18 nodes removed,no LE now flying to Ireland

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Slainte
Slainte Member Posts: 152
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi, I had 18 nodes removed in sept 2010. So far I haven't had any signs of LE. I have a compression sleeve and gauntlet for flying and have used it for several flights already. All the flights I have taken have been under 4 hours. I find that the gauntlet makes my fingers swell. As soon as I take it off, the swelling reverses. It doesn't feel too tight over my palm, but I thought maybe it is acting as a tourniquet has anyone else had this problem. I bought a glove for my flight to Ireland, but not sure if it will be any better. Any ideas?



Thanks,

Christine

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited February 2012

    Christine, the glove should keep the swelling out of the fingers. Have you tried wearing it before the trip?

    Poorly fitting compression can trap fluid, but the fact that your fingers swelled makes a compelling case for having some compression on those fingers.

    If you wore the sleeve/gauntlet without flying and it made your fingers swell, I'd implicate poorly fitting compression.

    Kira 

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  • rianne2580
    rianne2580 Member Posts: 191
    edited February 2012

    Christine,

    I flew without the sleeve and had no issues. Had 10 nodes removed, no sign of LE. A poorly fitted sleeve can be the problem as Kira said. I have a sleeve but have never worn it.

    Going to Ireland might be a different story, more than 4 hours, but others have flown much farther and no issue. Good luck and hope all turns out well.

    Rianne

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2012

    Christine, I had no additional risk factors for lymphedema (other than cancer treatment -- a single node removed on the bc side, prophlactic mastectomy on the other side) and I developed lymphedema in my right arm and hand on a three-hour flight. It was supposed to be a pleasant trip to visit family in Alaska, but there were no lymphedema resources available and the situation I found myself in I would not wish on anyone. Get properly fitted for garments (both a sleeve AND a glove), check it out with a well-trained lymphedema therapist, and make sure you've tried the garments out at home before you leave, working up gradually to the length of time you'd need to wear them for your flight (and an hour or so after). It is no joke to end up on the other side of the world with a swollen arm or hand (or chest) and no help nearby. Frown Definitely a vacation-wrecker.

    Stay really well hydrated, exercise frequently, take deep abdominal breaths at intervals, and ask the therapist to teach you how to clear your nodes so you can do that while traveling too. The more skills you have, the more worry-free your trip will be.Cool

    Bon voyage! Let us know how it goes.Smile
    Binney

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