Lymphatic system swollen after surgery - is this normal?

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1

Help… do any of you know if it’s normal for your whole lymphatic system to swell up after a full clearance?

I had surgery on Thursday (my chemo was cancelled while they check my lymph nodes) and I have a drain that’s working but I’m gradually swelling up. My ankles swelled up first but now it’s my whole legs and groin. My arm is really swollen which I’d expect but not everywhere.

A nurse was supposed to call me daily afterwards but no one has. I must have been missed off a list. I can’t get hold of anyone but will try 111 next.

I don’t want to spend a day in A&E if this is normal but maybe it’s not. Any ideas? Thanks, Kath x

2

Think you should be seen by some one. Take your temperature. You may be starting with an infection . Don’t worry, but you usually just have swelling locally. :kissing_heart:

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3

Hello Kath

Thanks for your post. It sounds as if you’re having a difficult time with the swelling of your arms and legs following your recent surgery.

You may have already been given some guidance if you called NHS 111 for advice.

If not, it’s important you contact your GP or treatment team as soon as possible about the swelling you have noticed. As @BiRo says, it could be due to an infection, and swelling is usually localised. You say you don’t want to spend a day in A&E, but if you’re unable to get hold of any other Health Care Professionals, it sounds as if you need to be assessed quite urgently. They would also be able to check that your drain is functioning properly.

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Addie

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