Travel
Before
leaving:
1. Check with your doctor that you have enough prescription
drugs (if you need them) to see you through your holiday. Get them filled
by your pharmacist before you leave, however, carry the scripts with you
in case of mishap, or for checking by foreign Customs Officers (which
may happen). Ask for a prescription for antibiotics as a precaution if
you do get an infection, and carry them with you. (Penicillin is the one
of choice, unless you are allergic to this). If you are traveling to a
tropical country in the wet season, where filariasis is endemic, take
D.E.C. with you. Take one dose/week. If you feel flu-like symptoms after
taking it lasting for 24 hrs., then take another dose the following week
etc.
2. Buy a top quality sunburn cream SPF 20-30+. Remember
you can get sunburned through a compression garment, especially the synthetic
fabric makes. Take moisturizing lotion and body wash -mineral-oil based.
(not soap)
3. Travel Insurance (that covers health as well
as luggage) is worthwhile providing you read the small print. You may
have to state that you have a pre-existing condition to claim payment
if you need treatment. (This may need to be signed by your Doctor.)
4. Buy some insect repellent, and take something
to treat stings if you do get them. A good perfume seems to work as well
as repellent - buy some duty free!
5. Pack some antifungal powder and use it, especially
between the toes! This may only be a prophylactic measure (to prevent
infection), but hotel bathrooms, pool areas and warm moist climates in
particular, can lead to the onset of tinnea (Athletes foot). This can
be easily transferred to the groin or under the breast fold areas, especially
when lymphedema is present. Apart from inflammation, it also causes breakdown
of the skin so that bacterial entry is facilitated, which may lead to
bacterial infections. This powder may also need to be "puffed"
into your shoes especially if you are wearing sneakers or boots.
6. If you need vaccinations, do not have them in
the affected limb! Sometimes you get a reaction to these, so if possible
have them at intervals, if you need more than one.
Reprinted from the Lymphoedema Association of Australia,
Inc, 1999 Newsletter.
Click here for a printer friendly copy.