When to put on sleeve/glove when flying?

I have always put it on before and no one has ever mentioned it at security.

I just flew for the first time since dx. I do not have lymphedema, but was told I should use a sleeve when flying for the rest of my life. I was told to put it on before leaving for the airport and keep it on until an hour after landing. I was not stopped at security- don't know if it was because of the sleeve or trying to wrangle two kids through the metal detectors!! Have a great trip!

Mary- we just came back from Disney World!!

I generally put it on after I go through security.  We just got back from trip and found some unexpected lines at the airport.  We ended up running to make the flight and I realized after we got on the plane that I hadn't put on my sleeve and glove.  I did it at my seat, turning my back to the aisle and trying to subtly take my arm out of the sleeve of my shirt without flashing anyone.  I don't think anyone noticed, but it did make me rethink my "after security" strategy.

Teal, that doesn't make much sense to me, its really difficult to do this on the plane.  Trust me, I just went through this.  If you want to put it on after going through security, I would use the restroom to do this before boarding the plane.

I fly either wrapped or with a night garment, and with the night garment, I used the rest room, and for wrapping, I did it before security.

No hassles with flying wrapped. 

And I agree, the planes are so cramped, you can barely stretch out your arm.

Kira

I had bmx with te on June 8th, feeling really good but still have 2 drains.  I had 3 sentinel nodes removed on my left side, all 3 were clean. No chemo, rads or meds. No lymphedema symptoms but I do raised fist squeezes a lot during the day to prevent it.  

I just booked a 2 hour airplane flight for the 2nd week of August. I didn't even think I needed to clear this with my PS, I haven't started fills yet, but will next week.

I'm thinking I should get a sleeve and glove for preventative purposes for the flight? I should see my doctor next week and will let her know, I sure hope she doesn't stop me from flying.

Do I need a prescription (premera/blue cross) or can I go to the hospital pharmacy and just ask for the sleeve/glove?

My PS said to wear a sleeve for whenever I fly for the rest of my life.  I've done an experiment though -- one flight I put it on and had terrible aches in my arm that night after taking it off, couldn't sleep.  The next flight I took it off and had no aches or pains whatsoever.  I'm not sure about you, but as a general rule, I try to put it on prior to boarding (like in the restroom at the airport), just as a precaution.  I never heard that I should wait to take it off though for a couple of hours after landing.  Hope this helps?? 

I put my sleeve and gauntlet on before I leave home not only for convenience, but because I'm usually lifting luggage in and out of the car and the parking shuttle, so I want to make sure I'm wearing compression while stressing the arm that way. 

I refuse to go through those virtual "strip search" security machines (I choose who sees my scars, thank you very much, and it doesn't include a TSA agent), and always ask for a manual search.  I've always been treated fairly and with respect by TSA during these searches - they do want to feel along the glove and gauntlet to make sure the garments aren't hiding anything, but they've always warned me ahead of time before touching the compression garments, and have asked if it was hurting when they touched them.  As a matter of fact, the last TSA agent I had was very knowledgable about LE - she had an aunt with b/c who had LE, so she recognized the garment instantly. We had a great conversation about all the new recon options that didn't exist for her aunt.    

Just wanted to add that it's not a bad idea to wear your garments while packing for the trip -- lots of hefting involved then too.

Juzo has a free booklet called "What You Should Know About Lymphedema" that you can request from them (ask for enough to share with your face-to-face bc support group too). It's great to hand to the TSA folks so they can be familiar with both arm and leg LE garments. Good way to help the next lymphers who comes their way!

Safe travels!
Binney