Flying with Af: I am going to dominion... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Flying with Af

patsey profile image
14 Replies

I am going to dominion republic in Oct with 19 family members but worried about the flight . Can any one give me any tips on trying to keep AF at bay have had a terrible few years lost my young grandson and my mum within a year so my daughters thought this would be a treat.

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patsey profile image
patsey
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14 Replies
rosyG profile image
rosyG

Keep well hydrated and walk as much as you can. Don't get stressed at the airport- allow plenty of time- and then remember all the people on this site who fly all over the world with AF!!

patsey profile image
patsey in reply torosyG

Thank you

Jollies profile image
Jollies

Allow yourself plenty of time, keep hydrated, walk when you can, flight socks, ankle exercises and a good book!

patsey profile image
patsey in reply toJollies

Thank you

LolaKJ profile image
LolaKJ

Hi Patsey ! I have endured AF for 5 years now. I have travelled to Vancouver & Toronto 4 times, as well as Florida. I will be away again at Christmas. Warfarin helps prevent DVT, so I feel reassured that I won't suffer any ill effects. Allow plenty of time at airport, and relax on the plane. Enjoy !

LindaDaisy profile image
LindaDaisy

In addition to the advice above you could ask your doctor for something to reduce your anxiety. I find playing games on my iPad keeps my brain occupied. If you have an iPad you could download your favourite films or TV.

shirljo profile image
shirljo

I went to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago and was worried about a long haul flight and my AF. As advised below stay hydrated, no alcohol on the flight, eat little and often and read a good book. I was distracted by my friends and fabulous staff and there is so much going on you'll forget you were worried. Oh and have a fabulous time x

I've never had AF in flight or on holiday and I do Heathrow to Sydney. If you are on medication keep a days supply in your cabin baggage and the rest in your hold baggage. Make sure you have a current prescription for all your medication and if possible get your GP to write a letter from confirming that your meds are for whatever conditions you have.

In flight, NO!NO alcohol, just water/soft drinks.

THEN, sit back enjoy the flight, leave all your cares behind and ..... may the force be with you 😀

Swamps profile image
Swamps

I was given a tip by a retired GP who also has AF....

It worked for me pre ablation.

Whilst seated (Better if you get a bit dizzy) Fi͏n͏d the carrotted artery on the right side of your neck and apply pressure very firmly with 2 or 3 fingers this resets sinus rytham. Worked for me in the departure lounge at Heathrow and a couple of times at home too. I will add I have a very healthy heart both mechanically and with good plumbing (clear veins) so it fixes the electrical which is the AF

I know it works for me but beware if you have any other issues because I’m sure your GP won’t recommend! But I had been asked by the LAS If I had any tricks I use to get my rate back to normal. Blow through a straw. Cold water on wrists. Bear down as if straining to dedicate etc. all of which can help if you go into AF at an awkward time

Hope it helps but take care I’m no Dr just that the tip came from one

trtoothdr profile image
trtoothdr

Take a xanax one hour before takeoff and enjoy being with your family. You will have a wonderful time in the DR/

Spoiler profile image
Spoiler

In addition to what has been said, Be sure you get enough rest before the flight and during your trip, change of sleep patterns can be a trigger, it is for me. I take a xanax before the trip and at least one every other night if I have trouble resting in a strange bed. Travel can be stressful.

fifitb profile image
fifitb

What lovely people are on this site! So helpful. I know my son is concerned about me flying over to the southern states of the USA - with a couple of plane changes! I shall show him some of your feedback about flying with atrial fibrillation. I have done the trip once, but did get stressed as the connecting flights barely connected and I had to rush, and that did not help!

patsey profile image
patsey

Thank you to everybody for giving me ensurance about flight I shall try to enjoy I'm not very good on words or using this site but I do read it a lot .

Denise- profile image
Denise-

I've had no problems and I'm a nervous flyer. Drink plenty of water move around and enjoy. Have an amazing holiday you deserve it.

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