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Flying after a DVT and PE

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pauleyorks
pauleyorks

Hello all, I've had a fairly recent problem with a DVT in my right leg and Pulmonary Embolisms, one in each lung and I've found this forum a great help reading all of your comments. Others have said what I've experienced in that there is a lot of conflicting or vague information especially from my GP who when I ask questions replies with "don't worry about that" and crosses his fingers. Yeah fills me with great hope that one. Anyway my main question to anyone that can help me is what are your experiences of flying after a dvt/pe illness. I've had different opinions from specialists and doctors. My illness started in mid November last year in Cyprus and I'm due to go back in June for two weeks and I'm keen to go but also don't want to put my health at risk. Just interested to know if any of you have flown soon after having this illness and if so what precautions did you have to help. Thanks all I'm advance.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • sheila91262
    sheila91262 pauleyorks

    Posted

    Hi, have you been in contact with Thrombosis UK online or their facebook pages,both very useful? You haven't mentioned anti coagulants, are you on any? Also do you wear a compression stocking, properly measured by your practice Nurse and on prescription? The general advice I have read on Thromboosis UK is wear a stocking, keep hydrated and be mobile, walk around at least every 90 minutes. Keep moving feet and legs when sitting. 

    My son had a massive DVT in left leg and has flown since with no problems. This was after finishing anticoagulants too. He wore a stocking for at least a year after to reduce his symptoms of post thrombotic syndrome.

    Have you had blood tests to check if underlying bloot clotting problems?

    Sheila.

    • pauleyorks
      pauleyorks sheila91262

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply Shelia. I'm taking Rivaroxaban 20mg once a day and the only other medication from all this is blood pressure tablets again once a day. I also wear a compression stocking on the affecred leg which is fitted to below the knee which I was told to measure myself and wear for two years. When I was initially taken ill my INR reading was 6.7 which I was told was quite high and it was brought down to 0.55 just before I was released from hospital in cyprus. The decision as to wether I will carry on taking anti coagulants will be taken before I fly in june. My six months on them will be up around May. The doctor who treated me in Cyprus said no flying for two years, the cardiologist in the UK said he feels I'd be fine now so it all adds to the confusion really. I've had blood tests here since I've got back but not specifically about the clots more just general check ups on cholesterol and diabetes which came back with good results and other than that I've had one CT Scan and one scam of my heart which I'm still awaiting the results of. Thanks for the heads up about thrombosis uk I'll check it out later.

      Many thanks.

    • sheila91262
      sheila91262 pauleyorks

      Posted

      Did any one attribute the clot to anything or was it just the flight? The blood tests for clotting disorders are specific and wont show anything on general tests. Havent heard of the 2 year gap for flying but opinions vary and change. My sister was told not to fly for 3 months after a knee replacement where other surgeons say 6 weeks. Good luck.
  • Windy8000
    Windy8000 pauleyorks

    Posted

    Depends how Lind the flight is for you. I'd get compression socks, get up and walk to the bathroom snd by all means walk during layovers.

  • Lazeedaze
    Lazeedaze pauleyorks

    Posted

    Hi, I had a PE in my lung last January whilst abroad- believe due to long haul flights. 

    I had the same issues with my GP as you but improved when I insisted seeing a consultant. I took blood thinners for six months.

    I flew to Majorca in July with no problems.  I flew long haul this January and was prescribed blood thinners (tablet) for both journeys.  I wore flight socks (I never used to bother) had no alcohol and walked and stretched often, all on Dr suggestion.

    Yes I did feel anxious but having spent a year full of self obsession I am definitely moving on now. 

    GOOD LUCK and go for it. 

    • pauleyorks
      pauleyorks Lazeedaze

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Lazeedaze, you give me plenty of hope as have the others in this thread. I can connect with the self obsession comment, constanly thinking about it all, but I approach it all as positive as I can, it's the first time I've ever had anything wrong with me other than man-flu so it's been an eye opener for me. Thanks again 

  • chris1062
    chris1062 pauleyorks

    Posted

    I was Diagnosed Feb 13th of 2017. It's now 6 weeks and I am back to flying. 2 large and several small PE's throughout my lungs. Somehow the breathing stays short but everything else seems fine. My Doctor said wait 4 weeks which I did. I wear compression socks, take my Blood thinner, get up every 30 minutes and constantly move my legs.

    • pauleyorks
      pauleyorks chris1062

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply chris it's very reassuring to read your message. Can I ask whats the furthest you have flown since you have started flying again just out of curiosity?

    • chris1062
      chris1062 pauleyorks

      Posted

      Today was the longest trip so far. In flight as I type from Baltimore Maryland to Las Vegas Nevada. 5 1/2 hour flight. Currently at 3 hours and all is good.

    • pauleyorks
      pauleyorks chris1062

      Posted

      Great to hear, keep healthy chris and thanks for the positivity through your message. Helps a lot.
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