Lymphangiogram:
Lymphangiogram:
The Lymphangiogram is not a test that I had to go through. It is used to find traces of Hodgkin's in your lymph system, mainly the lower body. Larry Kraemer has been kind enough to allow me to print a description that he wrote of the test on the Hodgkin's Mail List. I think that it does a good job of explaining the procedure for those of you who may be looking forward (for lack of a better phrase) to your own test:
From: Larry Kraemer
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 1996 10:18:01 -0600 (CST)
From my wife's experience, I think I can tell you that the Lymphangiogram is not the *worst* procedure that one must endure. From earlier message traffic, I get the impression that the single biggest factor in how unpleasant your experience will be is how experienced the person performing the procedure is. Alison and I got lucky. There's a woman in Houston that does nothing but Lymphangiograms, does on the average of 6 a month, and is very good. The procedure goes something like this.
The doctor gives you an injection between the first and second toe on each foot. This injection contains dye that makes the lymphatic system visible. Once he or she finds the lymph vessel, you get a local over the area. An incision is made, and a small needle placed in the lymph vessel in each foot. The lymph system is very delicate and the vessels are very small. An inexperienced person may have to make multiple attempts to find the vessel, which may mean multiple incisions, multiple locals, etc. (If you've given blood and been victimized by an inexperienced tech., you know what I mean.)
Once the needles are inserted, you're pretty much home free. The needles are used to infuse a linseed oil dye which is very thick. My wife received 20cc in each foot. Because the lymph system is very delicate, you must remain as close to perfectly still as possible during the time it takes to force the dye into your system. And that's the kicker. Since the lymph system has no heart, it depends on movement to provide circulation. As a result, the procedure can take from 4 - 6 hours of remaining very still. My wife reported a burning (mild) sensation as the dye passed into different regions of her body. Not fun, but better than a bone marrow aspiration any day. Once it's over, you will not be able to walk comfortably for from 5 - 7 days, so keep that in mind. Two pieces of advice:
1) Find out how many Lymphangiograms the
person doing your procedure has done.
2) When they tell you to hold your feet still, hold them in as natural a position as possible. If you tense up, you'll have to stay that way for 6 hours. Get the nurse to put pillows up against the sides of your feet to give you something to rest against.
Copyright 1996, 1997. Last updated March 26, 1996.