Was at the nurse having blood taken yesterday and she asked where had I been on holiday as I was a nice colour. I told her I wasn’t going until September but was heading for Rhodes. As my Afib had been mentioned she said ‘how are you feeling about flying’. I just looked at her and said why are you asking, at which she stuttered and backpedaled saying ‘Oh no reason’. I persisted and asked - is it because of my heart condition - and she said, well yes! I fired back at her that it seems lots of people with the condition do fly.
I won’t say flying as a permanent afib sufferer hasn’t been on my mind but I’ve read some posts from this site to put my mind at rest. Now this nurse has really unsettled me with her non commital answer and I just wondered if anyone with permanent afib can tell me how they found their experience of flying? I have bought a pair of compression socks and know to stay away from alcohol and hydrate but am now in half a mind as whether to ring the GP for advice.
Thank you for sharing any experiences you may have had 🤗
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Ailsablue
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I'm in constant AF now and wouldn't even consider it as a problem if I should choose to fly somewhere. I've certainly flown in the past when having an AF attack and there was no problem.
Your nurse may have just been asking if you were one of those people who panic at the thought of flying.
I’m not in permanent AF but have flown whilst in AF - absolutely no problem as long as you stay well hydrated! What I would say is that navigating the airport and standing in long queues for me IS a problem so I ask for airport support - you can walk onto the plane but they bypass the queues and take a MUCH shorter route, often through the back way so you don’t need to walk miles before you get to the gate.
That was a fortunate experience, surely not Heathrow? Flying business class from Durban to Heathrow, my travel agent booked support for me. I disembarked (eventually) that's another tale of woe. Three other ladies and myself had booked support , no sign! We walked the length of the tunnel and eventually found an official. who found a golf cart to take us. I had a car booked that picked up at one of the airport hotels, the cart was not allowed to go there so I had to walk about half a mile to the hotel lounge to await my car - I must say the duty manager at the hotel was charming !!!. The moral is - don't rely on support at Heathrow !!!!
There’s always one. In latter years we have avoided Heathrow using the smaller regional airports, if we had a connection for long distance it was more convenient. Except one trip to a small Caribbean island where we had to fly LIAT - nickname - Leave Island Anytime. We had a connection flight with the Dutch Airline. On arrival at Manchester we were missing one bag - of course it had to be the one with all the technical gear in! Handlers couldn’t track it so consternation all round. TWO years later, in Malaga airport I noticed a desk of the same baggage handlers - OH thought I was mad but I went to the desk and asked about it. Typically Spanish, they pulled out all the stops and found it! In Brazil! It had travelled x3 around the world but eventually we were reunited- in Exeter. If ever there was a more travelled bag? And what’s more - everything GPS, radios, plotters all still worked.
Evidently there had been no tracking label placed on the bag🤷♂️.
That’s amazing. My brother lost all his luggage on a flight to Morocco some years ago. He had to buy everything he needed in the local town. Fortunately, he had his insulin in his hand luggage! The bag turned up a year later entirely stripped of its contents. Just worthless odds and ends still in it. So amazing everything was intact when you found your bag. That’s lovely.
A curse on these people. Why can't they keep their mouths and opinions to themselves.
If I hadn't flown when I had AF I would never have got to any race meetings in Europe . What is the worst that could happen? AF is not a terminal condition! You obviously know the drill to which I would add give yourself plenty of extra time to avoid last minute stress and have a great holiday.
I know, it didn’t help at all! I’m probably worrying as I get swollen ankles when sitting too long and they’ve never been good on a plane. This is the first flight since my diagnosis and I’m maybe overthinking things - will my ankles explode 💥 and what will all that altitude do to my heart kinda thing. Anyway as a fellow retired Banker thank you for your support and hopefully the holiday will be worth all the worry - with no fires in sight, just some lovely ☀️.
I think she was expressing her fear but is ignorant of Afib.... Probably saw it as a heart condition in your notes & ASSUMED the worst! 🙄🙄 Completely unaware of the anxiety she then caused. Enjoy you're hol, ignore her.....
yes she definitely didnt know much about it as had to ask me what Apixiban was for. Then how to spell Bisoprolol 🙈. Was a bit of a bizarre appointment tbh. I will do my best to ignore her comments though 👍
Try to put it out of your mind. In my experience, the level of "non-knowledge" in so-called "medical professionals" is almost unbelievable. All practice nurses are the same - mine look at you blankly when you mention AF, yet they must encounter it often. I had to go in an ambulance to hospital once, waiting for it put me into an episode. When a paramedic arrived, hooked me up, I said in was in an AF episode. They didn't know AF was not necessarily permanent, tried to tell me I was wrong, that I was always in AF. Later, they said they had now recalled there was a "very rare type of AF called Proximal" - I didn't bother to correct them! I have a lovely GP who is happy to admit there's a lot he doesn't know - AF is just such a subject. He told me it gets about an hour's study in medical school, and is big enough to recognise that we sufferers know far more about our condition than he does. Your nurse doesn't have knowledge about AF any more than someone walking down the street, so her comments to you were ignorant and ill-informed. Like my recent routine (Apixaban) blood test, I stepped on the scales, the nurse gave me a disapproving look announcing I'd gained a kilo. She must be the wrong side of 15 stone!
