Lauren’s story

Lauren (not her real name) was a 68 year-old retired lady who came to our clinic ten months after completing treatment for breast cancer. She was a keen violin player, who regularly participated in four-hour concerts. Around six months previously, she had developed a feeling of swelling in her left arm. Being aware of lymphoedema as a potential consequence of her treatment, she made an appointment to see a local lymphoedema practitioner.

The full story

Lauren’s lymphoedema practitioner listened to her history and symptoms, and on the basis of these diagnosed lymphoedema. She was told this is a chronic, incurable condition, and she would need to wear a tight compression sleeve for the rest of her life. This was devastating news, and lead to Lauren giving up the violin.

Lauren came to clinic at the Oxford Lymphoedema Practice, and was seen by our experienced surgeons. She underwent ICG Lymphography scanning, which demonstrated entirely normal lymphatics in the left arm. We reassured her that there was no evidence that she had lymphoedema, and she could stop wearing her compression sleeve and get back to normal activities. Lauren was delighted with this news, and was soon back to playing the violin.

She enrolled on our screening programme, and had repeat ICG Lymphography scans every six months for a further three years. Thankfully, these scans did not show the development of lymphoedema, and Lauren continues to live a full and unrestricted life without needing to use a compression sleeve. She plays concerts without any problems, and has never had any swelling in her arm.

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

Book an appointment

We’re here to help

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...

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.

Our Surgeons

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

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

© Oxford Lymphoedema Practice Ltd 2018