Just diagnosed

[Lisajack1]

Have just been diagnosed with AF and have previously booked holiday on Monday to America and Mexico. Has anyone any tips for long haul flying. I have been put on bisoprolol thanks

[Hidden]

Tell your insurance company and stay well hydrated......

[jennydog]

I travelled from Manchester to Boston, USA, last year with no problems. Do not get dehydrated. Take care that you have your tablets in your hand luggage and take them at the correct time.

We arrived home at 07.00. I had been advised not to go to bed until the normal time.

Stay calm, avoid alcohol and spicey foods. You will be fine. Just enjoy yourself.

[PeterWh]

Welcome to our mad world of AF. Somewhere where you'd rather not be!!!'

See the responses on this topic on two other posts knocking around today. You can pick them up by sorting by responses or go onto my profile and pick up my replies and you'll find the posts.

One of the other people's insurance company decided to cancel their cover and they had their flight and accommodation refunded.

If you go without telling them you are NOT covered even if it is not heart or AF directly.

Sorry to be the bearer of potentially bad news but it would be even worse if you went, then something happened and you were left to foot the bills!!!

[Lisajack1 in reply to PeterWh]

Thanks very much for advice

[CDreamer]

Never experienced any problems with long haul flights. Insurance cover, stay VERY well hydrated - I use Boots Cold Defence as a preventative measure to avoid picking up infection or virus from the air conditioning on flights as i nearly always ended up with a cold which then triggered episodes when away - works really well and never had an issue since I started using it.

Have an action plan as to how you will cope with an episode - happened to me once when in the air on a very short flight and I just ignored it and used distraction - put in ear phones and listens to audio book and nothing terrible happened. Avoid worrying and stress and most importantly - have a great time!

[Chris147 in reply to CDreamer]

Can you advise what cold defence you use as I have been advised not suitable for those with af. many thanks

[CDreamer in reply to Chris147]

Boots own brand which is basically salt water.

[Chris147 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi Lisajack1,

Insurance is likely to be more of a problem than AF - I mean getting adequate modest cost insurance. Well, that's my personal take anyway. I fly to Australia (Sydney and/or Melbourne) and either stop over or change planes at KL or Hong Kong. I usually go for a month or 6 weeks so I get all my medications sorted before I leave UK, pack everything into my suitcase that goes into the aircraft hold and just enough for 48 hours in my cabin baggage, to allow for delays. I always take a current copy of my latest prescription. I'm on Bisoprolol and Warfarin ( amongst other meds). Because of the Warfarin I take my hand held Coaguchek device for INR testing. I leave my watch on GMT when I leave Heathrow and don't change it until I get to my destination. It helps with keeping track of the timing of when to take my doses. Long haul to Australia and NZ can be a challenge with time zones, more so than to US. Never had a problem.

Last flight was bestest ever - an Airbus A380 - what a dream machine that was. A big beautiful bird.

Sit back, don't worry and enjoy your holiday.

John

[Lisajack1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for tips

[PeterWh in reply to Hidden]

I would always pack a minimum of 7 days in hand luggage and better 2 weeks supply. If your bag goes astray then typically it takes 48 hours to reach you IF and that is IF it ever does!!!

Trying to get medicines overseas quickly and cheaply can be a real challenge (though I suspect that Australia many be different.

Also your travel insurance won't cover the extra cost (especially as its free in the UK to over 60s).

[Steve112]

Don't forget your medication stay well hydrated and have fun...don't let this AF rule your life...

[Hidden]

And if you drink, do not increase your alcohol intake just besause you are on holiday in a hot climate. have a great time. 😃

[Bagrat]

Lots of non alcoholic fluids. Aisle seat and flight socks.walkk about as much as you can. Husband and I both have AF and say wriggle wriggle to each other to remind us to stretch legs. People probably think we're mad!!

Enjoy! Wendy b

[PeterWh]

Just thought re insurance.

If you haven't got anywhere then look at the AFA website since their are some insurance companies who are listed there who have been more AF friendly so to speak.

[3killeens]

I also haveAF and heart failure ,just back from Indonesia last week also India at Christmas time ,had no problems with getting insurance ,and drank plenty on plane unfortunately water ,and moved around a lot on flight !, good luck ,Brenda