Hi Dexter, after my visit on Friday I agree with what you say regarding the lack of knowledge of AF and probably other conditions. I think I was surprised at her lack of it as I know Afib is one of the most common arrhythmias. This all started as I had handed in a weeks readings of my BP and a nurse text me to say very slightly high bottom reading and to hand another set in in six months. Also went on to say meantime come for your annual blood tests as they are due. When I arrived on Friday for my appointment the nurse didn’t know why I was there as there was no update on my records and ‘did I know’. I said I hadn’t a clue as I was only a year from diagnosis with Afib so annual blood testing wasn’t something that had been mentioned to me. After much ado the senior nurse came and had a read at the text I was sent- still no understanding of why I’d been sent the message and the nurse who sent it was now of sick🤒 . She then went to the GP and came back and said just to take blood for U’s and O’s (or it could have been U’s and I’s) which when I asked seems to be connected to kidney function. I really felt like it was a case of I was there so take blood for something bit otherwise it looks like I shouldn’t have been there at all. It does make you wonder I have to say.
I’m intrigued as to you saying you get a routine blood test for Apixaban - could you tell me more about what that is for. I brought up one of my tablets is Digoxin and could that be why the nurse bloods done bit was told they don’t do that any more 🤷🏻♀️.
Also I’ll be having a word with my brother who is a paramedic and making sure he is well educated on Afib 😅 though I know he certainly has more knowledge than the guy you saw due to me being diagnosed!
Hi, no worries, I'm notoriously long-winded! Yes, you do get checked regularly with bloods and weight when on Apixaban. Don't stress, it's a routine to check your kidney function is fine, as the kidneys deal with it's disposal! It used to be, in my area, once a year, but has recently been changed to every 6 months. I know in some areas it's always been 6 months. The weight check is to ensure that you're not below a certain weight, as if you're very lightweight, the dosage needs to be looked at, also at a certain age, I think? Maybe 80? Like you, no one told me there would be regular blood tests when I started on Apixaban a few years ago, I just got called in after a year. Recently, the practice nurse, surprise surprise, had no idea why there's a new policy in my area. But I guess it's my health board coming into line with some other places. And as usual they ask what I'm there for.....er...you sent me a text, and when I made the appointment I was asked what for....🙄 I suspect your Apixaban prescription automatically generates you into their "annual review" system in the GP "computer".
As for why they cannot tell instantly that I'm nowhere near the threshold for being too thin for the usual dosage......there's nothing remotely marginal about that one! 😂😂😂
That’s very interesting re the annual check for Apixaban. I’ve never had that put to me at all. Now I wonder if they’ll even remember next year so I’m going to take a diary note myself. Are you able to tell me if you’re in Scotland like me? I’m just thinking that area could be something to do with who gets what. Hopefully the nurses at my practice will be talking to each other about this and I’ve decided when I ring about the blood test results next Monday that I’m going to ask to speak to the ASN who text me in the first place. Hopefully she’s back as she was off sick on Friday. It’s her that holds the answer.
Yes, I'm in Ayrshire. My story is just the typical one, had an episode, went to A & E. Reverted just as I was about to take a drug there. Appointment eventually to have EEG, heart structure and function fine. Wore a Holter monitor for 24 hours, fine. Saw cardiologist consultant, whose first question re the episode was had I been on a drinking bender? (I'm teetotal). That was it. I felt very anxious, saw my GP who gave me Bisoprolol, no other follow up at all for a few years. Only this forum helped me. As it progressed, I decided I had to be my own advocate, and knew from here that I needed to see an EP specialist - an electrician, not a plumber as they say. That was 6 years ago, at that time it seemed you needed to be referred by your GP. I researched on Google, and found the marvellous Dr Chris Lang, who changed my life in 45 minutes. He consults at Spire at both Murray field and Shawfair Park, also I think at the Nuffield hospital in Colinton Road, round the corner from Polwarth Terrace. Nowadays you just phone up or book online for a consultation yourself. Best decision ever. Last year I felt I needed a bit more interaction, and thinking it through, decided I needed to find his clone nearer to me. Dr Lang's assistant kindly recommended my current guy in Glasgow, and she was right, he is just as wonderful as Dr Lang. We decided between us, it would be good reassurance for me to have an ECG once a year at the heart clinic at Ross Hall. The result is passed to him for checking, if he needs to talk to me about it, he would phone me. I can phone/email him/go to see him if I need to. I no longer feel I've nowhere to turn to, no one to answer the questions we have, the anxiety we suffer at being abandoned. I found writing down all my questions before I went, along with the time line of my AF history was very helpful for both of us. Hope that helps you a bit! Best, Diane.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Diane and ‘yes’ it helps me enormously. You used the word ‘abandoned’ and that’s exactly how I have been feeling too so what you have said is so positive and if people can afford it - well worth the money. I apparantly have loose valves but the A&E doc said he wasn’t concerned about them - good for him eh! It was only after getting home and pondering things I sat thinking - so how am I going to know when to go back in the event things became worse before I become really ill. With you saying that between you and the EP you’re going to get annual testing by getting an ECG which will give you valuable reassurance and put your mind at rest is a massive positive for you. I’m very grateful to you as I’m definitely not going to give a second thought to going private and just get on and do it when I’m ready. Many many thanks 🙏🏻
My pleasure. Exactly - just being in that limbo state of no monitoring, no follow-up, GP's knowing next to nothing about the condition - that made me anxious in itself. And going private for a consultation doesn't bar you from going back to the NHS for any actual treatment. In fact, my Glasgow guy offered to put me on my local consultant's (NHS) list at Ayr Hospital so I wouldn't have to pay for the ECGs. But I declined, I'd probably still be waiting for the first one, if I were really lucky. And, I'd have had one eventually, then been forgotten about all over again. Very happy to toddle up to Ross Hall and pay £85 every year. Best, Diane.
