Hi both
I’ve never been prescribed anti-coagulants for flying. I finished chemotherapy about 7 weeks ago and am now on monthly Faslodex (similar action to Tamoxifen, I’ve been told), so I imagine my situation is similar to yours in some ways, purplefleece.
I wear flight socks, eat a load of oily fish the day before I go and nick a few of OH’s anti-stroke aspirin to take before, during and after the flight.
I have bilateral lymphoedema…why haven’t you been given a sleeve and maybe a compression top, too, by your local lymphoedema service, purplefleece?
It’s probably too late to get the NHS to fire for you before you go, but here’s a few other suggestions…
Nonny (hope you don’t mind me copying it and reposting it here, Nonny) wrote this a little while ago about Activa sleeves on another lymphoedema thread on this site:
‘Just thought I’d jump in on this one. I had a bilateral mastectomy and full amillary clearance on the right side followed by radiotherapy on that side including the axilla. I asked my Breast Care Nurse about lymphoedema and she gave me the name ‘Activa Support’ which I looked up on the Internet. I had read advice about wearing a support sleeve when flying and when doing activities such as ironing, lifting and gardening. Having had Chemotherapy I was already at a higher risk of DVT so always wore travel socks as I do a lot of flying (internal as well as Europe, not long haul) I thought it would be a good idea to get fitted. I saw my GP and he agreed with me and referred me to our Lymphoedema Clinic where I was told they did not supply sleeves as a preventative measure, you have to wait until you have already developed lymphoedema! So I got measured (you can download the instructions of how to take measurements and the sizes and types of sleeves from Activa website) and purchased my own sleeve from Lloyds Chemist, £28.68 I think it was. I don’t want lymphoedema and will do all I can to prevent it’.
Or, if you can get to see a private lymphoedema therapist (mlduk.org.uk will enable you to find your nearest), she should be able to order a sleeve for you that will arrive in time. My last order from Haddenhams came only two days after the order was placed.
You could also try lessbounce.com for a bra that might help with the truncal lymphoedema. I e-mailed them first and explained my needs and they were very helpful - and delivery was quick, too. Haddenhams Healthcare also sell suitable bras on their website. Just two I can think of quickly.
I’ve never found that flying has particularly aggravated my lymphoedema, but I’ve always had a sleeve to wear on flights.
I’m actually off to NZ shortly. I’ll wear my newest sleeves for the flight, drink plenty of water and keep as active as possible (never easy on an aeroplane, but drinking plenty of water will keep me going to the loo!,; I’ve been told even sitting in your seat, flexing your calves and rolling your shoulders will help to keep the lymph moving. I’ve got a squeezeball from the LSN and that will be going in my hand luggage.
I would say the most important thing is to get the ball rolling on that sleeve!
I’m sure you’ll get something sorted in time and have a wonderful holiday.
X to you both
S