Flying and travel experience

crystalphm

I was diagnosed with mild LE a few months ago, and I had a trip planned involving 10 hours of flying two ways. The good news is everything went well, and I thought I would share a few things with all of you...that I learned along my journey.

- wear compression, the thing no one thinks much about it dragging luggage all over, lifting it in the overhead, pushing on it when it doesn't fit. Best to not have carry on luggage unless you are flying with a person who can help. While I am no judge on compression, I can say it helped with all the luggage handling.

-Second point about having compression with you, I got mosquito bites as well as a bee sting (in my armpit!) so I was so relieved I had extra compression sleeves and gauntlets with me. I did have benedryl with me, which I began immediately after the bee sting, compression, hydrating...and I did have Keflex with me just in case. I didn't need it. I also slept with my arm elevated. I also had a product for "after bites" to take the swelling and itching out. Oh, and Neosporin.

-I also think bug spray is very important, I hated putting the chemicals on me, and decided to only use them on my arms...my legs were bit up. France and Germany don't use screens in their windows, not even the hotels (villages) ...so bug issues are a big deal. I even asked people if bugs were an issue, and no one took me seriously. So lesson learned, travel with deet, or buy clothing with the repellant built in. People sit outside in Europe long after dinner is done...just relaxing. And the bugs know this.

-I had cheap rubber gloves (like doctors wear in a size bigger than I need) and I wore them and disposed of them every time I used a bathroom. I am  bit germ phobic wearing the gauntlets because you can't wash your hands. You get some stares, but that is ok.

LOL I did my homework and thought I would compile all of this in one place. I hope it can help someone, and if anyone has anything to add, please do! One day my armpit swelled, which scared me, but it went away the next day, and I now am seeing an LE therapist to learn wrapping. I think I should have known this before I went, and will for the next trip. Denise

SpecialK

Something to consider is getting a pre-board document from the ticket/gate agent - or making that arrangement when you purchase tickets - so that you can board ahead and get assistance from flight attendants with carry-on luggage.