Hi Diane. When talking about accessing Dr Lang through Spire and Ross Hall I assume you are going private, either paying yourself or through insurance? I'm in Edinburgh. My wife has had consultations/treatment from Dr Lang - but always through the NHS. Rgds.
Well your wife has been very fortunate indeed, as have the people who have NHS access to his specific expertise of electrophysiology by dint of location. In my health area, there hasn't even been a consultant cardiologist in post for several years, until recently. For us, there has been no route to access electrophysiology specialists like Dr Lang, and a small number of others, without seeing them in their private practices. If you live in the area where these very few specialists consult in their NHS job, and by good fortune you happen to have been placed on their lists, then you benefit from an expertise that is not available to all, readily or easily, or without waiting years. So yes, I paid as I have no alternative. I wish your wife well in the future with this awful condition. Rgds.
True! We left Edinburgh in 1992, on a job move to the west....I had a flat which we sold without a thought, and we stayed in a detached house in South Queensferry. I wish we'd kept the flat and rented it out, we actually could have done. Selling it now would have kept us royally in our old age. And strangely, my flat was next door to the Nuffield hospital on Colinton Road, where I saw Dr Lang....Hey ho, hindsight....Rgds, Diane
Oh, I forgot to say, have a wonderful holiday, it will be fine. Returning from Australia one time, we had a few hours at Dubai. I went into Afib, but no problem, we were sitting just by our gate. Fortunately my husband went to the loo, came back saying our gate had been changed to one at the other end of the very large airport. We had to run for about 15 minutes to make our flight, which we did by the skin of our teeth, it had almost completed boarding. But it did put me back in rhythm. It's amazing what you can do when you've no option....same coming back from Japan a couple of months ago, I went into AF the evening before, woke up in the morning still feeling yucky, thought I can't do this. Didn't fancy the alternative, so forced myself to get moving and get on that plane, I went back in rhythm on way to the airport. I often wonder if there's something in that....but usually in AF I take to the couch and let my husband peel me a grape....best, Diane.
That was me too. I had to have a sleep sitting up in my chair but leaning on my right side. It used to get rid of what I thot was just palpatations as this was the days before meds and before my Afib diagnosis. It’s crazy what our hearts do but good for you doing a Usain Bolt ⚡️ through the airport. I don’t think I could do that lol!
I do find it strange that sometimes the nurses who do the annual checks don’t know more about each patient. But perhaps they just don’t have the time in the system to do the research and reading as their patient list is just too long and relentless.
Having been a SENCO in a primary school for at least two decades before retirement, I used to try and find out as much about the children’s many and varied conditions as I could. And I had a full teaching load as well with responsibility for a class. There was never enough time to do both roles without a huge amount of additional time. But that’s not the point. In order to properly support children and families you need to know what they are dealing with and ask them if you aren’t sure. And check that what you think you know applies in their particular case. At least ask the questions. You can’t be an expert on everything.
However if you are a nurse specialist accept that most people with any medical conditions have done extensive research and knows some of the drug interactions and dietary clashes that might exist. And it’s also true that those of us with long experience of Afib have learned coping strategies and a greater understanding of when we need A and E and when we can safely stay at home and take extra bisoprolol. Or other meds. But it is true that we sometimes need to discover this ourselves. Nobody told me to try this, but when I did I was told it was a great strategy. 😂
It could have saved so many panicked hospital visits. Though I guess without being on warfarin years ago they liked to administer an anti coagulant during the episode. But I, like most of you, seem to have learned how to manage my medications snd symptoms by myself and then told the medical people what I do.
