L-W-O Community

Welcome to our Out and About Page

When you live with a long term condition planning is the key to ensure your trip is safe, happy and fun.

​

Welcome to our Out and About page.  Living with Lymphoedema means we have good days and bad days so being prepared for our travels whether it's for a couple of hours or several weeks it is important for both our mental and physical well-being.  Stress is not good for lymphoedema so the more time we can find to prepare the less stressful things will be.

This page is all about giving suggestions and planning your journey for the following:

• Day trip
• Business meeting
• Going to college or university

Find the time to research where you are going.  Plan, build in extra time to your planning:

• If you have a mobility problems will the transport be able to accommodate your wheelchair or mobility scooter? 
• Do the places you are going to have accessible areas? 
• Are there stairs or steps to navigate?
• Check for emergency exits
• If you have a carer is there room for both of you?  
• Be prepared to pace yourself. 
• Do not let your lymphoedema or any other disability/illness define who you are, get out and about and have fun.

If you are going on holiday visit our Holiday Care page.

Number One Rule - Can I get back?

If you have mobility problems with walking, ask yourself

Can I get back to my car?

Is there a seat where I can take a break?  

Do I know where the nearest toilet is?

Tips for travelling to make your journey more comfortable.

• ​Use rest breaks to get off the bus
• ​It is unlikely you will have leg room
• ​Stretch your limbs
• Do ankle and finger exercises
• Drink water​
• Check that the seat belts do not leave indentations

My tips:

• Build in time to get out and have a walk
• Build in time for toilet breaks
• Can you stretch your limbs in the car?
• Do you have enough leg room?
• Wear your compression
• Make sure your seat belt isn't too tight
• Remember to do ankle and finger exercises
• If it's hot use the air-conditioning
• Have you packed drinks/snacks?
• Drink plenty of water
• Pack baby wipes for that quick freshen up
• Walking aids

Travel by train?

• How accessible are the train stations?
• Are there lifts between platforms?
• Are toilets signposted and easy to find?
• On the train can you move around?
• Moving your limbs is so important
• Have you packed drinks/snacks?
• Book Assistance in advance

If you are struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help from fellow passengers. 

You do not need to be the first off the train. 

Make sure your affected limb is not jostled by other passengers.

Nobody likes to talk about finances but do carry an emergency fund for those unexpected expenses such as:

• paying for the loo
• that extra cuppa or meal not planned for
• unexpected night in a hotel
• unexpected medical expenses
• travel delays

If you are thinking of staying overnight.

• Are lifts accessible?
• Wet rooms or accessible showers?
• Is there a porter to help with luggage?
• Is reception covered 24 hours in case you need assistance?
• Are emergency exits accessible?

​

I asked L-W-O members what they would carry as essentials on a day out, between them they compiled the following list:

• Water
• Pain Killers
• Hand gel/hand wipes
• Antiseptic cream
• Antihistamine cream (in case of bites/stings)
• Moisturiser
• Plasters
• Diarrhoea medication (for IBS)
• Sun screen
• Medical Alert cards or wristbands
• Cereal Bars
• Blanket
• Fold-up chair
• Spare compression garments
• Book/Kindle
• Radar Key or I need the loo cards
• Change of underwear

This page was first published 6th October 2017

Page updated 29/06/2019