Biking & LE

KS1

Hi all, I haven't biked since my BC surgery.  What has your experience been LE-wise with biking? We are going on vacation tomorrow, and I have to decide whether to fork over the $$ to rent a bike (weekly only).  We hope to bike most places (2-4 miles), and I really like to be part of the gang.  But, I really don't want to flare on vacation. (I meant to do a trial-run of biking, but somehow I didn't get to it .... ) The only vaguely similar activity I have done post-BC is using an elliptical trainer WITHOUT the arm motion.  Afterwards, I had some mild arm soreness and maybe some very slight increase in swelling.  But maybe the arm soreness was just "normal" and not LE?   - KS1 

Suzybelle

KS,  I would think as long as you're not trying to bike across the county you should be okay.  2-4 miles on a bike isn't that big of a deal.  The only thing I will say is that the intense heat of the deep south has been killing my poor arm.  If I get out in it for ANY period of time, I start swelling.  As long as I stay inside, I'm fine.  So if you're going to be somewhere really hot, (and I mean like hot as in hades - that's what Mississippi is like right now.  Highs in the 100's = heat index of 115 and up) does not make for fun bike riding down here. 

One thing that also helps me is to raise my arm as high as it will go above my head and pump my fist for about 10-15 times.  I read that on step up speak out, I think, or Binney said it.  I can't remember!!!!!  Anyhoo, it works.

 Have a blast and stay cool, honey!

Suzanne

KS1

Thanks SuzyBelle. I planned our vacation when the greater NYC area was in the midst of an unprecedentedly bad heat wave, so I zeroed in on cool places (sorry Mississippi ...).  I also nixed places like Maine that are plagued with mosquitos.  So, we are heading to Martha's Vineyard!  If anyone complains (one of my daughters LOVES heat), I figure I can just point out that if it is good enough for the First Family, it is good enough for our family!  -- KS1

Suzybelle

ohh!!!!!!!!  Bike away, girl!  I bet you will do just fine as long as you do all the LE stuff that we have to do....have a blast!!!!!  (but try that raising the arm thing as high as you can and pumping your fist - it works!)

Marple

Hi KSI

I have LE and had my bike refitted with very upright handle bars.  Which means I am not leaning on my arm(s) at all.  I'm sitting quite squarely on my ample butt and my arms simply guide the steering.  Hopefully the rental place has a variety of bikes that will accommodate you.  Except for this incessant heat, I'd be biking more.

Enjoy your holiday.

Gentle hugs.

faithandfifty

KS1. I had my surgery (BILAT) in Jan. My LE symptoms started up toward the end of March. I have been riding my bike every summer for the past several years. The LE has truly made me VERY aware of the elements -- heat & humidity being the two horned devils.

I would think that if you are cautious, use common sense, drink TONS of water, and start slowly & evaluate you will do well.

My first ride this summer was 7.5 miles...... took most of the morning & was seriously depressing as to how worn out I was. This morning I rode 12.5 miles in just under an hour. We are along water & that helps tremendously to have a gentle breeze.

I too pump my arm periodically, associate drinking water w/pumping fist.

Common sense. Slow but sure. Hills are another issue to be aware of and take precautions.

Since you have the whole week to build up tolerance -- I think you've got a great opportunity to build up some stamina over time.

Save the Tour da France for next summer -- but have a great time this year!!!
Let us know how it goes.

Nordy

KS1 - I have lymphedema and I ride my bike between 3 and 5 times a week. Last year I rode from Seattle to Portland in one day (202 miles) and I have a hundred miler coming up this weekend. My biggest piece of advice is to, of course, wear your sleeve. If you have a hand piece I would also wear that. I don't generally wear one while riding because I wear biking gloves, but it will help to keep the swelling out of your hand. Drink lots of water. Start slowly (which it sounds like you are going to do), take breaks and pump your hand (like Suzy said), and at the end of the day (or in the middle if you need it) take a break and elevate your arm. In all honesty - the heat bothers my arm more than the biking does... but when combined it can get a bit more swollen. I love to bike enough that I am willing to take some measures afterward (elevation, hydration, an extra couple of minutes of self massage) to correct any increase that may occur.

The one good thing about biking (and any aerobic activity) is that as you are breathing deeper, you will help to empty those trunkal nodes, thus increasing the lymph flow. Good luck and have fun! 

Binney4

bumping for Teal/Pink -- good morning!

Nordy comes by the boards from time to time, but you might want to send her a Private Message and ask her to post with some biking tips.

Happy pedaling!
Binney

BeckySharp

Okay, I understand raising your arm high, but what do you mean by pumping your fist in the air?  Like climbing a ladder, boxing, what?  I read somewhere you should do this when you fly too.  I am not into biking but is this something I can do anytime?  You can tell I am a visual learner.  I almost need a video.  Becky

Binney4

Becky, one description that is sometimes used is clawing at the air like a cat. Does that help? And yes, it's a good thing to do any time you think of it, especially accompanied by a few deep abdominal breaths.

Sorry! No video...
Binney

BeckySharp

Thanks Binney--a good enough description that video is not needed!

Becky

Teal3Pink1

Awesome! Thanks for the bump, Binney! I'll PM Nordy. Looking forward to a nice 15 minutes on Sunday with lots of hand pumping!