Traveling with Lymphedema: How to travel comfortably

How to Travel Comfortably with Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling, but it doesn’t have to keep you out from enjoying new adventures and making great memories. With a bit of planning and the right strategies, you can manage symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and focus on what matters most—having a great time! Here are some practical tips to help you travel comfortably and confidently with lymphedema. Let’s dive in!

Traveling with lymphoedema: What should I do before flying?

First steps

Consult your GP and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist and talk about your travel plans and get checked to be sure there are any physical or infection risks. Also, that your limb is in its best state for traveling.
Ensure you have enough well-fitted compression sleeves, garments or stockings. These should be worn before, during and after flights (Always).
If vaccinations are needed, avoid injections in the affected limb.
If you use a compression pumping device, register it as a medical device. Get a note from your GP. This note will be required by the airport and airline authorities (because the device is part of your hand luggage, but it doesn’t count as one).
Book an aisle seat, so you can move during the flight and be more comfortable. Also look for extra space, you can choose aisle seats on the first line of each category of the airplane (the ones that have a wall in front of them).

What to package and what to do the week before the flight?

Get an extra session of MLD with your therapist 1 or 2 days before flying.
You might increase your pumping sessions. In other words, if you use your pumping device for 20m every day, you can increase it to 30m or do it in the morning and at night.
Ask your GP for a prescription of your pumping device.
Check the weather and activities you would like to do in order to plan what to wear and what type of compression you will need.
Pack your travel-size kit, in your handbag, with compression bandages, antibiotic ointment, skincare products and all the lymphoedema care essentials you may need during the flight or in case your luggage gets lost.

Luggage: what to pack

Pack different sizes of clothes, it helps if fluid retained level increases.
Daily use of compression supplies, for example: garments (for day and night), velcro wraps, sleeves, socks, etc.
Some lymphedema patients get more relief when also wearing compression garments (low grade compression) on the non affected limb. If you want to try, pack some of them.
If you use a compression pump, remember to pack an electrical adapter to charge or connect your device.

During the flight

Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows you to move, be comfortable and fresh.
Keep your shoes on during the entire flight, remember they work as a compression garment too. If not, trying to put it on later is going to be hard due to swelling.
Wear your compression garment before, during and after the flight.
Stretch and move your body every hour (to stimulate fluid flow).
Do gentle exercises: do ankle circles, lift your heels and toes alternately, and squeeze a stress ball to keep your muscles engaged.
Try to elevate your limbs. In the case of your legs, using the airline pillow, blankets, even your handbag might help.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.

After traveling

Walk (with your compression garment on) to stimulate pump activity, then, rest and elevate.
Perform self-Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Use your pumping device if you have one.
Get under cold/warm, Never hot, water (pool, sea, lake, bathtub, or get a cold shower, etc.). Cold water helps to compress.
Wear sunscreen under your garment to avoid sunburn or wear a garment rated for sun protection.
Stay hydrated and moisturized.

Traveling with Lymphedema: Keep in mind…

Altitude impacts swelling. In high altitudes (mountains and airplane cabins) pressure is less than at sea level. That is to say, less pressure means less external compression, so it might be helpful that you wear extra compression like bandages or wraps.
Don’t lift heavy luggage. Use wheeled luggage to minimise strain. If you need assistance with your carry-on or your pumping gear, ask flight attendants or fellow travelers for help.
Keep always an eye on your skin. People with lymphoedema are 71 times more prone to develop infection because their skin gets more sensitive, fragile and thin so cuts and scratches are easier to get.
Remember you are on holiday, but lymphoedema is not! so keep going with your daily care routine (movement, Lymphatic drainage, compression, and skin care).
Enjoy! And if you have any doubt, you can contact me, I´m always happy to help!

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!