Anyway, this post is going rambling off so I’ll stop now!! Just a last thing, my husband who regularly sees the diabetic nurse seems to know far more than her about the drugs and their interactions and side effects than she does. That I do find strange, given diabetes is her speciality and she is Type 2 herself and appears to be following none of the healthy eating advice she gives to him.
However that could be unrelated and her condition may be complex with other comorbidities. You never know the whole story, and in the end I expect everybody is doing their best within the time and resources they have.
And forums like these share a lot of learned wisdom that can often reassure and empower others.
And flying? I’m terrified of it and only flew once many years ago. I’m still trying to muster up courage to fly EMA to Newquay to save a 600 mile round trip to see our granddaughter on a regular basis. Thought the fear might trigger my Afib but didn’t ever think it was a reason not to fly of itself snd as lots have said on here it seems to be all good. So enjoy. 😊
Yes I’ve just found out not to expect everyone in the surgery to know about a condition like mine no matter how well known and how nearly 1.5 million people in the UK have it (according to the NHS site). Good for you doing your homework back before you retired. If my child was attending someone in the NHS I’d have fully expected them to know the medical background especially in the days of technology where I’d hope after any visit to A&E or a GP our records should be updated. I’m not medical but had a career in the financial industry and that’s how we worked. What a mess we’d have got into if we didn’t update records 🙈 We all need to keep on top of keeping ourselves safe and knowing what to expect from our care and educating ourselves to the hilt.
I agree with your thots on this Forum and it’s great when others benefit from posts from fellow users. I’d have been lost without it and long may it continue.
I hope you manage to pluck up the courage to fly to see your granddaughter. There has been lots of great advice in this post and lots of encouragement so I hope it rubs off on you as it doing to me. Thank you 🤗
Now that is worrying if she didn't know what Apixaban was for........ having said that, when I had a cardioversion previously and mentioned I was up to date with my Apixaban, the nurse said "what's that?" and that was on a cardiac ward 🙄.
I was in the cardiac ward before Covid after an episode of fast AF and before I knew about taking extra bisoprolol, and one of the nurses tried to give me an anti coagulant tablet. Edoxiban. I said I’d had an injection of enoxiparin in A and E before coming on the ward. And I didn’t think I needed another dose of an anticoagulant. She took it away again. But what if I hadn’t said anything? Or didn’t realise it was a different medication for the same purpose. 🤷♀️
Good grief. I would say that's probably the classic not bothering to read the notes. Much to their annoyance at times, I question everything any form of medic try and get me to take as I've had some near misses with contraindicated meds. I'm lucky, when it's out of hospital, that I have a wonderful pharmacist who steps in immediately.
As you say, doesn't bear thinking about if someone doesn't realise what they're being given.
I'm in permanent AF and have been for several years. I've been on short haul flights to Europe and also on Long Haul UK to Singapore and Australia. As long as I keep hydrated and avoid stressful situations and relax, I've not had any problems
I have flown many times and it’s never been a problem. Flown mainly Europe but have also flown to USA. As we speak I am in the Netherlands and fly back Wednesday. Try and put what the nurse said out of your mind and go and have a great time. My guess is it was her own thoughts/fears if she suffered from Afib and should have kept them to herself.
Since you're in permanent AF I doubt you have 'rescue meds'. I'm guessing Quilafizz is talking about 'Pill in the Pocket' which is what some of us who suffer from paroxysmal AF have. I take them immediately I go into AF - beta blocker to lower heart rate and Flecainide which usually puts me back in sinus rhythm after an hour or so.
I've flown long haul (to the US) and went into AF shortly after take off - prompted, I suspect, by the G & T I had on an empty stomach....naughty me! I was in AF for the whole flight but happily it stopped just before we landed. That was in the days before I was prescribed the PiP so I just had to sit it out. It was fine. I'm sure that, as others have said, the nurse was projecting her own fears on you.
With regards your ankles swelling, do you move around? On flights I always go walk about every hour or so, and do a few squats if I can find somewhere that's out of sight. I do think it helps.
Ah thank you for stepping in and explaining things for me. I have heard the term pill in pocket on here before. I’m aiming to move around a lot more now I have this condition so hoping that will help with the ankles. We went to Manchester a few weeks ago on the train from Edinburgh and the state of my ankles even with that alarmed me. Needless to say I didn’t get up and walk around so lesson now learned. Thanks again for replying and don’t be naughty too much lol!
It's made no difference to my flying on holiday and I have flown to both South Africa and USA with my Afib -persistent at the time now permanent, I have not flown since Covid as flights have been cancelled due to Covid outbreaks - either with the family we were visiting abroad or here.
I am presuming this was the nurse at your GP surgery or phlebotomist at a hospital or health centre. If this had been a specialist cardio nurse who knew all about your condition I may have taken notice but imagine any nurse other than aspecialist cardio or arrhythmia nurse would not necessarily know enough about the condition and would not be up to speed on current medication and practices to be able to voice that opinion so I wouldn't take any notice. If you now feel worried then do speak to your own cardio nurse or GP.
