the operation under local anaesthetic (meaning she was awake during the procedure), with both Alex and Dominic operating on her arm at the same time. This meant her operation proceeded rapidly, and she was able to go home on the same day.

Diane’s post-operative recovery was simple, and she was reviewed in clinic three months after the operation. She was already showing improvement in how her arm felt, and her measurements showed that her left arm was slightly smaller than her right arm. After six months, she began to gradually reduce the amount of time she wore her compression sleeve. When she was last seen in clinic two years after her surgery, her arm remained smaller than the right side, despite her not wearing a compression sleeve. Diane feels that the operation has transformed her life, giving her renewed hope for a bright future free from swelling.

Testimonials

PATIENT LF

It would be impossible for me to fully explain the difference that the improvement in my Lymphoedema has made to my quality of life so far - Thank you!

PATIENT LF

PATIENT KW

To go from despair at an an ever-growing leg to delight at a manageable condition has been a journey, but one with a happy ending. OLP has made this happen and I don't miss an opportunity to sing your praises to others unfortunate enough to have lymphoedema.

PATIENT KW

PATIENT GM

Without your surgery on my arm I don’t think I could of done this , I climbed Kilimanjaro on New Year’s Day

PATIENT GM

PATIENT DP

I think the service you have given me has been the best medical experience I have ever had, the team is very professional but with a really great empathy for the patient which makes one feel very comfortable and cared for.

PATIENT DP

PATIENT PH

My left leg is still staying soft and maintaining a good shape. I have noticed a reduction in my thigh area recently just by looking!

PATIENT PH

PATIENT VS

The surgery has made a big difference to my mobility, which has enabled me to do things that I want to do. The pain has lessened, which has improved my quality of life. Everyone in the practice I've had contact with has been kind and understanding. They've worked hard to make things better for me.

PATIENT VS

PATIENT FH

From the initial zoom consultation, through to the ICG scan appointment and the surgery itself, I felt complete trust in your care. I also really appreciated your expert and balanced evalutation of the likely outcomes in my particular case. The surgery itself was inspiring and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to have experienced this surgical procedure.

PATIENT FH

PATIENT SL

Three years ago my husband called OLP to ask about surgery for me. I was so low and anxious after cancer treatment that I couldn't engage with anything and we didn't know where to turn for help. It was the first time that anyone had really listened and given me hope and that call changed my life. Thank you so much for your kindness and understanding.

PATIENT SL

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Explore

Understanding Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system. This system is a natural circulation system in the body that helps to remove waste and cleanse the body. Often people only...

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Case studies

Show how lymphoedema surgery at Oxford Lymphedema Practice can be life-changing. Please note that the names of our patients have been changed to protect their confidentiality.

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Our Surgeons

Our surgeons have pioneered LVA, VLNT, SAPL & SAPL supermicrosurgery for lymphoedema in the UK, performing these operations since 2012.

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Oxford Lymphoedema Practice Ltd

E [email protected]

T +44(0)1869 351300

Surgery address:

Nuffield Health, The Manor Hospital, Beech Road, Oxford, OX3 7RP

Office address:

Oxford Lymphoedema Practice, PO Box 1138, Oxford, OX1 9UN

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