Hi All
Just a heads up. I developed lymphodema after a 25 hour flight nearly 3 years after initial treatment and 2 years post pelvic surgery. My legs were a pair of shapely pins even if I say so myself. Now they are tree trunks & I have to wear compression leggings that go up to my boobs. I had a bed on the plane and plenty of space but it still didn't stop this happening. So when you fly please make sure you wear those ugly TED stockings as DVT is not your only worry.
Jayne
Hi Jayne. Sorry to hear your story, but it's good to share it even if it feels a bit scary to read. I too was diagnosed with Lymphodoema after a 4 hour flight to Turkey, a couple of summers ago. I didn't think much at the time when one ankle swelled a bit as it went down over the course of the holiday. I mentioned it at my next check up, they referred me to the specialist lymphodoema clinic who pronounced that yes I did have lymphodoema! I also now wear stockings. So yes, even if you aren't high risk for it, wearing compression socks on flights could just save you from developing it!
Sorry to hear about your legs. I was woundering what kind of stockings did u wear because i am getting ready to go on vacaton and have to fly for a hour and a half and would like to get some to wear. My doctor told me to do just leg exercises.
Hi Mmouse I didn’t wear stockings on the flight which I regret. Now I wear custom made compression garments every day. They only start at the knees but next time I fly I will also wear TED stockings that start at the toes on both legs plus my Spanx type garment. You can get TEDs at the chemists. Jayne
