Tag Archives: travel

Breaking down and the subsequent realizations

Yesterday, I had another breakdown. One of those shoulder-shaking, sobbing-your-eyes-out, keening sort of ones that had me weeping on my mom’s bed, holding my face in my hands, cursing myself and my leg for almost an hour. I’ve since gotten over it and have moved forward, but I figured I’d talk a bit about it on here.

There were several factors that brought it on, the first being my various appointments I had that day; therapy and the fitting for my garment. I was overwhelmed with this sense of permanence, a feeling of never escaping this routine, that I couldn’t stand it. I began to panic, worrying that I’ll never be “normal,” that my life will be defined by my legs. Obviously, this is not the case. I know that I – we – cannot let the lymphedema dictate our lives or how we live them. If I’ve learned anything from you guys, it’s exactly that! So after some rational discussion with my mom, and my own personal reflection on things you all have said, I was able to breathe in, breathe out, and move forward.

The second reason was a little harder to get over, and although I’ve gotten past the emotional explosion, I’m still grappling with it intellectually. There is a program I wish to take part in, where I would be traveling to a developing country (most likely in South East Asia) and helping out with the communities there. For me, it’s important because I’d be doing something worthwhile, seeing the world, and developing myself spiritually. Excited, I pulled up the website for my mom and told her all about it. Instead of enthusing with me, however, her immediate concern was how this would affect my lymphedema.

“Alexa,” she said, looking at me with worry. “It’s really hot in those places. And the bugs… if you get bitten, it’s different from if somebody else were to get bitten. You really need to be careful.”

Aaaand cue breakdown.

I think I got so upset because I felt like the lymphedema was holding me back – yet again – from doing something. Or having the freedom to do anything. Freedom from garments and extra planning, freedom from constant treatment. Lymphedema feels, instead, like a shackle keeping me in one static place.

Where I am now is a lot better than where I was yesterday, however. I’ve accepted that this is something that won’t go away, so I have to treat it accordingly. It’s a part of me, yeah, but it’s not me. I am separate from it. So… I’m going to continue discussions with my parents about traveling with this program, and talk with a doctor about what it means to go abroad with my lymphedema. I’ve traveled a lot before, but never to developing countries or tropical areas, so I’m not sure what extra precautions there will be for me. But I want to do this, so fingers crossed!

I’m going to have the lymphedema work for me. I’m going to take care of it, yes, and I’m going to make sure I don’t put any unnecessary stress upon it, but I’m also going to do the things that are important to me. I won’t let it keep me down or hold me back. Yes, it’s okay to break down now and then – everyone needs a good cry sometimes – but in no way will I allow that to be the way that I deal with the unchangeable.

Travel Tips

In our daily lives, we lymphies need to make a lot of accommodations for our lymphedema. One such accommodation is travel. This doesn’t mean we can’t do it, however – it just means we have to take a few more precautions.

I haven't let lymphedema get in the way of my travels! Here is me during one of my visits to Australia. I've been to eight different countries and counting!

Traveling can be an invitation for swelling – you are often sitting for long periods of time with no elevation or relief, causing the fluid to gather in your affected limb. If you’re traveling by air, there’s even more swelling, thanks to the decreased cabin pressure. It’s uncomfortable, it’s annoying, and it’s oftentimes unavoidable. But there is some relief!

General Travel Tips

  • Drink fluids! Drink more than your usual intake of water, juice, or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluid before and during your travel. This will help you to avoid dehydration!
  • No heavy lifting. If you have lymphedema in your arm, do not lift heavy baggage. Ask someone for help! Investing in rolling luggage (suitcases with wheels) is also advisable.
  • Dress comfy. Wear loose, non-constricting clothing. This will lessen the stress on your lymphatic system, as well as make you feel a little more relaxed.
  • Wear compression garments. This is Lymphie 101! It’s very important to wear your compression garments during travel. You may even want to wear more than one if you are traveling by air, to keep adequate pressure on your affected limb.
  • Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen! Any abnormal increase in blood flow – such as sunburn or infection – will cause an increase in lymph fluid buildup. You should also make an effort to wear some DEET-free insect repellent, because insect bites can lead to infection, which are risky for lymphies. Make sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, medication or topical antibiotics, and anti-fungal powder to treat any sort of risks should they occur!

Air Travel

  • Don’t remove your shoes. If your leg swells during travel, it will be harder to put your shoes on afterward.
  • Perform in-flight exercises. If you have lymphedema in your arm, bring a squeeze ball. Keep your arm elevated as much as possible. Roll your shoulders, as well as your wrists. If you have lymphedema in your leg, walk around for at least 10 minutes every hour (as long as the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign is not lit). Do some easy muscle pump exercises, such as rolling or rotating your ankles, alternating between lifting the heels and toes, etc. Any sort of movement will help to stimulate your muscles and will help pump the lymph fluid.
  • Have as much leg room as possible. Sitting in an exit seat – or paying the extra for First Class – is definitely a plus. Having leg room will give you the space you need to perform your in-flight exercises. It will also allow you to be more comfortable, and to accommodate your affected leg a lot easier. You should also request an aisle seat, so you can get up frequently without disturbing your seatmate.

Got any tips or travel stories of your own? Share them in the comments section!

Happy travels!