Just had surgery flying tomorrow

alicki

hello,

Just had two lymph nodes removed and I'm flying back to GVA from London tomorrow. Any recommendations or things I should be aware of to prevent lymphedema risk?

Thanks

Alicki

Binney4

Alicki, good for you for thinking about this! Here's information about risk reduction for lymphedema:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_l...

Obviously you don't have time to consider using compression garments prophylactically, but there are other things you can do when flying. Be careful when packing and lugging suitcases--ask for help when lifting on and off carousels and overhead bins; used wheeled luggage if possible. Stay REALLY well hydrated (helps dilute the lymph fluid and keep it moving)--I tell the flight attendants when I board that I have a medical condition that requires that I stay hydrated, and ask them to keep me supplied with water. At intervals, take several deep abdominal breaths (stimulates the largest lymph vessel in our bodies). Gentle and slowly exercise your arms and hands at intervals throughout the flight--flex the elbow; open and close your fist. 

Looks like Geneva is a good 1,000 ft. higher in altitude than London, and altitude affects the way our lymphatics function too, so take it really easy with that arm for at least several hours after you land to allow your lymph system to acclimate. 

Safe travels! Please let us know how it goes. Be well,
Binney

Kicks

alicki - you are all over the Forums at this site - so you have already known about the possibilites of LE after node removal.  Why with all the Drs  (and times) involved, didn't you NOT see an LE therapist for education and baseline?

alicki

I asked a question and got a very well-informed answer. Thank you Binney. 

Kicks: I have decided to ignore you remark. I don't need a LE therapist, I was just worried about flying.

Binney: thank you for your amazing answer.

Kicks: As I said to someone else, let me be. I have just as much right to be on these forums as you.

Thank you Binney once again

Kicks

alicki - You asked about flying and reducing LE risks but flying is not the only thing to worry about increasing the risk of LE developing after any surgery.  Any surgery (nodes removed or not) or traumatic injury can result in LE, even years later.  Havng already had breast reduction surgery (according to you), you were already at a risk of developing LE even before your recent node removal.  It is a good idea to see an LE Therapist before or shortly after surgery for education and evaluation/baseline measurements.   This will give you information on how to lower risks, techniques for MLD, what to watch for, being fitted for prophylactic garments, etc. It also lets measurements be taken BEFORE LE developes, IF it ever does, for a baseline.

Many have the 'right' to be here, as do I or you.  We are each so unique with different experiences/knowledge and 'baggage'.  We are who we are, individually but that does not mean that some can post 'anything' and those who have a different experience/thought should not post it.  There are no absolutes and the more different information that can be gained the better for all.

carol57

alicki, how did the flight go?  I fly quite often, sometimes overseas, and all of Binney's suggestions are in my routine.  Plus I try to walk, walk, walk between flights, to get the circulatory system in full motion (lymphatic fluid exits via that system, so I'm sure it helps, and it keeps me from sitting around eating!). I hope you had no issues with swelling and that you're safely home, healing from the node surgery.