Flying with Lipedema and Lymphedema

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

I have another suggestion for work travel - if you are in the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act allows us to get a doctor’s note to have our workplace make flight accommodations for us for long-haul flights, and one way to get an accommodation is to fly business class (minimum) on the flight. The business class flights have more legroom AND they often have reclining seats and footrests to allow the passenger to slightly elevate their legs. I have lymphedema in my right leg due to lymph node removal, and I have this accommodation at work where they’ll pay for a minimum of business class for flights over 4 hours, and they’ll pay for first class if they can’t get a business class seat for me. I like the idea of an inflatable wedge. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@debracowan2346]

I have lipidema and lymphedema. I had to be patted down after going thru the scanner because they seen something in my left thigh which was just the accumulated fluid!

[@sulabhanarvenkar730]

Have a great trip! Waiting eagerly to hear about your experiences on this long haul flight. Just last night I was thinking that these long hail flights I will never be able to take. And there you are here again, encouraging the disheartened. A big thank you!

[@sturdywoman]

Hi Sulabha! I arrived a few hours ago and it went better than I expected. I was prepared for the worst given some previous experience, but I'd say I'm puffy more than terribly swollen. I did have to take my shoes off on the plane, though, because my ankles swelled. The first leg of the journey was 12.5 hours and the second was 5 hours. I think it helped I had a long layover in between where I was able to walk and elevate a lot. Making a note of that for the future! I'll update everyone next weekend. I think the food was the trickiest part because I want to stay as keto as possible on this trip :)

[@sulabhanarvenkar730]

That is wonderful news. I am so happy for you. I can now dream of going to Asia next year, if all goes well. Just talking to you have lifted my spirits. It is almost 2.5 weeks what the physiotherapist has started compression bandages. I was diagnosed just 2 days prior. First week was extremely painful. Now the pain has become less, only some stubborn places in my left leg are causing pain, and are sore to touch. Those spots do have some swelling . I was listening to lectures on lipidema and lymphedema. They are informative, but outright depressing. I have made a mental note not to watch those, but share my thoughts and experiences with you, if you don't mind, and seek advice from you. You have been like a star on my dark horizon, guiding me. I am blessed that I found you when I did. Thank you , please continue to be a source of inspiration to all of us who are undergoing similar pain. I keep asking myself, "why me"? My siblings are skinny. Though the knowledge has helped answer all those questions I asked myself, why was it so difficult for me to lose wright. Why is it that whatever I eat goes straight to my hips. I promise you Sturdy woman no more negative thoughts, I will try utmost to overcome this disease.

[@kamwatson6128]

@@sulabhanarvenkar730 hi Sulabha.. I have also stopped watching and reading stuff on the Internet as it makes me depressed 😔😑but when I saw Rebekah feed on Instagram it gave me such a boost as everything prior was about liposuction etc. I don't do keto as I don't really eat much meat apart chicken.. I do eat Mediterranean foods. Just look after your wellbeing and stay positive 🤗

[@sulabhanarvenkar730]

@@kamwatson6128 hi, we do eat chicken and fish and eggs Other meats I do not have. I do keto eating salmon, chicken and eggs and any veg that is cooked at home, plus salad which usually consists of cucumber. Tomatoes and sweet onion. I try to stick to one meal a day, but do have a second if I am very hungry. Earlier I used to have butter, cheese, sour cream, this time I have done away with Cheese and butter coz of salt. I do have a few nuts almonds and pecans. Maybe 4 to 5 each kind. Tea with full cream( addicted) cannot give up tea with cream. This much is generally enough for me.

[@sulabhanarvenkar730]

@@kamwatson6128 Hi, I am a diehard foodie. I love to try new recipes , I love to cook. But I am mostly satisfied with just a spoonful of my preparations. Lol. I do not know about you, but I do not remember one single day that I have eaten anything guiltfree. Becoz, I know that whatever I have enjoyed today is going to show up on the scale and on my hips the next morning. Heard of immediate results? That is me. Eat something more, something delicious, or some sweetdish, and there u have it, listen to one more round of you have no control, blah blah. Anyone can get up and advise us, arrey even the vendors in India, they will say apply this oil and that oil. A life full of woes!

[@Horsefaire]

Cabin pressure is a problem causing swelling, too. Right?

[@kamwatson6128]

Have a wonderful break and enjoy your holiday and rest up x thank you for sharing your expertise and tips, bless you 🙏 🤗 😘

[@sturdywoman]

Thank you, Kam! Just arrived and feel surprisingly good :) Internet is stable here so i should be able to do an update later this week

[@MMacAttack]

Just found you today , signed up for the newsletter Hope to find ways to deal with this condition

[@macgirl1234]

On my way to a 6 hour flight. Not as bad as yours to be sure, but I so appreciate these tips

[@GidgetTheSurferGirl1]

I was in Israel’s dead sea. I wish i had these for my trip. I will order a pair. Thank you for all your great tips!!!!!

[@sturdywoman]

Swim leggings are great! I love how covered I feel and, when I feel less self-conscious, I can enjoy myself more. I hope you love them too. Also, I'm jealous you got to visit the Dead Sea!