Travelling Overseas: Hi My husband I I... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,403 members38,738 posts

Travelling Overseas

Jill13 profile image
16 Replies

Hi

My husband I I booked a trip to USA and Canada for seven weeks in July/ August this year. It was booked last year before I was diagnosed with AF and we took out appropriate insurance at the time. My questions are these:

As our longest flight will be long haul from Australia to LA and as I find it very difficult to sleep on a plane, does this still seem optimistic to even go or should we cancel?

The trip includes two weeks on a coach doing the American National Parks, some free time in Canada doing our own thing and a stopover in Honolulu to break journey on way home to Sydney.

Has anyone with AF done a long trip like this and how do you manage your medications with time changes, less sleep etc?

My cardiologist seems to think it would be OK but was very vague about specifics.

Any ideas? Thanks

Written by
Jill13 profile image
Jill13
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
16 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Iv'e been away racing in Europe (cars) when in AF. Don't let AF rule your life. You manage your life not it. Might as well feel rough in a nice place than sit at home feeling rough is my view. AF won't kill you. Provided that you have insurance cover go and enjoy.

Bob

Jill13 profile image
Jill13 in reply toBobD

I guess that is true. Thanks.

Hi Jill just don't forget to update your insurance to cover the new condition,unlikely any problems arise and have a terrific trip!

Jill13 profile image
Jill13 in reply to

Thanks yes we are looking into the insurance now.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

I travelled Ito US from UK and had 3 weeks travelling throughout, had a fab time, despite a few episodes. Just watch out for dehydration and pace yourselves and have the insurance cover. Enjoy.

Jill13 profile image
Jill13 in reply toCDreamer

Thank you

Jill13 profile image
Jill13 in reply toCDreamer

Thanks. I won't go unless I am sure of insurance cover as USA medical cost are astronomical.

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

Just back from 6 weeks in Far East and 2 years ago similar in USA and Canada. Have persistent AF and heart failure. It's all manageable. Use technology and have a great time.

Jill13 profile image
Jill13 in reply toBarb1

Thank you That is encouraging.

bebe7637 profile image
bebe7637

I have persistent AF and have just got home from Saudi Arabia where I have been staying for 9 weeks. No problem at all , but I know how you feel. I guess you are taking anti coags?

These should prevent you from clotting on long haul flights. I also wear flight socks. Belt and braces -- ha ha.

Go and enjoy yourself. Bebe.

01maxdog profile image
01maxdog

Last October our 3 week trip was Seoul Melbourne Fiji Lax home . I have persistent AF and my cardio changed me from warfarin to Rivaroxaban before I went , I didn't have to deal with finding a doctor for blood tests to sort out my INR . Best move ever .

I get up and walk around panes whenever I can and do those chair exercises , plenty of water as well . Sleep when you're titred , and try not to stress out . On the insurance front , tell them everything . I was unfortunate to have a stroke in Hawaii 18 months ago before I even knew I had AF , that's where they discovered it . Hospital for 8 days cost my insurance co around £100 k ! I would never travel without the correct paperwork now and the cost is £400 pa inc the states . Worth every penny to me !

Lisa

Jill13 profile image
Jill13 in reply to01maxdog

Thanks Lisa I am already on Xarelto as a blood thinner so don't have to have regular blood tests. Thanks for all the information too. The main thing I guess is to make sure of the right insurance cover just in case anything goes wrong.

MarkS profile image
MarkS

I travelled to the US with my son for 3 weeks when I had AF. It didn't affect it at all. We self drove around Utah, Colorado and Wyoming and had a fantastic time. It included a 3 day kayak trip into the back country geyser areas plus cycling trips through Arches and horse riding. I worried beforehand but it all went very well.

Have a good time.

Mark

in reply toMarkS

Presumably you did not have fast AF Mark?

MarkS profile image
MarkS in reply to

No, only about 90-100.

01maxdog profile image
01maxdog

Thing is with insurance companies you don't know how good they are until you have to make a claim ! My episode started in November 2013 and I'm still querying a couple of issues ! It was linked to my bank , but on the whole I was pleased with the service I received

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Shall I go for an ablation?

I’m a 72 year old woman who used to be for ever off on some long haul trip but I haven’t had a...
frankiec5 profile image

Travelling Abroad

Hi everyone, Some advise needed. I'm newly diagnosed persistent AF, taking Bisoprolol and Apixaban...
Stucoo profile image

To travel or not…

I am very thankful to have found this group as it has provided considerable amounts of information...

Long haul flight,

New here ! I have been worrying about doing an all night long haul flight. I used to fly regularly...
Gre-ta profile image

Atorvastatin triggering AF?

I wonder if anyone has heard of a statin being the actual trigger for AF? I found one article that...
Kinfusion profile image

Moderation team

See all
KirstyC-Admin profile image
KirstyC-AdminAdministrator
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.