It has been longer than a year..probably more like 3 to 4 years. Thinking 4. I just get worse and worse. Right now the massive swelling in my upper, inner thighs is killing me. Clearly it's lymphedema..but the doctor says it's fatty tissue?? I am 5 foot 8 and about 165 pounds!! Don't tell me it's fatty tissue. Pisses me off.