[Becky]

Debbie's post was excellent. When I responded to Alice, I was just answering the question - yes, hot tubs and saunas can be a problem for some women. But Debbie really spent the time on it.

I used to fly with a compression sleave and I would never take my stuff out of the over head bin with my affected arm. Then I had to go on a business trip to Mexico City and I forgot the sleave. After 5 1/2 hrs there and back - nothing happened. I always really try to move that arm in flight (with and without the sleave) so now, I don't wear a sleave but I don't use my affected arm to get my stuff out of the over head bin or use it to carry heavy stuff after a flight (because 2 whammies might cause a problem). However, I do use the arm otherwise (vaccuming, gardening, and I work out with hand weights - up to 5 lbs on each hand).

I don't have access to a hot tub or sauna. I think the one thing everyone should be concerned with is injury - especially wounds/cuts etc where infection can be a major culprit. That is also the premise on IV/injections too - the potential for the introduction of bacteria should be avoided (I think at all costs). I always have antibacterial wipes, Neosporin To Go and bandaides just in case I cut myself. So, I think with Hot tubs, it is the chance that the establishment may not put enough chlorine in that could be a problem whereas at a home hot tub, one could take charge of that potential problem.