Arm lymphedema

[Patent]

I am presently being treated for my arm lymphedema with antibiotics and bandaging. There was an infection in my arm that resulted in swelling. I had planned a trip and will be flying and I am very concerned about further damage. Can anyone advise?

[Lynora]

Talk to your treating therapist. She should be able to advise you on how to look after yourself during travel. Are you intending to do a long-haul flight? Going somewhere exotic and hot? It may be a precaution to ask your doctor to prescribe some anti-biotics to take with you, so that you have them on hand to take the minute you suspect there could be possible infection setting in. It can happen - but mainly doesn't, however it is very reassuring to have stuff on hand. The LSN have an excellent leaflet about Travel with lymphoedema - give them a call and ask for a copy. Where are you going??

[razza]

Yes - exactly what Lynora said.

i have left arm lymphoedema - and i went on a 3.5 hour flight to teneriffe last year. you MUST wear bandaging / sleeve when flying. and wear your sleeve the whole time you are there (except in bed).

[Hidden]

I went to California last year and was a little worried about flying with my right arm lymphoedema. I had no problems at all. I made sure I wore my compression sleeve all the time except in bed and did exercises on the plane (as most people do anyway on long haul flights so you do not feel out of place). As Lynora states, it is best to travel with antibiotics in case of an infection and do read the leaflet from LSN, Enjoy your holiday.

[lovesradio]

See all other posts as they are all spot on and enjoy your holiday. LSN also supply a card that you can take with you that explains in 3 languages that you have lymphoedema in the affected limb and should not have any treatment (injections, bp readings and the like) in it. Could be useful if you need any treatment while on holiday.

[Andy13]

Agree with all the earlier post, excellent advise. Also make sure your lymphodema is covered on your travel insurance, this usually means declaring it as a pre existing medical condition. This need not cost a lot extra, I just did it on an annual travel insurance policy and the extra cost was just £3 for I year European cover. Also if travelling in Europe don't forget your European health insurance card (EHIC). You can order theses on line, cost nothing, or next to nothing, and give you access to EU health care often at zero cost e.g. I once spent 5 days in a French hospital having got cellulitis while on holiday and it cost me nothing, I just showed my EHIC card, job done.