traveling precautions???

tlmac said:

kris, The same change of pressure that prompts some people to chew gum during take offs and landings has also been associated with lymphedema in some women. It may not affect you at all. Not everyone who smokes will get lung cancer. Definitely ask your doctor. The nasty thing about a chronic condition like this is, once you've got it, there's no cure.

If your arm is OK, flying will not affect it. I finished treatment in end of Sept 2001 and flew to europe in July 2002 returning a month later. I had no problem. I was careful about lifting or straining my left arm while there. also with a lot of walking and sightseeing, I had slung my shoulder strap purse from the right shoulder across the chest to rest on my left hip. since I always had my left hand resting somewhat on that purse for security purposes, I was also elevating my arm somewhat.

Who would have thought - in 2003 when I began a more intensive walking program, May of 03, I got lympohedema in my hand - was told: "of course, never walk with your arm hanging down!' Wherever have you or anyone read that!!!!!???? By accident I protected my arm while protecting my purse ;-)

I'd fly and not worry if your arm is all right now - just watch the carrying. I lived in Paris a month and always carried things in my right arm and pulled a rolling cart for groceries also with only my right arm.

Then I must confess I had some physical therapy later on the poor overworked right arm. Life is tough!

Good Luck,
Jean

I've flown about 10 times since my mastectomy last May. Did not wear the sleeve for first two trips and had no problem. Talked with a physical therapist and she leaned on the side of caution and said to at least have one with me and if I noticed any changes in my arm while traveling to put it on. When I started flying every one to two weeks it was recommended I wear it as a precaution. So far so good, no problem.

So........my thought, get a physical therapy referral with someone who has done additional training in lymphedema and have them at least measure you for a sleeve. It's small, you can tuck it in your purse and if you start to have signs of a problem you can put it on.

what I also did was start wearing a ring on my hand so I'll notice any increased swelling sooner.

Just some thoughts.

Kris
I wear a compression sleeve when I travel (I fly approx. 5+ times a year = 10 times in the air, short and long trips). I figure it doesn't hurt and why not try to prevent lymphedema when you can because once you have it, you have it. I also went to a lymphedema workshop and had an appt. with a physical therapist (which recommends wearing a compressions sleeve) to teach me about manual drainage. It helps to educate you about lymphedema and recognize what to look for. Many doctors don't know much about it. I flew 10 days after the melanoma surgery I had last year wearing a compression sleeve and had no problems.

Have a great trip!

Patty
(lumpectomy, lymph node dissection in Mar/Apr 2000 and melanoma surgery and sentinel lymph node on same side June 2003)

p.s. I wear a sleeveless top to the airport (and a sweater or jacket to keep warm) and put the sleeve on after I'm on the plane before takeoff. I can take it off when we land. You get some strange looks from fellow passengers once in awhile, but some of them wear compression socks, etc. for circulatory problems. I also try to sit so that I can elevate that arm if it starts to feel tight or uncomfortable (it's my right arm, so if my husband flies with me, he's on my right and I can rest it on him). You can also ask for a couple of pillows or blanket to help keep it slightly elevated. Also, it's important to keep the sleeve clean. I wash out mine in the hotel room and lay it out to dry on the counter -- and hope the maid doesn't take it out with the linens!