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Can you fly with neck lymphedema?

Posted by praying4miracle @praying4miracle, Feb 21 2:10pm

Concerned about addition swelling and potential breathing complications. Is it safe?

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Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Feb 21 3:34pm

Good question. In most commercial flights the cabin altitude is held to no less than 8000 feet. That is about two-thirds the atmospheric pressure of sea level. As a pilot, I can tell you there is trouble if you have air pockets under your skin, a common issue with tracheotomies. Aside from that, the pressure within you equals the pressure outside.
Perhaps your surgeon who performed the initial procedure on your neck which caused the lymphedema would likely know for certain. If it from radiation and results in a stiff or limited neck range, then likely there is nothing to be concerned about. Only my opinion and experience as both a patient and a pilot. My lymphedema was mild.

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praying4miracle | @praying4miracle | Feb 21 3:44pm
In reply to @hrhwilliam "Good question. In most commercial flights the cabin altitude is held to no less than 8000..." + (show)
Profile picture for William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor @hrhwilliam

Good question. In most commercial flights the cabin altitude is held to no less than 8000 feet. That is about two-thirds the atmospheric pressure of sea level. As a pilot, I can tell you there is trouble if you have air pockets under your skin, a common issue with tracheotomies. Aside from that, the pressure within you equals the pressure outside.
Perhaps your surgeon who performed the initial procedure on your neck which caused the lymphedema would likely know for certain. If it from radiation and results in a stiff or limited neck range, then likely there is nothing to be concerned about. Only my opinion and experience as both a patient and a pilot. My lymphedema was mild.

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@hrhwilliam
Thank William for the insight about air pockets...I will not be asking the advice of my surgeon since he cut my carotid artery which landed me with many problems...will ask mt current ENT

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zenren14 | @zenren14 | Mar 21 12:40am

@praying4miracle
Hello:

I was on a 4hour flight and had no problems with my neck lymphedema. I do home exercises and see a mld therapist so maybe that has bearing.

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