Travelling with Lymphoedema

One of the great things about summer is going on holiday. But you don’t want to arrive at your destination and find that your oedematous limb is more swollen and uncomfortable. Car, train, and bus travel is generally worse for people with leg lymphoedema, while airline travel can affect people with either arm or leg lymphoedema.

If going by car, use air-conditioning to be sure you do not overheat. When not driving, sit in the back seat so that your limb can be elevated. With leg lymphoedema stop and take frequent rest breaks so you can walk around. With arm lymphoedema do not do the driving for long periods of time and be sure to take breaks to rest your arm. If travelling by train, walk in the aisle as much as possible. If travelling by bus, be sure to get off at each rest stop to walk around. Do ankle pumps and other exercises in your seat. If travelling by plane you will need to take more extensive precautions because the lower air pressure in the cabin can trigger or exacerbate lymphoedema much more seriously than the inactivity aggravated lymphoedema of car, train, or bus travel. Be sure to have your compression bandage or garment on, including a glove for the hand and fingers, if you have arm lymphoedema. Also, if you have arm lymphoedema, take only the lightest carry on luggage and use wheeled suitcases (or rent a luggage trolley) for your checked luggage. If you have leg lymphoedema get an aisle seat, preferably with lots of leg room (business class, bulkhead, exit row) and walk around whenever you have a chance. Drink lots of water during the flight. To make sure you have enough it is best probably to bring your own water. At baggage claim, stand back (or take a short walk or find somewhere to sit and elevate your leg) until the crowd around the carousel has cleared and it is safer to get your luggage without being bumped into.

Exercise

Regular exercise is important as it is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Lymphoedema exercises (decongestive exercises) are an integral part of an exercise programme for individuals with lymphoedema. Exercise programmes may have to be modified to reduce the risk of triggering or worsening lymphoedema.

Exercise positively affects the lymphatic system to the influence of muscle contractions and deep breathing leading to an increase in the lymphatic flow. Key notes to remember regarding exercise

Before starting any exercise programme individuals should be medically cleared.
In individuals with lymphoedema adequate compression should be utilised.
Individuals at risk of developing lymphoedema may wish to consider obtaining a well fitted compression garment for the limb at risk prior to beginning an exercise regime.
Good hydration should be maintained while exercising
When exercising outdoors a cooler time of day should be selected and over exposure to heat and sun minimised and avoided
An individual’s response to exercise may vary. Modifications to an exercise programme may be indicated to meet individual medical needs and response to swelling
Performing activities or exercise in excess of the usual duration and intensity may trigger or worsen lymphoedema
Exercise should be started gradually. The exercise routine should be stopped if pain or an uncomfortable sensation results, especially if this occurs in the affected limb or the limb at risk. Strain or overuse should be avoided.
Before initiating a strength training programme, consultation with a lymphoedema specialist is recommended. The swelling from lymphoedema should be adequately managed prior to engaging in strength training.
Many daily activities (at home and at work) may cause the same effects on the lymphatics as exercise and may require modification.