I have had permanent Afib for about 18 years. I have flown many dozens of flights and have never had any problem with the flight causing any reaction!!!! Actually never even heard of this before.........I agree with the remark below that the nurse was projecting her own fear of flying onto you...........then was embarrassed and not sure how to handle.
Yes I am quite certain you will be fine……..also maybe can add I am on pradaxa and diltiazen small doses.
I notice sometimes people do the sign of the cross during take off …...something from my catholic days and sweet to see…… so sometimes I do it too….. Taking refuge in the father, son and Holy Spirit ……or the Buddha or any higher power prayer. Maybe steadies the nerves
I have had permanent afib for 5 years now and fly long haul frequently for family reasons and leisure. I'm 62 and also have a chronic lung condition. I've not once had a problem, I drink plenty of water get up to exercise my legs walking up and down a bit and wear compression socks. I am on 2.5mg bisopolol daily. My cardiologist encouraged me to keep on doing what I enjoy and said if I get any issues with heart racing just take another bisopolol . This I have done a few times in every day life and it works for me but never had any issues flying.
I’ve never been told to take more of my meds if I feel I need them. Infact I’ve not been told very much tbh. Sent away from the cardio docs and when I asked when I needed to see him again was told - no, you’ll just be under the GP now. It makes me wonder how you catch anything getting worse if you’re not even checked on an annual basis. 🤷🏻♀️
Ailsa, may I make a suggestion? The best money I ever spent in my life was making an appointment to see an Electrophysiology specialist privately, in 2017. I think it cost about £250 at the time. I had 45 minutes to chat, found out loads. No one else had ever bothered/had the time to help me. He wrote a letter to my GP there and then telling him to prescribe Flecainide at a low dose, to start, but if I needed more, I was basically "in charge". Of course within the daily maximum. I am still on the lowest dose, but I can take more during an episode. That appointment was the most empowering thing ever, I felt like I was listened to, and in charge of my own body. Last year, I did the same again with another delightful guy, this time in Glasgow, as much as I loved my first guy, he is further away in Edinburgh. I think last year was about £300, plus an ECG cost. You do not even need a GP referral, you just call them up and make an appointment. The difference in my life, my confidence is immeasurable. I live with AF now, not just exist. A consultation which will change your life is less than what I pay every month in council tax! Let me know if you want names etc. Best, Diane
Your suggestions are very welcome Diane. I have thot about a private consultation and it certainly seems to have helped you a lot. I know of the Spire near me (Edinburgh)which is private and I used them when I had plantar faciitis for two years. I had given up on self help and spending a fortune on shoes etc so went to the doc but was unwilling to wait for an appointment on the nhs as it was months. However, like you I don’t just want to exist and it would be nice to have a decent amount of time armed with the many questions that I have with a proper EP. I don’t even know if any of the doctors I have seen in A&E were EP’s. Thank you again and I will discuss with my husband as it does seem to be the way forward as sadly the NHS is not where we need it to be.
Sorry, Ailsa, I responded about the EP in the wrong one of your posts That reply is attached to another one! The only people Ive ever seen at A & E have been those specialists, they treat your acute symptoms, try to get you back in rhythm, and send you home. From them, my follow up referral was to get an EEG , then review at the regular cardiology department, I happened to see one of the cardiac consultants (not one of the trainees 😳) at the outpatient clinic. Less than 5 minutes and off you go....As I say in my other post, "regular" cardiologists are like plumbers, EP'S are plumbers, too, but they are also the electricians we need for this condition! Best, Diane.
i flew to Greece last year whilst in permanent AF. I will admit that I didn't feel good with the long walk from security to departure at Stansted but we were relieved that we had used fast track security. The only problem was that my feet and ankles swelled up during the flight home for the first time ever (I'm 70). I would certainly do it again. Enjoy your holiday.
I’m still paroxysmal at the moment and have flown many many times, twice this year and again in September coming. sometimes I have gone into AFIB whilst up there and just sat it out with no problems. I’m sure you’ll be fine Ailsa, get your cases packed and look forward to a lovely well deserved holiday.
And bring me a stick of rock back.👍 best wishes. Ron.
Hi.. I normally have diazepam for flying but not allowed anymore because of A/Fib. I was VERY nervous about flying and how the heat may affect me. Plus its the first time I had gone abroad alone, and the first time with this condition. I went abroad last month and even had an episode while over there too. I managed to still have a fabulous time and already looking at where I can venture off to next year. Make sure you have good health insurance and just go and have an amazing time.
Thanks for replying. I am on low dose of flecainide and bisoprolol. Although very nervous of flying am considering a trip next month and would need a diazepam to go!
