Gaynor Leech Guest Blog - May 2023
Travel and Lymphoedema - If you have lymphoedema or another chronic condition, you should make as much preparation in advance of your trip as you can, whether it's for pleasure or business, a brief stopover, or a lengthy excursion. Although none of us likes to consider ourselves to be disabled, mobility issues can take many different shapes. They all pose difficulties when travelling, from having swollen and uncomfortable lymphoedema in your feet, legs, arms, or other areas that are not visible to having osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and quite a few of our members have fibromyalgia.
However, nothing should prevent you from getting out and having fun with a little bit of preparation and numerous tools to help us along the road.
Some people live with incontinence issues or bowel/stomach problems that cause them a great deal of embarrassment and having a radar key or "I can’t wait" app/card can make life so much easier.
Then there are mental health issues that you are trying to keep to yourself, putting on that brave face and telling the world you're ok. Do ask for help pre-book assistance.
Business Trip or Holiday?
Planning is key whether I am going on a day out, a short break, a holiday or travelling on behalf of LWO Community to a conference. My two main priorities are travel, how do I get there and accommodation. I am extremely lucky that in most cases my hubby acts as chauffeur, which I am extremely grateful for. What do I look for in accommodation?
My biggest bugbear is hotel showers. I hate the hotels that have showers over a bath for the simple reason I have trouble climbing in the bath, there is always a lack of safety handles. As a result, I frequently lean on the sink for support and am constantly concerned that it will fall off the wall. I'm also more likely to slip or fall because of this. Then you ask for an accessible shower, the type you can walk in. This gets translated that I need a disabled shower/wet room. The issue with this is that the shower is much below shoulder height because most accessible wet rooms are made for wheelchair users. This is great if you need a wheelchair but totally unsuitable for anyone who is a non-user.
Out and about my number one rule – Can I get back? If you have trouble walking due to mobility issues, consider whether you can return to your car or current mode of transportation without too many problems. Is there a place you can sit down and relax? Do I know the location of the closest loo? Never be afraid to ask for help.
Summer travel
Living with lymphoedema, you may notice that your lymphoedematous area swells more during the summer months or when you travel. Travelling by different modes of transportation when away from home can be difficult and may affect the swelling of your lymphoedema. Keep in mind that stress and heat both have the potential to cause more swelling. When you get back home, the swelling will go down. Stick to your skincare regimen as closely as you can and wear your compression garments.
In the summer, including when you are on vacation, you are much more likely to experience increased swelling, prickly heat, hives, bug bites, and stings. Your skin will get drier if there is even a slight change in the water you use in the shower, the pool, or the sea. Please remember to take a shower after swimming because seawater and chlorine can dry out your skin. If at all feasible, try to moisturise your skin twice every day.
High-temperature sun vacations could be problematic for your lymphedema. If you've had radiotherapy, take extra care not to burn the region because it will continue to be sensitive for a long time after your treatment is over. Don't forget to bring sunblock with you. It can be quite difficult to stay cool in the summer or when on vacation, but it is crucial to try to keep the lymphoedema-affected area cool.
Travelling with luggage
Whether travelling for business or a vacation use a case with wheels and avoid lifting hefty cases onto or off the scales or the carousel. Ask for assistance if you need it, or even better, arrange for support in advance. I was advised not to carry hand or shoulder baggage on my affected side when I was first diagnosed in 2011. I was also warned to exercise caution or refrain from using a backpack.
However, this is a myth, and some weightlifting is good for your lymphoedema. Only do what you feel able to.
Finally, when packing make sure your hand luggage has all the medication and compression you need for your stay. I also pack a change of clothes/underwear.
If you are leaving the UK for a break check, that the medication you use is legal in the country you are travelling to as many over-the-counter and prescribed medications are illegal in certain countries.?
For further information L-W-O Community’s travel page.
