Travel w pump

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bhd1
bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

do you take your le pump along when you fly?  Carry on?  Any problems w security?

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Comments

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    I have not flown since I got my FlexiTouch but I have checked on being able to 'carry on' .  It is a 'medical devise' so can be carried on and not count as a carry on from all I've found/seen so far.   I use it daily so of course I need it daily so goes with me Anywgere/anytime time I'm not going to be home overnight (I usually use it in morning - especially during winter at the same time I use my light box.  Would I 'check it' - NO!  

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    Can I ask, how big is it and what does it weigh?

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    Don't know. I get it tomorrow

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    The unit itself is probably about 4" X 9" X 9" (give or take less than an inch).Weight - maybe 3 lbs?  The garment size/space would be dependant on the size you need (I'm 'smaller').  I can fit mine in a backpack the size most kids carry to school daily.   

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    kicks,

    It sounds like a great device for those who travel.

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    kicks have you flown w the 

    Ump?

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    Musical - FlexiTouch is not for 'traveling' - it's for daily use at home but also easily taken when .traveling.  

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    OK I meant portability-wise from one location to another where you would set it up in a hotel room or relatives place, (where theres a bed),  right? or do they take a while to set up?

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2014

    Flexi has an information sheet about traveling with it--or at least they used to. I tossed mine because I don't take it with me when I travel. You might call and ask them to send you one.
    Hugs,
    Binney

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    A minute or less to 'set it up'.    The box/brain (approx 4" x 9" x 9")  is already programmed so just sit it wherever you want it, plug into electric, clip in the 4 hoses that are connected to the garments (they're numbered so go in the right place) and it's ready for you to put on the garments when you're ready to run it.  Same goes for packing it away to leave - disconnect the 4 hoses and it's ready to go in carrier.  I haven't flown with mine but have traveled with it often - no problems at all.  

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    how about airport security?  

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    Im not actually looking to get one of these but I AM curious. You never know.... One reason Id hold off I could safely triple the price you guys pay in the US for one of these. 

    bhd, youd hope they wouldn't interfere with the device through the airports surely? I do hear you guys have real issues going through airports now.

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2014

    Every airport is supposed to have one security supervisor designated to help people with special needs through the process. If I were planning to take my pump by plane I'd sure call ahead and request their help. Just makes it easier and less stressful. As Kicks pointed out, you're allowed one carry-on for medical supplies besides the normal carry-on that everyone is allowed, so I'd assume they're familiar with having to check medical gear (though you don't want to assume too much where the TSA is concerned.)

    Happy travels!
    Binney

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    turns out i did not get the pump today.  They brought out a pump and a sleeve. I need a vest and sleeve because I have truncal   and arm le.  They said i have to have 20 more visits  w the therepist in order to qualify for the vest .  Oi

    More red tape

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    A year ago DIL flew here for a Retreat she and I were going to and she had no problem getting her medical device through screening either coming or going.  It wasn't an MLD machine but did have part that used generated compression for a work injury.  As I said, she had no problem getting it through Security and she had her carry on also.

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    bhd1 - Are you sure you're dealing with FlexiTouch and not some other manufacturer - there are several?  

    I can only go off my experiences with FlexiTouch but that does not sound at all like anything I was told or experienced.

    I only have arm LE (primarily elbow area)  but there was never any question about me having the 3 sections/garments needed to simulate MLD.  As explained to me by my CLET (and the company rep), to properly do MLD you have to 'empty' (not the greatest word but the best I can think of right now) the 'healthy' nodes on body to be 'ready' for the fluid being moved manually/mechanically from the effected areas (has to have somewhere to go).    Thus the upper leg/lower body are massaged first, then the chest/upper body, and moving to upper arm, mid arm and lower arm/hand.    Doing these isolated areas takes 1/2 hr of the program.   The next 1/2 hr, it runs in a continual massage from hand, up arm, over chest and down to lower body/upper leg.  This is continual and as soon as it moves to lower body it starts at hand immediately again, over and over til it shuts off. (I never counted how many times it does the cycle but it's a lot.)

