Lymphatic fluid leaks after hysterectomy and LYMPHENDENECTOMY

It was quite heavy at times and had to constantly change incontinence pads. I noticed it more when straining, at first it was thought it could be a fistula and was told I may need to have a catheter for 3 months while it healed! But fluid tested and it was definitely not urine. I'm happy to say it did clear up within three weeks. Hopefully it will be the same for you too. I got up one morning and realised that I was dry and remained dry all day and that was the beginning. I still wore pads for about a week after just to make sure. Best wishes fir a speedy recovery xx

Hi Mad,

My doctor has confirmed he believes it is lymp fluid too. I may have some imaging done at my next appointment. Which is apsp biopsy results day.. the joys!

Today it is constant, not sure how I can go about daily life like this for weeks. I had a leak though in the coffee shop today even with a pad :( Did yours ease over time... 

I need some hope as I had been recovering well and I am now afraid to leave the house!

Nol x

Hi 

Yes mine went from one day really heavy leakage and the following day to nothing and I was still wearing a pad a week after it stopped waiting in case it came back. I had to wear the thick incontinence pads not sanitary pads

It took about 3 weeks post operation to clear up and I have been ok ever since

I'm sure it will clear up soon.I did some research online and found this article that a low fat - high protein diet actually helps. Was having eggs everyday for breakfast and eating protein more. Maybe this will help you too

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.../

Ejax...here is my post x

Hi Ejax. Here is the post Madesp wanted to tag you in on.

Barb xx

Hi Madesp / Mrs BJH

Thanks so much for tagging me in as its reassuring to know others have experienced the same, despite the information leaflet I was given saying it only affects 5% of patients.

My "leaking" started last Thursday and up until yesterday I have been like a constant Niagara Falls.  It took ages to get out of the bathroom, as soon as I changed my pad and walked a few steps it was gushing out of me again, so back to the bathroom and that has been on repeat for the last few days. It was so bad I ended up going to the EGU on Saturday as I was concerned about the vast quantities of it - they took a swab and luckily I saw one of the surgeons involved in my op...he told me it could take several weeks to clear up and that I should rest more...apart from not breathing I don't know how I can rest more and constantly having to visit the bathroom isn't helping.  He did also suggest taking Ibuprofen to help with the inflammation inside so although I'm not in any real pain I have been taking one tablet a day to see if that helps.

Anyway yesterday I think I may have turned a corner as there was definitely less fluid and I was mainly dry for most of the day (by hardly moving) but did have some leakage just before bed.  Today is similar although it does feel as so there is fluid collecting awaiting to come out.  I don't want to get my hopes up just yet but I think I can manage smaller amounts if it lasts a few weeks but not at the rate and quantity it had been.

Hopefully it will completely clear up in a few weeks and I'll be able to resume my short daily walks.  It has been really disheartening to deal with as I was feeling like I as recovering well and was trying to do everything as recommended.

Thanks again.

Ejax 

I felt exactly the same and thought I couldn't go on like it was as it was a tremendous amount and gushed out whenever I strained. Then one day I woke up and the pad was dry I was dry all day and thought I better wear a pad for the rest of the week but I remained dry. I think if I remember correctly it seemed to last about three weeks.

Hope this helps. XXX 

Thanks Madesp.  The leaking has definitely improved and I have been mainly dry the last few days apart from a few drips although have the strangest feeling that there is fluid there and it's about to start gushing out again.  I'm therefore taking it very very easy and haven't resumed my walking just yet in fear I will trigger it all off again but are able to potter around the house and garden ok which is a massive improvement as I couldn't move an inch before without the floodgates opening.

Also having some mild inflammation from a couple of my wound incisions which is annoying so treating those with antibiotic cream.  Still it's only 3 weeks post op so still early days in recovery.

Hi Ejax, did your CNS or GP tell you to use antibiotic cream? Mine just said to use salt water as what it needed most was to dry up.

Hi - Yes I went to my GP about a week after surgery as the first wound had started to become inflammed and he prescribed Fucidin cream.

That one now seems to be healing okay but the one next to it has the same problem now...I'm wondering if its linked to the stitches dissolving....it's strange as the belly button and 2 on my right side are causing no problems at all.