Go for it ❤️ I used to be terrified of flying, long haul cured me. I also used to take valium before a flight and drink wine on top...not a good combo. I am ok now although I haven't been any distance since being diagnosed with afib. My only fear is having an episode mid flight. My EP says "sit it out", not much choice really when you are 30,000 feet in the air 😕
Definitely want to get away. The fear is consuming though and have always relied on diazepam. How I'd love to be one of those people who gets on board and falls asleep lol!
I think it's because of the meds I take.. when I asked the GP she gave a resounding no..... maybe my meds slow.my heart rate enough. I was actually quite chilled on the flight once we were up in the air. Normally I'm a mess.
I have Diazepam to take for "travel anxiety". On Bisoprolol, with a very low resting heart rate. I've never heard of any issue with taking both - and my GP obviously hasn't either!
I think that’s my problem too - the fact I haven’t flown since being diagnosed! Yes we dealt with the Insurance thanks to this Forum and hopefully the amazing time will sort itself out 👍 Thank you.
I wonder whether she was thinking "unmedically" at that moment, just trying to be friendly and reacting just as some people might? Your surprised look likely put her on the spot and forced her to think medically, instead. There are people who wonder innocently whether flying is safe for people with a heart issue - I know I have thought that. However, from the advice given, if your heart is otherwise sound and sensible precautions taken, then there is no bar to flying with AF.
As far as I know, also, the clots that form during extended travel are when the body is immobile for long periods and are in the lower leg, called deep vein thrombosis. I have read that atrial fibrillation, in and of itself, does not cause these or add to the risk. You will also be likely taking an anticoagulant which will add to your safety.
Here's a quotation from what seems a useful web page:
"Can I Fly With Atrial Fibrillation?
Patients with AFib can generally fly without issue. However, it is important that all patients are prepared. Firstly, patients should only fly if their disease is under control. Talk with your doctor to make sure that you are a good candidate for travel. Also, be sure to take extra medication and bring your doctor’s contact information along on your trip."
Yes on Apixaban Steve. The cardio doctor was’nt ‘concerned’ as he said when I was in last year discussing issues a few months after diagnosis so I’m hanging on to that. It still irks me that you seem to get sent away to get on with things (Edinburgh) with no indication of annual checks on the condition - that’s why the annual blood test pleasantly surprised me only to be dashed with them wondering why I was there. I just plod on taking the meds doing my ‘wondering’ every now and then.
At least I’m on an end of aisle seat so won’t bother anyone with my getting up and down lol!
I think we are sometimes sent away to get on with things as, although AF feels far too often as if death is around the corner, it truly isn't, and from the cardiologist's viewpoint, having so very many extra patients now thanks to long covid's effects, they don't see things as we do. I do more than "wonder" sadly, as my mind works overtime always. I wish it didn't.
That’s the journey I have come through as well and it’s not been at all nice. I’m also an over thinker and wish I wasn’t. I understand their workload must be enormous but a wee ecg once a year and a listen to how your heart sounds doesn’t take long to do. It would help stop me wondering how much more worse things could ‘silently’ be happening. That would be my hope but I won’t hold my breath. Thanks again. 🙂
I have had Paroxysmal A F for 22 years and have flown all over the world in that time all with the blessing of my cardiologist and my EP who just keep taking your meds, keep hydrated and do not get overtired Go and have a great time
Please don’t worry. I don’t like flying - nothing to do with AF, but I do fly and I don’t worry about AF at all.
Unless that nurse was a AF or cardio nurse, she had no right to mention your AF. If she was a practice nurse her knowledge of AF is likely to have been basic and considerably less than yours. Fly happily and have a great holiday. X
It became very apparent she knew very little about Afib but from other comments this doesn’t seem to be unusual even though there is a massive amount of the population have it.
I'm sorry to hear your practice nurse has little knowledge about Afib. I thought they were supposed to know about all the health conditions their patients might have. The practice nurse in our practice is very well versed in these matters - I always go to her for annual reviews and blood tests and she was the one who first suggested that I had Afib, having detected a racing, irregular heart beat when taking my blood pressure when carrying out my annual CKD review. She's great.
Have a lovely time in Rhodes - hope the fires have died out and the flights actually depart!
