​No lymphedema, so why compression sleeve for air travel?

I never use one, and was advised by my LANA-certified physical therapist that she never recommends one for those who do not yet have any symptoms of lymphedema. I've flown quite a few times since my surgery, including to the UK last summer, with no issues.

I've been on several international flights after dx and stopped wearing it a few years ago. I went to China last year and had no problems. There are some mixed ideas about the value of those sleeves now. But, my insurance did cover the cost, so it was just the inconvenience that factored into my decision.

I've never used one.

My lymphedema specialist told me that there is debate to whether flying increases your risk of developing LE, or if it’s more lugging heavy suitcases around and lifting them up over your head to put in the overhead bin. She recommends I wear one when I fly just in case. Insurance covered 90% of mine with a prescription from my surgeon.

viewfinder - you can use the professional's measurements and compression level to purchase products online, you are not required to use whoever does those measurements for purchase, particularly if your insurance does not cover the garments. I would have the fitting done but not necessarily purchase from them - their prices seem exorbitant. If you can wear an "off the shelf" size it is easy to order a sleeve and hand protection (gauntlet or glove) online from a reputable source. My Juzo sleeve is about $60, Juzo gauntlet is approx. $20, so less than $100 for both, and you should not wear a sleeve without hand protection as swelling is difficult to control if it forms in the hand. Your link is who I would purchase from online - I don't need to do this because insurance covers my garments, but the linked site has the exact same product I use the Soft 2000. The place I get my garments charges the same price as the linked site.

I consulted with a lymphedema therapist and she said there is no evidence supporting use of a compression garment when flying. Her recommendation was to stay hydrated and move often when flying.

There really is a lack of proper studies, and many physical therapists are not specifically trained in preventing/treating lymphedema. Here are a few studies regarding the topic:

https://www.clinical-breast-cancer.com/article/S1526-8209(17)30605-5/pdf

"air travel was not adversely associated with the development of lymphedema"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28976793

"Multivariable analysis demonstrated that having a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 at the time of breast cancer diagnosis ( P = .0404), having undergone axillary lymph node dissection ( P = .0464), and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy ( P = .0161) were significantly associated with increased arm volume. Conclusion Blood pressure readings, blood draws, injections, and number or duration of flights were not significantly associated with increases in arm volume in this cohort."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26644530

"In 3,041 measurements, there was no significant association between relative volume change or weight-adjusted change increase and undergoing one or more blood draws (P = .62), injections (P = .77), number of flights (one or two [P = .77] and three or more [P = .91] v none), or duration of flights (1 to 12 hours [P = .43] and 12 hours or more [P = .54] v none). By multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with increases in arm volume included body mass index ≥ 25 (P = .0236), axillary lymph node dissection (P < .001), regional lymph node irradiation (P = .0364), and cellulitis (P < .001)."

This article was one my LANA-certified therapist (who has published articles on step up speak out) cited when she said she doesn't recommend a sleeve:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14965648/

"There was no significant difference in lymphoedema rates for fliers (11.2%) and non-fliers (8.3%). No woman reported permanent (new or increased) swelling after flying. Of the nine reporting temporary swelling, six reported 1-3 concurrent potential risk factors...We conclude that domestic air travel (<4.5 h) is low risk and that compression devices are possibly counterproductive."

From the first link summerangel provided above: 107 of 1189 patients (9%) with a documented history of air travel developed lymphedema compared with 204 of 2356 patients (8.7%) who had not flown... This was a statement in the abstract - the full report is behind a paywall.

Keep in mind that an extremity can have subclinical LE [fluid is present but not reflected by measurements]!

A cursory reading of the literature might lead one who has just a single risk factor to ask “Could I end up in the 9-11% after flying?”

The first time I traveled by air after surgery and chemo, I wore a hat, a heavy prosthetic breast form, and a compression sleeve and glove. For someone who loves to skinny-dip in lakes and rivers and can barely wear a watch because its presence is annoying, this amount of bodily "interference" was almost intolerable. I thought I was going to have a panic attack, rip everything off, and run screaming, bald and naked, around the plane.

Whew. Well, the hat and prosthesis are in my rear-view mirror, and although I might have a tiny bit of LE, my arm is more fat than swollen. I haven't worn a compression sleeve since 2012, and before I retired I logged a lot of air miles. My arm never seemed to be aware that it had left the ground.

I had ALND with 20 nodes removed, and I never wear a sleeve or anything when I fly. I just move my arm around a bit to keep things circulating. I've flown at least 20 times since surgery and radiation, and I've been fine.

I've heard that people who are more prone to swelling are more likely to get lymphadema. I've never been a sweller so I just don't worry about it. I know; easier said than done! Good luck!

For starters, unless you have had all lymph nodes removed, you are highly unlikely to need a sleeve, on the ground or in the air. I’ve had all my nodes removed from the Mx side arm and fly long distances (16 hours) regularly. Never had the hint of Lymphedema despite not wearing a sleeve. On the ground, I’m scrupulous about keeping that arm bite or scratch free.

I have lymphedema. I have seen numerous therapists since the onset in 2003, which happened immediately after my lumpectomy. I had the whole fat pad, with 24 nodes, removed.

For years I wore compression garments custom made in Germany. I had issues with fit compounded by shoulder problems which resulted in the total replacement of both shoulders.

My son wants us to fly to their house for a visit this summer. They live far from us, drive takes us two long days. (12+ hours). I have four doctor appointments the month he wants us to visit.

Is there a topic for flying for those with lymphedema? I didn't see one. I'm scared to fly, but I am scared to drive too. My husband has health issues too, so I do all the driving. I'm recovering from mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. My first day back to work in almost 4 months, is Monday. I just started taking Letrozole a couple of weeks ago. No issues yet, too early. Talk about feeling pressure! I haven't seen my oldest grandchild in over a year, and have not seen our newest grandchild, so I really want to go!

I would definitely wear a garment, if I even have one that fits! Not sure which of my doctors to ask about this. I kind of think I would be better off bumping my doctor visit back a week or two and driving out to see my son. I really hate putting out the money for airfare and have to cancel. Also, driving gives us more flexibility.

viewfinder,

I am aware that lymphadema can show up at a later date. Like ruthbru, I do take some precautions. For example, I have my blood pressure, IVs, needles, shots, etc., done on my left arm. I also use my left arm for heavy lifting, when possible. I have visited my radiation oncologist yearly after radiation. He's the one that had my arm measured before radiation and who was particularly concerned about my chances of lymphadema. He says that if I don't have it now, my chances of getting it are pretty low. So, I'm good. Good luck!

Ruthbru, that's a great list. However, I'd question the need to worry about blood pressure testing to the affected arm, since it's only some compression and it is arm compression that is the prophylactic solution to avoiding LE.