Flying

Hi Julianna...I don't have LE and never used a compression sleeve when flying.

Last year I went to Hawaii non stop 11 hours.

We are all different but I never thought to wear one.

Good Luck.

Sheila

Nope, don't wear one. I tried it but it was a big hassle, uncomfortable, and from what I've read, I believe if you don't do it right, ( wrap it correctly, also wear a gauntlet, put it on an hour before taking off & leave it on for an hour after you land etc. etc.) then it actually increases your chance of problems. I do hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, make sure that I make a lot of fists during the flight, move my arm around a lot, get up and go to the bathroom (which I need to do anyway from all the water) and so far (knock on wood), I've been fine.

I recently bought a compression sleeve and gauntlet and wore it for a x-country round trip flight.   My BS and her nurse thought I should be pretty safe but after I heard about it here, I asked my Guided Imagery group (all kinds of cancer patients) and their overwhelming response is that it's better to never get lymphedema in the first place. I don't want another chronic condition, so I'm taking "the better safe than sorry" approach. My combo cost $150 but I just got reimbursed by our insurance for the whole thing. The biggest hassle is that I need to put it on about 2 hrs before flying and that's when I'm usually rushing to get out of the house! I thought wearing it was no big deal at all. I got a recommendation for a good medical supply store, they did the fitting (fit is key, maybe a wrong fit makes it too uncomfortable). For prevention you just need the  lowest compression level.

The other flying advice from the nurse: 1) stay hydrated 2) avoid sodium on day of flight (often found in the airplane food, so bringing your own is better)  3) get up and walk around  4) arm exercises like making fists 5) take it easy on your arm while traveling--use a wheelie bag and pull it with your other arm; ask for help putting bags in the overhead compartment, etc.

Julianna, if you do not already have lymphedema in your arms, either a 15-20 or 20-30 mg/hz sleeve is recommended. Jobst is the only company I know of that makes the 15-20, but several manufacturers make 20-30s.

If you get a sleeve, you need hand protection as well -- either a glove or a gauntlet (fingerless glove). That prevents any swelling from moving into your hand and getting "stuck" there. Here's a short article that explains why:
http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/

It's also really important that any compression garments fit you well. Here's information about proper fitting of garments arm and hand:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

It's also important when traveling to stay VERY well hydrated, pause from time to time to take some deep abdominal breaths, and exercise your hand and arm gently and frequently.

Be well,
Binney