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SLNB long term side effects – is left lower quadrant abdo pain normal?
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SLNB long term side effects – is left lower quadrant abdo pain normal?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › SLNB long term side effects – is left lower quadrant abdo pain normal?

  • Post
    • September 27, 2011 at 9:52 am
    Leigh
    Participant

      Hi there,

      I read this forum daily and have been really saddened by the experiences of so many people here.  I hate this horrible disease.

      Hi there,

      I read this forum daily and have been really saddened by the experiences of so many people here.  I hate this horrible disease.

      I had a WLE and neg SLNB in the groin (0.82mm, non-ulcerated, <1 mitoses) in December last year and since then have had two different types of pains which have been bothering me.  Neither need pain relief.  I have an aching feeling in the upper leg worse with exercise and seems to be ?lymphoedema.  One leg was 3cm bigger than the other at one point and I saw a lymphoedema specialist but didn't do any of the massages because I worry about doing it. 

      The pain which is the one that bothers me at the moment, is a sort of stabbing achy pain in my left lower abdomen/pelvic area.  It is really bothering me at the moment, it has gotten worse.  I am hoping maybe it is because we are moving countries next week so I am stressed.  I am just not sure though and it is really quite sore.  My GP suggested "physio" some time ago but it really is nothing to do with my joint at all.  I had a PET/CT in April because of this which was clear although the initial CT indicated reasonably large lymph nodes (around 1cm) …this is why the PET/CT was requested.

      What I am hoping is that I might get responses of other people who have experienced something similar and that this might be related to the build-up of lymph? 

      I dont feel I can go back to my surgeon and complain again about this pain, well I could but I dont know what would come of it.  I dont want to have unnecessary investigations, and I wonder at what point I would be happy with the results.  Maybe only time will give me some peace.  I just really would like to know what the cause is, and know that it is not the melanoma.

      In any case we are moving countries next week (on Wednesday).  I dont have a new Doctor sorted out there yet but I might try and book in to see somebody as soon as we arrive.  The complicating issue is that there will be a one year period where I will not be insured for pre-existing conditions there and I will need to return here to have any sort of tx/investigations if required if I dont go through the public system (which takes forever).

      If anybody knows of some excellent specialists in Brisbane Australia that would also be helpful.

      Thank you for all of your help over the past 10 months or so.  This forum has really been so helpful (and very frightening at times).  I have had a lot of ups and downs trying to get my head around this with a very young family.

       

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    • Replies
        • September 27, 2011 at 8:25 pm
        jimjoeb
        Participant

          Hi there! I'm in Canada.

          I had SLNB and lymph dissection in the left groin this past June. I was strongly encouraged by my entire medical team to pursue lymphedema prevention and management post surgery. I took there advice. This resulted in massage by specialist who also trained me. In addition, a compression garment that is likely heavy duty support hose was prescribed.

          I took there advice and it has been worth it. The post surgical swelling and discomfort that I had due was eliminated. I'm about to be discharged from the active treatment by the physiotherapist but have been advised to continue to wear the compression garment during my waking hours for the next six months and to use my judgement and experience after that.The self massage is not invasive and takes little time (10 minutes twice a day) for the pay off.

          I was fortunate that my government and personal insurance paid for most of it.

          If you can see a lymphedema specialist before you move, you could at least learn how to do the self-massage and, if applicable, get a compression garment that might be paid by your exisitng insurance.

          Good luck!

          • September 27, 2011 at 8:25 pm
          jimjoeb
          Participant

            Hi there! I'm in Canada.

            I had SLNB and lymph dissection in the left groin this past June. I was strongly encouraged by my entire medical team to pursue lymphedema prevention and management post surgery. I took there advice. This resulted in massage by specialist who also trained me. In addition, a compression garment that is likely heavy duty support hose was prescribed.

            I took there advice and it has been worth it. The post surgical swelling and discomfort that I had due was eliminated. I'm about to be discharged from the active treatment by the physiotherapist but have been advised to continue to wear the compression garment during my waking hours for the next six months and to use my judgement and experience after that.The self massage is not invasive and takes little time (10 minutes twice a day) for the pay off.

            I was fortunate that my government and personal insurance paid for most of it.

            If you can see a lymphedema specialist before you move, you could at least learn how to do the self-massage and, if applicable, get a compression garment that might be paid by your exisitng insurance.

            Good luck!

        Viewing 1 reply thread
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