I have permanent AF,and have flown to Australia on my own a few times,the last time just before covid at age then of 79 years,go enjoy yourself,live your life don't be ruled by AF
I have been in permanent AF since 2016 and have flown around the world , USA, Australia, Europe. We spent two weeks in the hottest place in the northern hemisphere ( Death Valley) never had a problem whatsoever, just be sensible, keep hydrated, keep alcohol to a minimum. We continue to fly. We're off to Greece next week. Don't let your AF define you or restrict you. Simply listen to your body. Good luck and enjoy making memories, Roy
Permenent AF means that the Doctor and I have agreed not to try and return my heart to NSR. Numerous attempts were made to establish NSR without success I went into Permenent AF in Feb 2016 prior to that date I had suffered with Paroxysmal AF for many years which quite frankly was difficult to live with. Heart rate would be irregular rocket to 100 to 180 BPM anything from minutes to hours, in the latter years almost on a daily occurrence. When my Paroxysmal AF became constant and ultimately permenent the AF burden became much easier to live with. Yes my heart rhythm was still irregular but heart rate were much less, resting heart rate was approx 60 to 65 BPM and it could and does increase to anything up to 120 BPM during exercise ( I swim, cycle and chase my grandchildren about) for me Permenent AF is much easier to live with than Paroxysmal AF. My medication includes 1.25mg Bisoporol daily and Apixaban 5mg X2 daily. I am a 76 year old male. AF doesn't impact my life anymore and I have no intention of chasing the holy grail that is NSR. I am too busy making memories and ultimately memories are the only thing one day we have left. Good luck Roy
I'm in permanent AF. We have a house in Spain and regularly fly out there. The worst part of travelling is the airports but I've learnt to not let the stress get to me. Seems like your surgery nurse is not clued up on AF. Go on holiday and enjoy.
I’ve had permenant AF for years, plus DCM,. My original diagnosis was made after an episode on a flight which made me slightly apprehensive on occasions since.
My remedy is to take a 2mg diazepam twenty minutes before boarding, (only about one flight in four and with my gp’s blessing), and have never had a problem.
That’s good the diazepam works for you. We all have to try and find a way through our issues. I’ll give it a go with the meds I’m on and see how things go first. Thank you for replying 🤗
I’ve flown a couple of times 6 hours to Bali I had been in AF for about a week before I went, no problems. On another occasion flew 3 hours in Australia when not in AF a month after my cardioversion had a lovely 5 day break and flew back no problem.
Try to relax learn to breath properly. In fact have a look at the book Breath by James Nestor it’s about how we all have forgotten how to breathe properly. I practice every day just to remind my self since reading it 7 months ago
I like a good book to read so will defo check out your recommendation. I have had an experience of panic attacks in my life so I get what you say. Also good to know you seem to sail through your flying experiences- I hope I’m the same lol!
My AF is only paroxysmal but my husband and I have not flown anywhere for years as we are concerned about global warming which has already caused the fires in Rhodes and elsewhere!!
Been in permanent A Fib for years always fly every year had no problems just get good extra space seat going away next year to Canary Islands for all of January don’t let the doom mongers get you down 😀
All of January -very nice too! Good to know you’re a fan of flying, I’m hoping to get back to being one too. Doom mongers 😂 thankfully only a couple! 👍
I have always been terrified of flying, but I used to take 2mg Valium and a glass of wine before I could go in the plane. Now I can’t take Valium because of slow heartbeat, but I have to admit to a glass of wine before I go, which I know is against the AF rule. So far have been ok. Good luck.
I certainly wouldn’t be worried about flying, although I am a very anxious flier I’ve never had issues. I agree with what the A Fibbers are saying re: nurses, they are all different and some just don’t understand AF at all. I have an annual check for AF and the first nurse I saw was brilliant and very knowledgeable, but last week I saw one and she was not up to scratch at all!! Asking me what she needed to do and eventually sat there biting her nails as I was explaining so to her, waste of my time and their’s.
Anyway good luck with your decision and I hope you get to Rhodes and enjoy!! ⛱️⛱️
I wish I had the added assurance of an annual check but it’s not something that’s been put to me. I mentioned earlier but it seems that here in Edinburgh you get sent away from hospital and told to deal with your GP who then never bothers to see you! I’m not one to bother the docs but surely we deserve at least an annual check due to changes!!
Rhodes seems back on track after the awful fires so fingers crossed all will be well 👍
I think the Nurse was simply making idle conversation with you. She was asking what your thoughts were, about flying. She was not warning you about anything.
Positive reply for the nurse but her ‘tone’ of voice told me her random ‘question’ had some kind of concerning meaning behind it. Guess I’ll just have to wonder 🤷🏻♀️
In the past I would say relax and breathe. Now I would just add do not be panicked by it. AF can be frightening and I used to worry about it a lot but it will not kill you. Keep your meds regular on a long flight and try to keep to your regular dosing times if you are in a different time zone.
I flew for the first time last February to Grenada. I have PAF. Flight was fine except they didn’t give out enough water. But that can be remedied. Eating as a low carb T2 was difficult. Got there after long flight, I did have an episode during the night which I put down to lack of enough hydration and long day. Didn’t last long.
You certainly have generated a lot of interest! It's a good question and one I haven't thought about but I should. No one has asked if you are symptomatic with your episodes so I assume you aren't. My cardiologist calls my AF "severely symptomatic" because I am so short of breath and weak. I have to take my rhythm control "stat" lie down until it passes which is a couple of hours (take a 3rd in an hour). That would be a problem on a plane but I haven't let that stop me. Mine is paroxysmal and unpredictable, not good even if I'm on the ground and driving or shopping. I've been fortunate and mine have always occurred at home, but my EP is attentive and I've had several ablations which have helped.
