Question for those who’ve had LND (groin)

I don't know what to say about not being able to straighten his leg.  I had a groin LND and don't recall that being a problem…not even immediately post op.  My LND was 6 years ago and I still don't have sensation on most of my anterior thigh.  One just has to remain aware of the lack of sensation so you don't burn or injure yourself.  

I did have to wear a custom made compression hose for about 6 months post-op.

Stay Strong
King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

I had a LND on May 28th of this year on my goin/leg.  At the time, they took out 20 lymph nodes, the primary one was negative so they stopped taking any more.  The doctor did some type of fancy stitch so that he stretched some muscle over the long incision site to avoid having a pocket where the lymph fluid would collect.  They also took out a wider margin on the back of my leg and did a skin graft.

I was on crutches for a week or two, and then walked with a cane for another week or two.  I did not have a big problem with the LND scar, but more so with the skin graft since it was right next to the bend in my knee.

I went to physical therapy to get range of motion in my knee.  You may want to have the doctor write up an order for physical therapy on the area so they can show you the proper stretches and exercises to do.

I started radiation treatment a few weeks ago and that opened up a layer of skin around the LND scar and that hurts when I stretch it, but it was not that bad before the radiation.

good luck.

bill stage IIIC.

Went through a groin dissection in March 2008, stage IIIa. Had a miserable time during recovery, lots of pain, had to use a walker for the first two weeks, then a cane for two months. I had three months of physical therapy before I could walk normally again.

Over two years later, I still cannot straighten my leg fully, as I get pain in back of my knee and at the incision site. I still have no feeling in my upper thigh/buttocks region and fight a daily battle with lymphadema. I doubt I will ever be "back to normal", but I have learned to live life despite the stuggles. I'm just happy that the battle with the beast is over for now.

I wish your husband all the best throughout his recovery!

Hello Tracy,

My husband had a LND of the groin and a lower leg excision just below the back of his knee which had to be closed by a skin graph and a hernia repair all in one surgery . My husband did have some issues with straighten out his leg but how much was due to the LND or the Excision or both, I couldn't tell you. I also don't remember how long he had issues with it. Sorry I couldn't be more help with a time frame. If it comes to me I'll let you know.

We were told prior to the procedure that he could lose some to all feeling in his thigh area. Whatever didn't come back after a year of recovery would not be returning. My husband did get some feeling back not much though, very, very little to be exact. As mentioned by others before Just be careful you don't hit your leg on anything, burn it etc.

My husband also did suffer from Lymphadema from the surgery. We did have it under control for most of the time. He eventually did need a stocking but we couldn't afford it and insurance wouldn't cover it. It might be worth maybe just making a call to the Dr. and seeing what they say. They might want to meet with him earlier or tell you it is completely normal for this to happen. Better safe then sorry. Best of luck to you both. Take care. Keep me posted on what happens.

Laura