Lymphedema Surgery
Donation protected
As a result of stage 4 Bladder Cancer surgery in 2017, I developed a rare form of Lymphedema, gynaecological lymphedema that affects only 1% of patients. My non-operative treatment options have been exhausted and unsuccessful in returning me to a meaningful quality of life.
Lymphedema So What!!!
Swelling it’s not life-threatening! WRONG!
I suffer from a progressive life altering and life-threatening disease.
Gynaecological lymphoedema from the waist down both sides (bilateral) threatens my mobility walking, standing, sitting, driving and more as progression occurs. It becomes a question of independent living, organ function and cause serious bacterial infections function of the skin (cellulitis) and Infections of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis). These infections can lead to costly hospital visits and death.
Manual lymph drainage therapists are required to manually move the lymph fluid daily and I adhere to rigid 24/7 compression garments and self lymph drainage 2 hours nightly to slow the progressive nature of lymphedema, swelling and maintain organ function.
Further surgical intervention is not available within the Canadian health-care system for this type of Lymphedema and experienced surgical avenues are available in Japan.
Dr Isao Koshima with the Hiroshima University Hospital has the most experience with genital / truncal Lymphedema. He performs Ultra Micro Vascular lymph venous bypass.
Why funding is necessary? The BC medical system will be paying for the actual surgery in Japan, however I will be responsible for the pre, during and post surgical expenditures for example airfare, 10% surcharge of total bill for the translation fees, medical visa, hospital stay overcharge, extended out patient care, therapists, garments and so forth....
I am hoping to get the financial support necessary to help me with these additional costs in order for me to undergo this Surgical Procedure in hopes of enabling my lymph vessels to attach to my blood vessels providing me with some relief, and a return to a somewhat normal life!!!
A big thank you for any support and forwarding my request to family and friends. Any amount is appreciated, and will help towards achieving my goal!
With much appreciation, Renate
Lymphedema So What!!!
Swelling it’s not life-threatening! WRONG!
I suffer from a progressive life altering and life-threatening disease.
Gynaecological lymphoedema from the waist down both sides (bilateral) threatens my mobility walking, standing, sitting, driving and more as progression occurs. It becomes a question of independent living, organ function and cause serious bacterial infections function of the skin (cellulitis) and Infections of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis). These infections can lead to costly hospital visits and death.
Manual lymph drainage therapists are required to manually move the lymph fluid daily and I adhere to rigid 24/7 compression garments and self lymph drainage 2 hours nightly to slow the progressive nature of lymphedema, swelling and maintain organ function.
Further surgical intervention is not available within the Canadian health-care system for this type of Lymphedema and experienced surgical avenues are available in Japan.
Dr Isao Koshima with the Hiroshima University Hospital has the most experience with genital / truncal Lymphedema. He performs Ultra Micro Vascular lymph venous bypass.
Why funding is necessary? The BC medical system will be paying for the actual surgery in Japan, however I will be responsible for the pre, during and post surgical expenditures for example airfare, 10% surcharge of total bill for the translation fees, medical visa, hospital stay overcharge, extended out patient care, therapists, garments and so forth....
I am hoping to get the financial support necessary to help me with these additional costs in order for me to undergo this Surgical Procedure in hopes of enabling my lymph vessels to attach to my blood vessels providing me with some relief, and a return to a somewhat normal life!!!
A big thank you for any support and forwarding my request to family and friends. Any amount is appreciated, and will help towards achieving my goal!
With much appreciation, Renate
Organizer
Renate Schnitzer
Organizer
Surrey, BC