Hi,
Can anyone help please, have seen a couple of posts saying you should carry antibiotics when you go on hols in case of bites etc. Is this normal procedure and do you go to your doctor? Does this apply to foreign hols or should you carry them with you at all times?
Many thanks for any help xx
Hi katytc, I’ve been abroad twice now since my surgery a year ago and asked my GP for antibiotics as a back up I case I got bitten or cut myself, fortunately I didn’t need them but better safe than sorry.
Hi Katy
There is some advice regarding your query in the BCC publication ’ Reducing the risk of lymphoedema’ which you may find helpful:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/reducing-risk-lymphoedema-bcc15
Best wishes
Lucy BCC
Thank you Amber and Lucy for your replies, have been abroad since diagnosis but was not aware until reading posts on here that you should carry antibiotics.
I didn’t feel that my own doc was particularly interested when I spoke to him about lymphoedema, after slicing my finger. When I was diagnosed with lymphoedema, nurse said it may well have been due to my cut.
I certainly do not want any problems with affected arm, so will make an appointment and be a little forceful this time!! As you say better safe than sorry xx
Hi katytc,
I made a phone appointment with my doctor before I went away and he had no problem giving me the antibiotics. I also took antiseptic wipes etc, luckily didn’t need to use them. Make sure you wear a sleeve when flying long haul.
A strange thing happened though. The temperature on holiday was in the mid 30s and I was expecting the swelling in my arm to get worse. It practically disappeared! 
Hi all,
I have mild Lymphoedema in my lower arm and I have always been told my my nurses to take 2 weeks worth of antibiotics whenever I go away from home, but particularly overseas. My GP has never queried it and is happy to write the prescription.
Thankfully never needed them for me, but did come in handy when my daughter got an ear infection…!!
Ask the GP, tell them you have had node removal and or Lymphoedema, its cheaper to give you that than deal with any fall out afterwards.
Enjoy your holidays
Thank you so much for your replies, finally went to docs today, he said I was the first person that had asked him about taking antibiotics on hols, my lymphoedema is arm and hand. Doc said it was no problem to issue them to me and he thought that it was a great idea.:smileyhappy:!
So am now fully prepared, many thanks for all your advice, hope this little thread helps others xx
Hi all,
I have heard that high dose vitamin B tablets can help reduce your “attractiveness” to the biting insects as it is excreted thru the skin, and may change how you smell to the insects.
I am a poor pull poper, but commented on tjis to a friend who used to get eaten alive and she found she was biten less. No research papers to back it though, and no substitute for proper measures where needed.
Hi Bongirl, you will see mixed views on this, with some ladies wishing to wear a sleeve as a preventative measure. However, the downside to this is that -in my view- it can cause problems with the hand. Many people get a bit of swelling in hand and its a sign of lymphatic stress - even those who haven’t had lymph clearance. I’d discuss with your worries with BCN. Its not a long haul flight and you sound reasonably well and fit? I would try to be sensible, but not over-anxious (easier said than done!) lymphodema feels heavy and achey, not tingly. Don’t let it spoil your trip, Rattles x