Need advice ASAP for flight tomorrow

Hi Caryn,

I have a lymphedema sleeve that I wear during daytime. This definitely helps with the swelling. My doctor and the lymphedema nurse recommended the sleeve during air travel.

I don't know if you can get a sleeve at a short notice. Can you buy it at any surgical supply pharmacy? They may ask for a prescription from you doctor. My insurance covers the cost of the sleeve, but it is not too expensive to buy (about $60). 

Please feel free to send me a PM.

Desi.

Ex - I'm so sorry about your sister.  If you don't have a sleeve and gauntlet now, unless you can get fitted quickly, you're probably better off without at this time.  Sleeves and gauntlets MUST be properly fitted or they can do more damage than good.  Also, you only mentioned a sleeve - sleeves should never be worn without a gauntlet or glove, or they can push the fluid down into the hand, and hand LE is very tricky.

There are better experts than I on this, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of LE during a flight.  Drink plenty of water tonight, tomorrow morning, and thoughout the flight. Hydration is important.  Avoid alcohol, caffeine and anything else that acts as a diuretic.  During the flight periodically do slow deep belly breaths.  Also periodically raise the at-risk arm above your head and slowly close and open your fist a few times.  Don't take heavy luggage - lifting can trigger LE.  Get help lifting your carryon into the over head bin.  If you must take heavy luggage, check it.  Avoid hanging a heavy purse over your affected arm or using a shoulder strap on the at risk side.

My thoughts are with you.  I am so sorry you are faced with this.

Edited to add:  I misread your OP - I read it as your sister, not your mom.  My thoughts go out to you.

exbrn~I'm really sorry about this family emergency that finds you searching for help for the flight.  Assuming you won't be able to get compression garments before you leave there are some things you can do.  No heavy lifting on your LE (lymphedema) side for sure and neither side if you can get help.  Drink lots of fluids, you need to stay really well hydrated.  Throughout the flight several times, do maybe 10 at a time, deep belly breathes.  Slowly drawing air in and releasing it the same way.  And fist pumps in the air,again, maybe 10 at a time.  Yep, you'll look kind of silly but who cares?  Sending gentle hugs. 

ok, if you can not get a sleeve and glove Kineso tape might be an option. (I have seen it in a good surgical type pharmacy)

Back when my LE was first starting I actually did a few shorter hop flights with it.

I am hoping maybe someone better than me can jump in on this....

exbrn Im so sorry what youre facing about your mum and all the best if you see this before you go. Gosh cookie thats an idea. Never thought of wrapping and Ive actually never heard anyone mention it. I wonder too if thats doable?

exbrn. Thx for getting back. Thats so good you didnt get the swelling! Im sorry to hear your mums situation.