Preventing lymphedema

Options
lindathai
lindathai Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema
Preventing lymphedema
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • lindathai
    lindathai Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2012

    I had 13 lymph nodes removed in 2007 when I had breast cancer. So far I have not had any problems with lymphedema but this year I am moving to Thailand for 3 years and was wondering if the heat will make me more likely to develop it? Another question, do I still need to wear a compression sleeve on flights over 6 hours even though I have been fine all these years?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited May 2012

    Linda, once the lymph nodes are removed you're at risk, and the risk doesn't go away. So wearing compression when you fly is probably a good idea.

    Many women have found that heat exacerbates LE if they already have it, but I don't know if it puts you at higher risk of developing it. In any case, when you live in a hot climate it's always a good idea to be careful to keep yourself well hydrated at all times.

    All the best with your move. It sounds exciting!

    Leah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lindathai
    lindathai Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2012

    Thanks for the response Leah. I just ordered a new sleeve and gauntlet as mine has been on many flights! I hope you are doing well.

    Linda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited May 2012

    Hi there. I live in Greece and I have some very mild lymphedema. My PT recently released me from therapy and also released me from wearing a sleeve daily (which I had been doing since my surgery 9 months ago). She did say though that with summer coming, she would recommend that I wear the sleeve again once the summer heat starts and continue wearing it until my body is used to the change in temp. Oh, and she said to always wear it on planes. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited May 2012

    Lindathai - You should wear a sleeve on any flight no matter how long. It's not the length of the flight but the change in cabin pressure that can makes LE flare up. Also do MLD before and during the flight. Drink water. LE knows no boundaries. You can be 1 month, 1 year or 10 years after surgery and get LE - not fair but that's the way it is.

    Good luck on your adventures.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2012

    Just came back from my first flights since I am at risk for Lymphedema.  My Lymphedema Therapist believes it is better to wrap your arm than wear a compression sleeve.  She also indicated that if you have a 3 hour flight, wear the compression wrap 3 hours after flight as well.

    I had no trouble flying.  The wrap brought up some interesting conversations especially with other BC Survivors who knew immediately what I was dealing with.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited June 2012

    If you have no LE, it is still a matter of debate whether you should compress while flying. I was advised against it, but I feel like the advice is beginning to tip the other way.

    The first sleeve I was given "for emergencies" by my LE had a poor fit, If I had worn it I wonder if I would have done more harm then good. I can't imagine getting custom if you have no LE though.

    That being said, I wish I had been wearing when I packed and moved, which triggered my first flare.

    I guess if you feel you have garments that are a good fit, it's a reasonable idea.

    I still think for some the silverwave bi-lat might be a good preventative sleeve because of the ripples,and the flexible fit, but I know Binney has some concerns about the design.

    I would also want to have a good glove.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited June 2012

    Yup: w/o a glove fluid will get trapped in fingers and hand---where it is a devil to move out!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2012

    That was one benefit of wrapping my arm instead of wearing a sleeve.  If you wrap correctly, it moves the fluid upward and doesn't go down to your hand and fingers.  I didn't have to wrap hand or fingers and all was well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories