Good Morning Everyone
I'm going away soon for a break in Europe, I'm a tad worried and concerned that I may not be able to wear my grade 4 compression stockings. Especially after reading a few posts written by some of you previously, as some have had issues with going through scanning machines (can't remember the correct word). If anyone has any advice regarding my concern I would be grateful. Thanks in advance
You should be fine. If you are flying, make the check in desk aware that you are wearing medical compression garments, and also, make a bee line for a security officer when you go through the boarding channels, and tell him/her that you are wearing medical compression.
If you are going by ferry, likewise, make any security personnel aware that you are wearing medical compression.
If you tell them before getting to the scanners, then it shouldn't be an issue.
Thx you Lynora, for your response. It's much appreciated and you've put my mind at rest too.
This is good advice. I didnt think to do that when I traveled and my affected leg was patted down each time.
You should be ok... Lynora gave good advice. I fly to Europe and America a handful of times per year, I have never had a problem - I wear compression garments (flat-knit and wraps) on all four limbs as well as on my trunk up to my neck. I’m always patted down as the sewn-in rubber lymph pads and wraps come up on the scanning machines as something suspicious. I have only been asked to remove my garments once, by security in the US. In that instance I politely stated I would not remove any of my garments as they are a medical necessity, and would therefore speak to the Security duty manager if they weren’t satisfied with the checks already completed. In the end they decided to let me go through without getting the DM involved who was in another part of the airport. I make clear when the officers ask me what the garments are that it’s medically necessary compression. I always carry a letter from my GP but have never had to show it. Give yourself extra time for security as it can be wait for the security pat-down due to a queue! Cat xx
Thx you CCT67, it's been playing on mind a lot,I'm almost tempted not to wear them in the airport and only whilst away. I've been having nightmares thinking about it. I know it's crazy but even in everyday life, people's reactions as I explain what Lymphoedema is and why I need to wear compression stockings is daunting and makes feel anxious
Applekenke, I hear your reservations/anxiety about flying... However if there is one piece of advice you take on board when it comes to air travel: it’s absolutely imperative you wear your compression!!!!! Air travel wreaks havoc on everybody’s lymphatics and since our lymphatics are impaired the worst thing we can do is not protect our lymphie limbs from the effects of altitude and cabin pressurisation. You could regret it SO much if you don’t wear your garments; and not wearing them in flight may end up ruining your holiday. (I’ve read in other lymphie support forms where compression wasn’t worn when flying and they hugely regretted that decision). It’s really best not to put them on in the airport right before you fly but you could do. The reason for wearing them from the morning onwards as you would ordinarily, ie before getting to the airport is, compression supports your lymphie limb through the lifting of heavy suitcases etc and from being knocked by others in the airport. It’s the best protection from all the possible risks of being in a crowded location full of hurried, stressed people.
Your lymphie health and protecting your limb from effects of air travel is the most important thing particularly as you’re heading off on holiday, you want to relax and enjoy, so don’t fret about security - you will be fine, really you will. Your lymphie health is worth a bit of security agro. However it’s highly unlikely you will have security issues apart from a quick pat down by a female security officer xx
If you want to to further understand how cabin pressure and altitude impact on our lymphatics as lymphies here’s a great explanation!
lymphedemablog.com/2015/04/...
Yes CCT67, you're very right,I definitely do need to wear them and own the fact that I need my compression stockings. I will be wearing them when I travel. Thank you very much for your caring response.🙂
It’s very practically and emotionally burdensome at times (nearly all of the time for many of us) having Lymphoedema and it’s many self-care/ treatment requirements.
Safe lymphie travels, enjoy your hols 😊 xx
Thank you very much CCT67 for the article it was very informative. Anxiety aside, I will definitely try to have a great holiday.
I can’t win either way, as if I don’t wear the compression, the large bulges on my legs come up on the scanner looking like I am smuggling something!! Wear it and explain, don’t worry, they have seen it all before
Thx you very much for your response, Keeping.
Applekenke, I hear your reservations/anxiety about flying... However if there is one piece of advice you take on board when it comes to air travel: it’s absolutely imperative you wear your compression!!!!! Air travel wreaks havoc on everybody’s lymphatics and since our lymphatics are impaired the worst thing we can do is not protect our lymphie limbs from the effects of altitude and cabin pressurisation. You could regret it SO much if you don’t wear your garments; and not wearing them in flight may end up ruining your holiday. (I’ve read in other lymphie support forms where compression wasn’t worn when flying and they hugely regretted that decision). It’s really best not to put them on in the airport right before you fly but you could do. The reason for wearing them from the morning onwards as you would ordinarily, ie before getting to the airport is, compression supports your lymphie limb through the lifting of heavy suitcases etc and from being knocked by others in the airport. It’s the best protection from all the possible risks of being in a crowded location full of hurried, stressed people.
Your lymphie health and protecting your limb from effects of air travel is the most important thing particularly as you’re heading off on holiday, you want to relax and enjoy, so don’t fret about security - you will be fine, really you will. Your lymphie health is worth a bit of security agro. However it’s highly unlikely you will have security issues apart from a quick pat down by a female security officer xx
If you want to to further understand how cabin pressure and altitude impacts our lymphatics here’s a detailed explanation!
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