LE and High Altitude

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Scrabblelady
Scrabblelady Member Posts: 261
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I have no LE symptoms  and will be traveling for a weeks vacation in the Colorado Rockies.  We'll be staying at 10,000 feet and I was wondering f that might impact LE.  I bought  light ( 15-20mmHg) sleeve for air travel.  Has anyone any experience or thoughts on whether I should wear the sleeve at the hihg altitude?  It will be a change of 9,000 ft from where I live.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited July 2011

    Scrabblelady, since we wear the sleeves in airplanes due to the barometric pressure changes--planes are adjusted to the equivalent of 8,000 feet, and 10,000 feet is really up there, I'd definitely recommend that you have your sleeve with you, and put it on if you feel any symptoms in your arm--achiness, soreness, any swelling.

    That's the altitude that people can get altitude sickness, so drink lots of water and take it easy.

    If you're wearing a sleeve for prophylaxis, you should consider a gauntlet too as a sleeve can push fluid into the hand:

    http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/

    It should be absolutely gorgeous in the Rockies and I hope you have a wonderful time.

    Kira

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited July 2011

    Right after I finished rads, I hiked at high altitude (Mt. Whitney.) At about 12000 feet I had some swelling in my hand, but I was also using hiking poles and was getting really cold from the wind. (I was living at sea level at the time.)

    A few weeks later I came out to CO for a visit. I had a compression sleeve for the airplane, but didn't use it beyond then. We hiked again to 12000 feet and I did fine.

    Now I live at 7000 feet, and have not had a problem since that one time. I haven't worn a sleeve for travel since then, either.

    My advice is to be safe. Acclimate slowly. Drink fluids. Use sunscreen and protect against bug bites. Keep your hand and arm warmer than you think you need to. Hopefully all will be well for you.

    Best of luck!

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited July 2011

    I live a little lower at about 6500 ft.  I know when my dad came to visit from sea level, he had breathing issues because of altitude.  We went up to 10,000 while he was here.  Make sure to drink, drink, drink....use lots of sunscreen.........and be careful with your arm/hand.

    I flew recently and wore a compression shirt but not a sleeve.  I was ok.  It was my first flight since my mx.

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  • Moving_forward
    Moving_forward Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2011

    Ladies

     I am considering going on a trekking trip in Nepal.  The maximum elevation will probably be around 15,000 ft. amybe a bit more depending on the trip I choose.

    I had an axillary resection of lymph nodes on my right side followed by radiation to my right breast and chest.  I have not had lymphedema, though I have a light compression sleeve and gauntlet.

     Any expereince with this?

    Thanks

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