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.
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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.
Surgery address:
Nuffield Health, The Manor Hospital, Beech Road, Oxford, OX3 7RP
Oxford Lymphoedema Practice, PO Box 1138, Oxford, OX1 9UN
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