I know swimming is good, but.....

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AnnetteS
AnnetteS Member Posts: 180
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I'm a little anxious about this summer.  We have  trips planned to places where it is quite hot, (Nevada, Arizona and Tennessee) and where there will be water in the form of lakes, rivers and pools.  I know that swimming is great and I don't need compression.  I am afraid the hot weather (and maybe the humidity in Tenn?) might aggrevate my LE so I feel I need compression out of the water. 

We tend to go in and out of the water quite often.  I cannot imagine trying to get my sleeve on and off through out the day, especially when I am hot and sweaty.  

Should I wear my sleeve in the water? Or not wear a sleeve out of the water? I am not wanting to go to these miserably hot locations and not be able to go in the water......

I just realized that at the lake, I have to use my arms to pull myself out of the water and onto the boat.  I am pretty sure I should have my sleeve on for this. Is it okay to wear the sleeve in the water?  

I should have posted this in the grrrr I hate LE thread because that is exactly how I am feeling right now.

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited June 2012

    If you feel you need to use your sleeve in the water, there's no problem with that. I scuba dive and always use my sleeve when I go underwater. It dries out really fast, too. But if I'm just swimming and out in the sun, I don't tend to use my sleeve - I just put it on in the evening. I only have mild lymphoedema, though, so you may need to use yours more.



    Have a great holiday! xx

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

    Annette, do talk to your LE therapist about this. Getting a sleeve wet increases the compression, so you might want to test that out very gradually while you're still home before you do it on a vacation. That way, if your arm reacts badly to the added compression you'll have your therapist's help to keep things back in control.

    Nevada is likely to be dry, so wet garments will dry quickly. The Arizona desert areas stay extremely hot throughout the summer, but starting in early July the monsoons roll in, bringing humidity but no rain, and garments will take longer to dry. Tennessee will no doubt be downright muggy, so again drying time becomes an issue. If your garments stay wet too long while you're wearing them you risk infections--no good!Frown

    Lots to consider! Just do your experimenting at home beforehand, so you don't have to deal with any nasty surprises on your trip.

    Mostly, ENJOY!
    Binney

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