Anybody fly wrapped/TSA question

Binney4

Sher, I think that would work just fine. I haven't done a fold-down donning method for several years, due to being bilateral, but I do remember "aiming" for the correct position right from the start rather than twisting. Hopefully other fold-down folks will be along to help with this. The other thing I remember quite clearly was having to turn my head away to avoid smacking myself in the jaw -- not real coordinated!
Binney

BeckySharp

Thanks Binney:  I have already seen gruesome pics online so I don't think I can be more jolted.  It keeps me working hard to try to get this under control!  I get more answers on this site than anywhere else.

Sher

Thanks Binney! That seems to make more sense to me - to rather aim toward the correct position right from the start. 

I just spoke with someone at Solaris and another option at this point is to have the garment remade in  2 pieces so that the hand is made just like my Caresia glove with vertical channels.  With this option, I'm sure I'd be much happier with the glove part and another plus.....donning the sleeve with my Easy Slide.

If Solaris would put more photos out where we could clearly see the fingers, vertical or chevron channels and actual close up views, this kind of surprise wouldn't happen.  I see now that Solarismed.com describes which garments have vertical or chevron channels, but this wasn't on Lymphedemaproducts.  

Kira, I remember you saying your first Tribute was 2 pieces.  Was the glove made with vertical channels?

kira66715

Sher, it was--unfortunately, I ordered that one completely on my own--no fitter--and had them modify the glove because it seemed too loose, and for some reason it's just never been a helpful garment for me.

The one piece, and it was remade once, was ordered via an experienced fitter, but the lack of accurate sewing in the hand is kind of stunning. The one piece glove is sewn beautifully. I never did wear the one piece much, but it worked okay for the occasional night and definitely for plane flights until I broke my hand. Darn.

When I wore it this week, I was shocked again at the "slash" hand piece, with the linear top--so most my fingers are buried and actually get chafed.

I pulled out the jovipak this week to check on it, and it's sewn so nicely, but there's little compression on the fingers.

For the money, and from the feedback, you'd think Solaris would make the one piece glove portion with finer sewing and more finesse.

Kira

cookiegal

It's funny...my LE says that the chevrons are not really in the right direction...but it works at least on the breast. I kind of think my upper is getting a little better...but I am having some wrist issues.

I would be so surprised if the TSA made someone unwrap a bandage....I would think they would be scared of bleeding or getting sued or something.

My funniest TSA memory....the screener who said in all honesty....why does it smell like feet in here?

OMG....

Oh I did have a mean TSA lady take my $115 prescription eye drops and toss them in the trash!

SleeveNinja

Sher -  I always do the "fold down."   I like my Tribute to feel high and snug at the very top of my arm and I can achieve that better with the fold down method compared to sliding into the whole thing.  I don't have any problem lining it up properly - once my hand is in, the rest falls into place.  The top seam ends up more toward the front of my arm than inside my axilla.  It's comfortable there - I don't adjust it.  I find if my arm is at all damp (after a shower or a swim or if I've used cream or whatever) it's much harder to put on.

Cookie - LOL 

kira66715

Cookie, tomorrow is the day--I wrote up a medical letter on letter head, put in a Juzo brochure, and have number of the TSA person at Logan. How dare the person throw away your eye drops!! Totally against the rules. Medications are allowed.

So, the rules are applied sporadically, huh.

Can't wait....NOT

Kira

kira66715

update: my flight is delayed, but I pulled the "this is due to breast cancer" card and everyone was SO nice to me, the only problem--seriously--was my neti pot. The TSA screener said his grandmother wants him to use one, but he just can't--he showed me his pink ribbon pin and apologized for the delay.

At the gate, they just delayed the flight for two hours. Flying, what a drag. But I'm wrapped, and everyone is solitious.

Kira

Marple

YAY for TSA!!!!!  What is a neti pot?

Glad you are wrapped.  Enjoy!  Ohhh, so exciting to be meeting up with Binney!!

kira66715

Sharon, if I ever get there....mechanical difficulties. A neti pot is a small pot you fill with salt water and wash your nose,does wonders for my sinuses.

