Plane trip, high altitude destination, and panic about LE!

BlueCowgirl:  Don't panic.  That won't help.  Have you been wrapping while waiting on sleeve?  If so, you may want to fly wrapped.  I don't know why a window seat.  Someone else may know.  I would want my affected arm where you can pump it frequently.  Drink a lot of water.  Take deep cleansing breaths.  Even do a little MLD or the neck exercises if possible.  I am sure Binney or Kira or someone else will come along and give you some good advice.  Becky

I got a sleeve for flying. My LE therapist who prescribed it (I don't yet have LE) told me to wear it for as many hours before and after the flight as the flight is long.  For a trip to Europe, I wore it for 10 hours prior to flight time, through the flight, and for 10 hours after.  It does get hot (thank you, hot flashes), and by the end, that area between thumb and forefinger was really sore.  But no problems.

I can't speak for the window seat (?!?) or the arm raising, but regularly massaging it is what we're supposed to do all the time, so it can't hurt.

Just a friendly reminder: having had surgery (many of us MX), you are at increased risk for blood clot, so be sure to get up and move around.

Have a great trip!

Bluecowgirl, how wonderful that you'll be getting away for a bit! And a high altitude will be summer-time comfortable too (unless it's Colorado at the moment--hope they get on top of those fires real quick!)

I think Becky and o2b have covered everything. Flying wrapped is the gold standard. Explaining it to the TSA people can take a little extra time, so give yourself wiggle room. Some women find it easier to wrap after they get through security. Staying well-hydrated can be a trick--maybe tell the flight attendants as you board that you have a medical condition that requires you to stay well hydrated, so they can keep you supplied. (Side benefit of that is that you end up having to use the bathroom, so you get to stretch your legs.) Be careful about lugging, lifting, and jerking your luggage around, not only on the trip but at home packing as well. Take an extra set of bandages (in your carry-on so they don't get lost) so you can wrap as needed.

So many women here have been battling cellulitis this summer, some while on vacation. You might ask any one of the doctors on your team to give you a prescription for an oral antibiotic (filled and carried with you), so if you have problems you can start it right away. If you do that make sure you understand your doctor's instructions for when to start them and how to contact him if you do.

It's a bummer to have to make so many plans around this stupid condition, but doing the preliminary work up front gives you the freedom to relax and enjoy the trip.

Bon voyage! Let us know how it goes,
Binney

Wow, BlueCowgirl -- no wonder you're "blue"! And then to add LE worries to it...

Nope, can't learn to wrap before you go. Much too complicated to learn without good help from your therapist. Sooooo...change of plans! Get yourself to a sports store (or Target) and get a long-sleeved UnderArmour-type sportshirt in a size smaller than you'd normally wear. Turn it inside out so the stupid seams don't aggravate your skin. (There are some that are made of a moisture-wicking fabric so you don't end up soaked with sweat--good thing is that planes are often cool!) Then call around and find somebody who carries Isotoner therapeutic gloves and pick up a pair for the trip. Use for the plane and as needed once you get there.

You'll still need to stay well hydrated, stretch and exercise your arms gently and frequently, be super-careful about tugging your baggage around, do some deep abdominal breathing as often as you think of it, and elevate your arm supported whenever you can (on pillows at night).

If you're prepariing your farm for sale you're going to have to be careful about straining your arm. Rest it the minute it gets achy or tired, even if it's inconvenient. And you really do want to have that prescription filled and along with you.

I'm so sorry for all the loss and pain, and you'll certainly be on my mind in the days ahead. Please keep us posted as you're able, and tell us how we can help.

Gentle hugs,
Binney

BlueCowgirl, when you get them, check them carefully for good fit. Here's information about that:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

Wear them for an hour or so and see how your arm reacts. If all's well, try it for a bit longer. Keep checking for redness (commonly in the elbow bend or between thumb and first finger) or for aching or new swelling, and don't wear them if anything like that appears.

Hoping they arrive tomorrow, early, and fit like a dream!
Binney

It is not the altitude of a place , it is the plane pressure when flying, it is a good idea to wear the sleeve. This was explained by my surgeon.

I travel often to a city in the Andes mountains , it is a long flight 14 to 16 hours, I wear my sleeve, but in the city that is 12.000 feet high, I do not wear one.

I have not had any problem , lucky me, with lymph edema, I had 18 lymph nodes removed 20 years ago.

One more suggestion for you!  I have not been trained to wrap so I wear my Jovi quilted night sleeve (aka the ovenmitt) with the black power sleeve (more compression) while flying. 

NO! Your therapist is right that compression garments aren't exactly comfortable, but they shouldn't hurt. Achy and sore isn't right, especially not after 10 minutes. If you've got a sportshirt, wear it, and go with the deep breathing, staying well hydrated, and gently stretching and moving your arm often. If you have trouble once you get there, elevate as much as possible, and look into a smaller long-sleeved sport shirt worn inside out (so the seams won't irritate). Even if things get out of hand, working with your therapist once you're back home will get it back in control.

Do the best you can, and then try not to stress over it. All you can do it what you can do. If you'll have access to a computer do come tell us if we can help!

Gentle hugs, and safe travels,
Binney

Binney, you are one amazing woman.  I learned so much from you and Kira.  My hearty thanks to all of you here, I hope all the wonderful advice will keep us in good shape for a long time.

I will say, I freaked the first few times I wore my sleeve.  Seemed like my fingers were engorged, and I was freaking out.  They do stretch with a few uses.  I use my ring as measurement, hardly scientific, but it does help me gauge what's going on during flight.  I also know that rings are not advised for those with active LE, or at least I think so.

Another piece of advice--don't eat the airplane food.  It is very high sodium, and can also aggravate your LE or risk of developing it.

BlueCowgirl, my heart goes out to you.  It is so unfair what many of us are asked to take on all at the same time, and I hope karmic retribution is yours soon!