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Re: Lymphedema & Flying

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Posted by Betsy Mullen on 3/25/2000 from 152.163.204.191:
In reply to: Lymphedema & Flying posted by Pam Lachowitzer on 3/16/2000 from 128.101.50.67:
Hello, Pam, it is great to hear from you again. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, I am on the road, and the Internet has been problematic in posting my reply to your question. Let's hope this format works! Once I know that you have received this e-mail, I will try again to post my response on our message board (www.winabc.org) for others to read, as you raise a very important question. Thank you!

There is a great new book that I highly recommend entitled "Lymphedema: A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing", 1999, authors: Jeannie Burt and Gwen White, P.T., Hunter House Publishing, ISBN #0-89793-264-1. You can purchase this book through the bookstore on our web site via Amazon.com.

I used this book as a resource in addressing your questions and concerns. I also drew upon my personal experience and I hope the following insight is helpful.

1. Stay in tune with your body.
2. Think ahead.

Swelling can be very subtle and heat can contribute to lymphedema. When I start noticing that my rings are getting tight or that my body is overheating, I take notice and take action.

Heat can have a negative impact on our lymphatic system, so climates and seasons are something to take into consideration when planning travel -- if you have the luxury of planning ahead. When I am traveling (which is very often), I try to wear loose-fitting clothes and jewelry and do not wear rings. If I can get away with it, I do not wear a bra, either.

My surgeon "trained" me years ago to keep a full and current (always keep track of expiration dates on your medications) prescription of the appropriate antibiotic on hand in your home and with you when you travel, especially if you are prone to getting infections.

As soon as I board a plane, I ask the stewardess for one of those airline pillows to help support my lower back, and when I drive long distances, I use a lumbar support pillow (and chose my last new car with lumbar supports built into the seats). Maintaining a good posture and staying mobile are helpful in preventing lymphedema. Take breaks to get out of the car to stretch and move around on road trips, and get up and move around the cabin (when safe) when flying. Focus on your neck, shoulders and arm(s) when practicing your mobility exercises. Good abdominal breathing is also beneficial to a well-functioning immune system. WIN ABC has published some easy-to-do abdominal breathing exercises in our Breast Buddy Volunteer Curriculum that we will be happy to send to you. Just give our office a call at (626) 332-2255 or e-mail WIN with a request and we will be more than happy to send you this information. Stretching, mobility exercises and practicing good abdominal breathing exercises are activities we should all engage in on a regular basis regardless of whether or not we are traveling.

When you are traveling via airplane, the change in cabin pressure while you are flying can indeed cause your hand(s) and arm(s) to swell. It happens to me all of the time. The swelling, in my case is usually subtle, but I take it seriously. You are absolutely right -- wearing a support garment and/or short stretch bandages can be helpful (like Ace bandages but NOT ace/athletic bandages).

Avoiding beverages with caffeine and keeping yourself well-hydrated with good old-fashioned water is always a good idea and can help keep our lymphatic systems in good working order.

I also try to remain aware and plan ahead so that I do not travel with heavy suitcases or packages that I will have to lift. Suitcases on wheels are great. Try to not carry bags with your arm down, and try to avoid wearing baggage or purses w/ shoulder straps on your affects arm/shoulder. If you can check your baggage curbside -- do it! If not, try to get a baggage clerk to help you or use one of those airport carts that are usually $1.00 - $1.50 to throw your baggage in when you go to check it at the counter and when you pick it up.

Also, when you travel, pack yourself some healthy snacks to munch on, because our lymphatic system is an integral part of our immune system, and we need to jeep them well-nourished.

I hope that this information and feedback help! Please let us know how you are doing. Have a safe trip -- I hope it is a pleasure trip for you!

Best regards,
Betsy
Betsy Mullen
President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer
www.winabc.org
(626) 332-2255