Your fat armed friend

Kira

Marple

Oh, well, obviously then it's for washing sinues AND presents a security threat?  Who knew? :P

kira66715

Hard to imagine how clear sinuses are a threat--but as he pulled me aside, he said "you have a neti pot in there, right?" It's just a plastic pot and I have a small bag of kosher salt to use with it. It required two screenings....

Kira

otter

Kira, I don't know whether to be irritated on your behalf, or relieved, at the fact that they're hassling you over a Neti pot instead of your wrapped arm. 

One of my most interesting TSA experiences was on a flight out of somewhere in Texas.  This was before the new personal-screening rules were enacted last fall.  We had traveled to TX to meet our brand-new granddaughter, so I was heavily loaded with electronic gear -- including multiple sets of AA batteries, two battery chargers, and an adaptor for my cell phone.  I was carrying my digital camera separately, but all the rest of that stuff was packed in my carry-on bag.

The screener working the X-ray machine stopped the belt when my bag was inside the machine.  He stared at that screen for quite awhile, and then called someone else over to take a look.  They were pointing to the screen, and whispering to each other. After reaching some sort of agreement, they let the bag come out of the machine and called me over.

"You have some electronic gear in there, right?", the screener asked.  I said yes.  He continued, "Let's see -- that would be an adaptor, a battery charger, and, one... two... three sets of batteries?  But, there's something else with wires in there -- what would that be?"  Oh, that's another battery charger, I said.  I mumbled something about seeing my baby granddaughter, and needing to make sure I had enough batteries for the camera.

He and the other guy grinned and nodded to each other, as if they had been speculating about the unknown device and one of them had got it right.  "Do you mind if we take a look?"  Good grief -- of course not. 

They opened the bag and gently poked around, confirming everything they had seen on the screen.  I think they then asked if it was okay to swipe the zipper for explosives (or whatever), which of course came back negative; and they sent me on to my flight.

The whole experience was calm, professional, and kind of funny.  I had the impression that the two screeners were testing themselves, to see if they could accurately identify what they were seeing on the X-ray screen.  I was really impressed that they did so well, considering how weirdly I had packed the stuff.

Kira, I hope you're safely on your way by now.

otter

BeckySharp

I am glad you are in gateway and can relax until flight!  I know I would have been obsessing about all the what can happen until it is over.  Can stress cause LE to worsen?  I hope not.  Have a good trip, learn a lot and I am thinking good thoughts about it being so easy to get through TSA on return.

kira66715

Becky--TSA was the easiest part. The plane was indefinitely delayed because someone stuffed a diaper down the toilet. It was direct.Some very funny passenger comments: "How many plumbers does it TAKE!"  Ultimately, hours later, we flew to Charlotte and caught a second plane. It took ALL day....My hand and arm did well with the wrap. Hopefully the trip home will be easier--what a marathon!

Everyone was very solitious about my arm.

Kira

BeckySharp

Glad to hear you and your arm made it safe and sound.  Surely it won't be so bad on the return.

angied808

I've flown a number of times with my arm wrapped.  Every time they have been fine and just swabbed it for traces of explosives.  Most of the time they have been great and asked first if it would hurt if they swabbed the arm.  I think for the most part (disgruntled employees aside) it's easier to bandage at home and let them deal with it.  Worst they can do is ask you to take it off...

kira66715

Angie, Just went through security with no problem: they swabbed it and asked if it hurt. Now if the plane leaves on time, it will all be good.

Kira

toomuch

KIRA- I hope that today everything is running on time. Have a safe flight!

kira66715

Toomuch--boy is it easier when your plane isn't delayed 6 hours for two diapers stuffed in the toilet...

It all went fine, and as I got up to leave, I saw the woman in the row ahead of me was wearing a compression sleeve and glove: and I felt strong solidarity. There were two LE sisters on the plane (that I'm aware of)

We boarded with the people needing assistance, and waiting with all the people with canes, etc--this nice man said to me "We don't need to go to Boston, we need to go to Lourdes."

Home and tired, but it was so great to get away and be in the warm sunshine--and at home, the spring peepers are out, and I love them--they mean spring is coming. Noisy little frogs, but I adore their "peeps".

Kira

Marple

Kira, what a nice way to come home.  No problemos. 

Sweet peeping dreams.