Sleeve for Flying

veeder14

It's been so long since I've been on a plane that I forgot how long to wear the sleeve after getting off the plane. I have a 5 hour flight coming up soon. Can someone remind me about how long to wear the sleeve once off the plane? Thanks.

rah2464

Veeder piping up to say I don't know the answer to this question either. I have a longish flight next year and was planning on wearing a sleeve and gauntlet during the flight. I was unaware there may be a recommended protocol once you land.

hersheykiss

Veeder, my LE specialist advises 3 hours after landing before removing the sleeve and/or glove. Happy travels!

veeder14

Thanks hersheykiss for your response, I kind of remembered I should wear it for awhile after landing.

parakeetsrule

If you have lymphedema you're supposed to be wearing the sleeve all day anyway, right? If you don't have it, you don't need to wear a sleeve. There's no evidence that it's necessary.

cookie54

veeder14, The PT lymphedema specialist told me an easy way to remember. If you have a five hour flight ,you should wear it 5 hours before and 5 hours after the flight. So basically however long the flight is should be equal to the time you wear in before and after flight.

Enjoy your trip, I hope it's somewhere beautiful!

veeder14

Hi cookie54,

Thanks for the info. Heading to Hawaii!!

ratherbesailing

Parakeets rule, not quite that simple. I have mild truncal lymphedema, and get swelling in my arm with heavy exercise. I do not wear a sleeve on a regular basis, but always wear it when doing heavy arm work and, yes, when flying.

exbrnxgrl

I also have mild lymphedema in my arm and do not wear a sleeve on a daily basis but do wear one when flying with the blessing of my pt. It’s not a black and white issue and I think it’s best to listen to one’s own pt. I feel as if my pt’s conservative approach has kept my LE mild for over a decade.

cookie54

Veeder14

My apologies if my answer seemed misleading in any way. This is the information that was given to me by PT. I did not have LE at that time . I perceived it as a general rule of thumb.I guess it's best to ask the medical professionals to clarify.

Have a safe and wonderful trip!

dancemom

My RO NP recommended it as preventive when flying. She also recommended socks. I went to a specialty store with a lymphedyma specialist who does the fittings and she recommended wearing 2-3 hours after landing. But if traveling to high altitudes it should be much longer and to check in with a specialist again if that's the case.

Have a great trip

parakeetsrule

If you have lymphedema obviously it's different. I just meant in general that it's not necessary for flying if you don't have lymphedema. It's an old myth that never had any evidence showing it prevented lymphedema. Like avoiding blood draws and not lifting more than five pounds! All outdated.