Summer Travel: How to Maintain Your Lymphedema While Traveling

Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of travel and adventure.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous road trip, or a cultural city tour, managing lymphedema effectively is crucial to ensuring a pleasant and comfortable trip.

In Bermuda, lymphedema affects a significant number of individuals, transforming everyday activities into challenging tasks.

Traveling can add extra stress, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Lymphedema is a condition where the lymphatic system is compromised, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling, often in the arms or legs.

This condition requires ongoing management, particularly when you are out of your routine and on the move.

The purpose of this blog is to provide you with practical tips to maintain lymphedema while traveling, so you can focus on creating wonderful memories.

5 Tips to Maintain Lymphedema While Traveling

Plan and Pack Smart

• Compression Garments: Always pack extra compression garments. These garments help maintain pressure on the affected area and prevent fluid accumulation. It’s wise to carry a spare in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
• Medication and Supplies: Ensure you have enough medication and lymphedema supplies for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days just in case.
• Doctor’s Note: Carry a note from your doctor explaining your condition and the necessity of your medical supplies. This can be helpful at security checks and in case of any medical emergencies.

Stay Hydrated

• Dehydration can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout your journey. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can lead to dehydration.
• Carry a refillable water bottle to ensure you always have access to fresh water, especially during flights or long car rides.

Keep Moving

• Long periods of inactivity can worsen lymphedema. If you’re traveling by plane, get up and walk around every hour. If you’re driving, plan regular stops to stretch and move around.
• Simple exercises like ankle pumps, shoulder shrugs, and deep breathing can help stimulate lymph flow and reduce swelling.

Mind Your Diet

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid salty foods, which can cause fluid retention and increase swelling.
• Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish into your meals to help manage swelling and discomfort.

Protect Your Skin

• Sunburn and insect bites can cause infections that exacerbate lymphedema. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and insect repellent to protect your skin.
• Keep your skin moisturized to prevent dryness and cracks. Carry a travel-sized bottle of your preferred moisturizer in your carry-on.

Your Next Step to Enjoy Your Summer Travels

Managing lymphedema requires ongoing care and attention, especially when traveling.

At Lymphedema Expert Bermuda, we specialize in providing personalized care to help you manage your condition effectively.

We invite you to take advantage of our Free Discovery Visit. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking to better manage your condition, we’re here to help.

Contact us today at (441) 238-6824 to schedule your free discovery visit and learn how we can assist you in maintaining your lymphedema. 

Let us support you in living a more comfortable, active life, even with lymphedema.

Enjoy your summer travels with confidence and ease, knowing you have expert care and advice at your fingertips.

For more information on natural lymphedema treatments, you can download our free advice report where I’ve put together some amazing tips for overcoming lymphedema pain and returning to activities.