Long haul flight ~ compression sleeve?

I have lymphedema (mild does not bother me much) I always wear compression sleeves as a precaution. My PT said to do so and I always sit on the outside so I can strech my lymphedema arm.

hi tigger,

For what it is worth, most oncs and PS know zip about LE, and/or minimize it. Do wear your sleeve. There are great resources in the LE forum, with links to guidelines for travel.

my fitter told me the biggest mistake women make is to NOT wear their sleeve during flights. I am flying soon too and will be doing all my LE prevention.

Safe travels

Medical device companies can measure you and fit you, or if you have a LE PT they can measure you, determine level of compression that is appropriate, and you can order off the internet if you feel confident about it.  I found that even the same size and compression level differed between companies - my first sets of compression had to be exchanged for another manufacturer because they were too tight.  Also, don't wear a sleeve without hand protection - it can force swelling down into your hand which can be difficult to get rid of.  You should always wear a gauntlet or glove with your sleeve.

I had No issues on a round trip about two hours in length. Then flew Germany to LA for RT ( long story), and had no issues with that either. Surgeon pulled 3 nodes he thought, was the group of nodes that "lit up" with the tracer. 26/30 rads done and so far no LE. Good luck with your trips!!

OK I am going to throw something out there. If you don't have LE and have never worn a sleeve, a long flight is a poor time to start.

The first sleeve I was given did not fit at all, but I did not even realize it since I didn't wear sleeves.

Then you have the whole glove issue, gauntlets don't work for me.

So I guess I am saying, you could actually do yourself some harm flying with a poorly fitted sleeve.

Tigger - I think you should have your BS give you a recommend for a physical therapist who specializes in LE. My BS, PS & MO all pooh-poohed LE as something rare & we know that's not true. From my own research, I insisted on an LE consult after BMX. I had to take a short flight so got sleeves & gauntlets fitted at a medical supply store. They were not custom "made to measure" but they did take some time to find what I needed from their 'ready to wear' stock. I always wore them on planes even though I just mild truncal LE on one side after SLND. Then 2 years later I had ALND surgery with a recurrence. This time after radiation I went to an LEPT who taught me what I need to know. Fortunately my LE is still only truncal (although now the other side) but serious enough that I have to wear a compression bra 98% of the time. She ordered custom "made to measure" sleeves & gauntlets and would like to see me wear them much more than I do - again as a preventative - but at least I do wear them with repetitive exercise and always when I fly.

Mine said for me, with no LE, short flights or even trans-US flights with transfers wouldn't require a sleeve, but for non-stops and international flights I should use it prophylactically. On all flights I should do anti-LE hand/arm activities, hydrate, and get up/move around periodically; I should always have the sleeves with me. This was advice for me based on my circumstances and multiple physical evaluations and may not be adequate for others' needs--I report it to affirm that not all LE specialists recommend sleeves for all patients.

I'll also say that most people I know who had lumpectomies with SLNs got no LE education, including the fact that LE exists. My mother has been flying around for 5 years with no idea that there could be any risk, and hasn't developed LE. Not saying that's a good idea, but that there are a lot of people taking no precautions.

Tigger:  you must do what you feel most comfortable with.  I was afraid of developing LE, so despite having only 6 nodes removed, I got a sleeve and gauntlet, cuz I figured an ounce of prevention and all that.    I have developed LE,, it was not due to flying,, but I did get it, despite being low risk.  If you are concerned, you should get a RX from one of your doctors (cause sometimes insurance will pay for sleeves and gauntlets if you have an RX) and find a fitter and get the garments.  You may also want to go over to the lymphedema forum here, as there are a few threads about this subject.

Have fun on your trips!!