Lymphoedema, holidays and antibiotics

[Rattles]

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

[Bondgirl]

Hi everyone, my OHO wants to take me away to Spain for a week this summer but I am worried about flying and lymphodaema. I had full clearance last September and told my arm is at risk I don't think I have lymphoma ena but do suffer with a funny numbness and nerve sense down the back of my arm which is worse than the first surgery. Sorry waffling.

My question is should I wear a sleeve whilst flying to Spain as a preventative if so where do you get them and do you wear it in the hot weather to stop swelling.

I do get fat fingers when I exercise and my arm goes red

[lexilou3]

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.

[Atat]

Can't remember if I've mentioned this, but I also take antiseptic wipes and a thermometer, and savlon, in a bag along with sleeve etc!! All kept together so easy for holidays
Atat

[Matty2]

By the way love marmite as well !

[Matty2]

What a useful thread

I always have bad reactions to insect bites and was wondering what to do.

In France last year (before BC) I took some Avon spray and it worked very well so I had already thought to stock up, but I was wondering what to do if I did get bitten or scratched on that arm.

As I am off to France to help a friend with her garden I will certainly be contacting GP about anti biotics

Thanks all 

Beryl 

[Atat]

Well, my GP suggested I take anti histamine tablets which I'd already thought of once bitten but not as a preventative measure. I do like Marmite so that's good!!
I'd like to buy a nice soft inflatable pillow for my arm when in flight or long car/coach journey. Can anyone recommend one. Might need to post reply as private message.
Atat

[libby_2010]

Hi whilst I do not have lymph oedema I was advised by the specialist nurse at the Breast clinic to have a sleeve for long haul flights. My GP provided 'emergency' anti-biotics. Meanwhile as I travelled to a place where there are mozzies I had picked up from a fellow traveller a tip to take an anti histamine tablet each morning and added to that I had some Marmite ( love it or hate it ) on toast each morning too. I think the theory behind the latter is that it is not just the getting bitten but the bodies response to the bite and the subsequent scratching which increases the risk of infection. Certainly I did have very few bites, but not on my at risk arm. But loads of folks there were badly affected without the measures I took. Really not sure whether the antihistamines or the Marmite helped, or both?

[Atat]

Hi Lottie
Thanks for this. the bracelet sounds a good idea. I'll certainly see if I can buy one
Atat

[lottie63]

Hi Atat

            Well its best to know because now you can be vigilant and take care of your arm, your Dr sounds like mine happy to give antibiotics etc rather than take any chances, we are lucky as not all GP's are as good, when I go abroad I buy a mozzie bracelet and use it at night in bed as well as use spray as its at night the little blighters seem to have a field day !  it has done the trick so far, good luck 

xx

[Atat]

Seems that I do have mild lymphoedema in my upper arm. As promised, my GP has prescribed me antibiotics to take on my next holiday. I also have my sleeve for the flight and insect repellent. Yippie!!!

[Atat]

I don't have lymphodema, but when I spoke to my GP about travel, he said he'd be more than happy to prescribe antibiotics to use abroad if bitten by a mosi or similar.

[katytc]

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.!

So am now fully prepared, many thanks for all your advice, hope this little thread helps others xx

[wendyf12]

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 🙂

[mary32]

Hi

I am in a similar position to you and the lymphoedema nurse I spoke to recommended taking antibiotics. The nurse at my go's was happy to give me the prescription.

Mary

[lucy12]

I don't have lymphoedema and am really keen to keep it that way.

I only had 3 lymphs removed last Sept so know I am at a reduced risk than those who have had full clearance but I often react very badly to insect bites and several times in the last few years have had to seek medical help and antibiotics while on holiday.

Should I be taking antibiotics with me too or am I overreacting?

Lu x

[Helen15]

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! 🙂

[katytc]

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

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Katy
There is some advice regarding your query in the BCC publication ' Reducing the risk of lymphoedema' which you may find helpful:

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/reducing-risk-lymphoedema-bc...

Best wishes
Lucy BCC

[Amber_D]

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.

[katytc]

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