Hello! Peg holiday & lymphodema advice please

Hi Liz Welcome to the group. Great news your treatment has been successful. I have read where people have used massage for lymphedema, which has helped. I can't help with going away and using your PEG, I sure there are some people on here who have, hopefully they can give you some advice. Have a good holiday.

Regards Ray.

Hi Liz 

Well done  in getting through and for finding the courage to get away to Spain so early. 
I can’t help with the PEG but I do know the airlines let you take liquid feeds with you. One of our members RadioactiveRaz  flew to Spain at 8 weeks with Ensures though by then she wasn’t stomach tube feeding. 
I have a post in my blog on lymphodema with a short video of how I dealt with mine. 
todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com/.../
Good luck and enjoy your break. 

Hi. I used Dani’s (Beesuit) massage technique & still do on days when the swelling kicks in. Works a treat. I travelled when weaning off my PEG & took packets of  Scandishakes with me (600 cal each). Powder which you make up with milk. I managed spaghetti bolognese, soft desserts, yoghurts. 

Hi Ray, thank you for your message

Thanks,  I'll read your blog Dani. The holiday was booked before my diagnosis but I have a supportive family with me and although I'm a bit nervous I think a break will do me good 

Hi Luz if you advise the airline you’re taking prescription med Iwith you they csn go in hold luggage. Soft Spanish foods a difficult one as paprika  often pops up. Oats   are readily available in supermarkets snd I still have them here breakfast sn here noe Yoghurts are easy creme caramels as well. You  csn buy from chemist meritene which you make up  with milk or water   I came over firstv 8 of recovery and brought ensures with me as I could swallow orally remember just make sure airline will accept them. They do weigh heavy I might add. We have our own apartment poached eggs were another staple for me. 
ensures can he bought but are €8 for 4  I woujd suggest you try eating orally at home you’ll find it easier. Lasagnas are readily available as well another soft easy food. Look at my blog you’ll see tips on there plus lots of photos if my travels might help. 
hazel x

Thank you, for all the advice x

Hi Liz

Congratulations on planning a holiday. It is a big step as it definitely takes you out of your comfort zone. I would recommend that you trial going away for a couple of nights nearer to home first to assess the issues that might arise. I do not have a PEG but can only eat puree and drink fortisips so I needed to think this through before taking a holiday. I tried an overnight stay in a beach cabin that had its own kitchen and that worked out well as I could make my own food. I went to the supermarket to buy food and then made up soups etc in the cabin. You also have to think about what you can eat during the day if you go out. I used to take a vacuum flask of soup and pureed food in a tupperware container.While my husband was tucking into the roast at the hotel I would unpack my food and eat it there. No one ever challenged me on it and it worked out well.

I too am planning a holiday where I have to catch a plane so that is more challenging. I thought that the fortisips would be much too heavy to take for the amount of time I will be away so have come up with an alternative. I know that I can buy sustagen powder where I am going so I will buy a can when I get there.I am also going to book accommodation that has a kitchen.

You might have to slightly alter how you holiday in the short term until your eating improves. Have a great time.

Best wishes

Lyn

Hi Puny Goose, congratulations on completing your treatment and good luck with your trip to Spain. I do hope that it cools down a bit before you go!
I had mild swelling on my neck and was referred to the Lymphoedema clinic and was given instructions on self massage and use of a compression collar which helped. I had a RIG tube and so can understand some of your concerns about the food. Spanish pharmacies do seem to be well stocked a may be helpful in supplying some options. Don’t be afraid to ask. 
On my first trip abroad ( with out my RIG) I did develop really bad constipation which had been an issue when on food supplements so you may want to take some laxatives with you just in case and drink lots of fluids.

Finally, take plenty of factor 50 and a big hat………..or just buy a sombrero!

Feliz vacaciones,

John

Thanks Lyn and John. I have spoken to my dietician and she said I could change to a powder feed but I had stomach issues when I started on the fresubin which have settled so I don't really want to change, she also said I can buy my feed from pharmacies in Spain (as Hazel said). There are 5 of us going so we are all taking 5 bottles per suitcase and I'm taking 2 for the journey - my dietician is completing customs paperwork as over 100mls.  I normally only peg feed 3 times a day. I actually feel like having the peg makes it easier!  5 bottles weigh the same as a pair of trainers! I'll probably stick to  yogurt , ice cream and water orally. 

Thanks again for all the advice and support