Lymphedema Rehabilitation Patient Story - Brenda Bohrer

For more than half of her life, 52-year-old Brenda Bohrer has struggled with lymphedema in her legs. Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid under the skin that can cause painful swelling along with other physical, psychological and social challenges. Brenda’s journey brought her to Baton Rouge General’s Lymphedema Clinic, the only comprehensive treatment program in Louisiana recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. After 7 months of preparation, including new, customized compression garments for her legs, she was ready for the game-changer – suction-assisted protein lipectomy surgery (SAPL). Similar to liposuction, diseased fat tissue is removed to improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling. At Baton Rouge General, SAPL is performed by Dr. Dhaval Adhvaryu and Dr. Lucius Doucet.

After an easy recovery, Brenda is a new person. She can stand for longer periods instead of trying to find a chair immediately, is in much less pain, and isn’t limping. But best of all, she has her confidence back. At a petite 5 feet tall, Brenda has always exercised and eaten right, yet she felt “abnormal” because of her disproportionately big legs. She is happy to report that she can finally wear the skinny jeans she’s been eyeing!