     My FlexiTouch was delivered to me at  an appt with my CLET guy.  You might want to check with your CLET and see what was written on the request.  Also check with your insurance company on their poli.  You also might want to call FlexiTouch and talk with a specialist there - I've called several times and they are great to deal with. 

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    thank you kicks.  It is ok.  Just some paperwork and maybe  a few more visits to therepist (not  20  like they said this morning).0  I appreciate your help though

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    Glad you got some info/answers!  Now, you are better 'armed' for the 'fight' we each have to fight for what is what 'works' for us - not what someone else says is 'right'.  

    Always remember - "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" so we have to 'squeak' for ourselves.

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    is there a case for the pump when you travel?

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    Kicks that was a great explanation of how this works. Thankyou.

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2014

    I have never seen a case designed exclusively for a FlexiTouch unit and garments.  I use a 'gym bag' now though I have used a backpack in the past.  Basically - whatever it all fits in.   The garments  are on the bulky side so the larger you need - the more bulk to go in a bag/case. 

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    thank you for your keen attention and responses today .  I appreciate the support

  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited February 2014

    Last week, I missed a day using my Flexitouch for the first time since getting it in November (partially because I made a hospital visit to someone having a mastectomy for BC). Began to think about our upcoming plane trip and whether I should try and bring it, then this thread pops up! 

    Hubby carries on a CPAP unit which is much smaller & lighter. Airport security must see a lot of those  - it's usually not a problem. We even used a voltage converter with his machine in the UK last year: another consideration if you're going abroad.

    Curiously, my insurance gave prior approval, then when the bill was sent by Tactile Systems, they refused to pay. For that and other reasons, I'm inclined to leave it at home. What if I dropped or damaged it?

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2014

    barb, when you asked about a carry case for the Flexi, I checked with Tactile Systems (who makes the Flexitouch) and just received this reply--lots of good points, especially about foreign travel:

    Traveling with your Flexitouch

    We recommend that the safest way to travel with your Flexitouch controller is as a ‘carry on.’ Our traveling sales representatives frequently use a small hard-side travel suitcase with handle and wheels.

    You may safely pack and check your garments in your luggage.

    Security Issues: Here is a DOT document regarding USA Consumer Protection. Overseas traveling: We cannot speak to customs issues regarding traveling with the device, as these are dependent on what countries you are visiting.

    You may want to bring your Flexitouch System User Guideto help explain the Flexitouch system.

    Overseas destinations: The controller will need a plug adapter for the country you are traveling to.

    Websites such as www.tsa.gov or the equivalent agency in your destination country may be able to give you more information.

    The following is a link to the FDA’s website to show that the Flexitouch system has been cleared to market in the US:http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf6/K062818.pdf

    This may be helpful to prove that the device is acceptable to re-enter the US and is safe to take aboard the plane.

    Have a wonderful trip!

    Sharon Sullivan

    Patient Services Representative

    Flexitouch System

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2014

    barb, over the Holidays we had a generally disappointing travel experience, only partly due to the LE. I agree with Kicks, whose mantra is that we can do anything we put our minds to, LE be hanged. But the truth is we never really get a vacation from the rotten condition, and we always need to take it into account--like deciding whether or not to pack along the pump, and how to pack it, and what will convince the TSA folks that it's not some new-fangled incendiary device. No free rides with LE, but the joy is that we do get to choose what and how much we want to put up with. I wrote a bit about my own Holiday choices and experience at an on-line literary magazine; it's here if you'd like to read it:
    http://www.literarymama.com/columns/seniormama/arc…

    Hugs,
    Binney

  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited February 2014

    Binney, I just love that article.  I'm so glad you posted a link to it here!

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited February 2014

    thanks for the article binney

  • mcgis
    mcgis Member Posts: 291
    edited May 2014

    I have a biocompression pump and at the bottom of this page is what they said:  http://www.biocompression.com/FAQ.aspx#q16

    I'm thinking of packing my clothes around it so I can check it and not have to carry it on. 

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited May 2014

     that is very helpful info thanks

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