I would like to venture o/s but am worried about lymphoedema. Are there ways to mitigate the risk ? I have elderly family o/s with special birthdays coming up plus a bit of a bucket list item for me to see UK again one last time

Romla said: I would like to venture o/s but am worried about lymphoedema. Are there ways to mitigate the risk ? I have elderly family o/s with special birthdays coming up plus a bit of a bucket list item for me to see UK again one last time Hi Roma, I have mild lymphoedema in my left arm and occasionally wear a compression sleeve. It is recommended to wear a compression sleeve for flights over 2 hours if you have lymphoedema. Have you been diagnosed with it? You don't say if you have it?

Hi @Romla, the link below is to the lymphoedema fact sheet, page 3 has some information specific to travel which I hope you will find helpful.https://www.bcna.org.au/media/2141/bcna-lymphoedema-fact-sheet.pdfBest wishesTracey

I have lymphoedema and have travelled long distance (Europe) several times since being diagnosed, with no problems. Do you actually have lymphoedema or are you just worried about it starting? Unless you have existing damage to your lymphatic system I am not aware of any reason why it would start, but best to discuss with your GP. If you have lymphoedema, or have been told you are at risk, you would be advised not to fly any reasonable distance without a compression garment. A qualified lymphoedema therapist can measure and advise. You should also do everything possible to move and exercise the affected area during the flight - there are exercises you can do in your seat for arms or legs, but an aisle seat will make it easier to get up, walk around and exercise as often as possible without disturbing others. Moving around is recommended for anyone anyway to avoid deep vein thrombosis. Unfortunately I can't sleep on flights at all, but falling asleep from beginning to end doesn't help at all from a risk reduction point of view, which makes me feel a bit better! You can also look at the option of breaking your flights with a stopover somewhere en route. Best wishes.

Hi @Romla I just got back from OS. I do have mild lymphodema in the left arm and armpit. I spoke to my physio before I left and went with all the necessary advise. Mostly the exercises while on the plane. We spent 22 hours both ways in the air. An aisle seat is perfect if you can get one. I did the exersises and walked the isles as often as I could. Biggest thing I found was not getting too warm I tend to swell heaps in the heat. I had the advantage of helping out with my grand kids so passing an 18 month old around certainly is good exercise. I also played the computer games on the inflight entertainment. As it’s in the back of the headrest in front I had to raise my arm to use if, not hanging my arm down too long is important. I do get some warning I get a tingling in my hand when it’s started to swell too much and also a funny feeling in my armpit if I don’t do my exercises I pay for it later. I don’t have the sleeve or glove. And so far the exercises are working. Besides the fact that I would have to have one made. I’m not in the right size category and there wasn’t enough time to get them before I left. Go for your trip. You will regret saying no for something that might not happen.

Hi @Romla I don't have Lymphoedema in my arm but do get some swelling on my torso. I attend the clinic for monitoring and my Lymphoedema nurse gave me a sleeve for travel which I have used a number of times as a preventative. Better to be proactive rather than reactive. How exciting to be planning an overseas trip for such lovely purposes. Xx Cath

Lymphoedema and long distance air travel

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Romla
Member
8 years ago
Hi @DollyGrey I have not got lymphoedema atm but know it can occur at anytime even years later as is a side effect of the treatment I had. Have had a bout of cellulitis which frightened me.
DollyGrey
Member
8 years ago

Romla said:

I would like to venture o/s but am worried about lymphoedema. Are there ways to mitigate the risk ? I have elderly family o/s with special birthdays coming up plus a bit of a bucket list item for me to see UK again one last time

Hi Roma, I have mild lymphoedema in my left arm and occasionally wear a compression sleeve. It is recommended to wear a compression sleeve for flights over 2 hours if you have lymphoedema. Have you been diagnosed with it? You don't say if you have it?

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Lymphoedema and long distance air travel

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