My suspicion is that with the word "fibrillation" tacked on to "atrial", the nurse was thinking of passengers who need defibrillators on planes. Those are life-threatening arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) and V-Tach. A defibrillator delivers a dose of electric current to the heart. Planes are equipped but it's definitely an urgent situation.
Hi Marcyh, I was just saying to my husband about the response 😳 which is good as it airs those niggling questions for anyone interested. I have been really grateful I found this forum this past year as it’s settled my nerves a good few times as earlier on I didn’t get on with the meds lol!
My now permanent Afib is usually fairly quiet. I get the odd palpitations or a fleeting lightheadedness but inclines and hills are not my friend. I also made the changes we are advised to do ie cut down on alcohol a fair bit, no hard cheeses, drinking more water and losing weight as well as trying to change my diet to the better. I’m by no means perfect but I’m trying! My heart rate is quite sensitive - resting stays mainly under 100 with an odd rogue sudden spike which I don’t feel but can leap high on the dance floor and so I stick to walking as my exercise with the hope of trying out swimming soon to see how I get on.
I’m sorry to hear you have a hard time with your symptoms, breathlessness is not nice at all but good you have an EP who you feel gives you his time and looks after you . We all have different degrees of it but it’s a real rogue of a condition though I have read people saying they think it’s easier to deal with permanent Afib. The meds though they help also make some people feel like they’re walking through mud and so being full of energy is something not many of us enjoy anymore.
You might have something there on your idea of the nurse thinking ‘fibrillation’ being connected to a defibrillator.
I’ve flown all over the world , and I have paroxysmal AF at first I was anxious but someone on this forum said just make sure you have plenty of time are well hydrated , treat yourself as if you are just at home do what you would do normally , sometimes I think permanent AF would be easier to manage rather then random attacks , but do enjoy yourself best of luck
Isn’t it good when someone’s kind words make you feel better about things. I’m finding that with this post too. Funny you saying about permanent being less bother as I just mentioned that to the previous lady. 😊
I have paroxysmal af but have never had anyone tell me I should be careful about flying. I'm a nervous person and don't love flying but that's a different issue. And when you think about it, there are so many people with undiagnosed AFib out in the world flying at all times. And without issue. I think there's a lot of good advice out there on just making sure that you are taking good care of yourself and even when you're flying. ❤️
I never thot of all the undiagnosed people out there. It’s true though and the Cardio Doc said he thot I’d had it a while so I’m probably one of them. I have mentioned being an overthinker so I need to work on that one too lol!
Hi I have permanent A-Fib and have flown long haul and Europe 3 - 4 times a year over the last 7 years with AF don’t worry about it as that starts your AF 🤣 go and enjoy your Holiday oh and I always have a drink on the plane !!!( but bottle water as well)
I also have af and type 2 and osteoarthritis and have a defibrillator fitted,I was in florida may last year for 3 weeks, again in April this year for 2 weeks, and I am just preparing for my next trip in September for 2 weeks again to florida.
Only wore compression socks last year,forgot to put them on this year found no difference.
I had a fantastic time.
Go for it enjoy yourself.
Take a couple of walks up and down the aircraft for a bit of exercise.
You have a few things going on but seem very upbeat about it all. I need to try and be more like that. Hopefully as I learn more and ask my questions I’ll get there. I am aiming to enjoy myself so I think I can stretch to that even tho I miss all that lovely wine I used to love so much. Thank you for replying 🤗
I think it will probably have been a health care assistant that took your blood which would explain her limited knowledge of drugs and conditions, the term nurse is widely used unfortunately, hope that helps?
Unfortunately due to demand most or nearly all GP practices now use HCA’s to take blood as the qualified staff are needed to run clinics ie Asthma/Diabetes and do smears etc (I am a retired RGN) so I think it’s safe to assume if she had only limited medical knowledge she must be the stalwart of the practice - a HCA? Which hopefully should reassure you that her questions to you came from a genuine need to understand?
Hi my sister and myself have A F we travel lots .i go to Cyprus myself every year Thailand for Christmas and sri lanka this Christmas I just take and bring my meds with me .go and enjoy your holidays. I love travelling what will be will be .we have to try and enjoy life whilst we can .regards brenda
Oh goodness, that nurse sounds like she needs some retraining! Wear your compression socks, hydrate, stretch your toes and wiggle your ankles. Get up and walk around if you can. Then have a wonderful holiday!
I flew from the US to New Zealand in the days before my afib was resolved. Didn’t do a 14 hour direct flight, longest segment was 10 hours. Made it just fine. But then I don’t sit still for very long on any flight. Always up and down to the loo, mostly just to get a good stretch. Have had tachycardia attacks while on flights. Ironically, a good glug of red wine often knocks it out. Not a recommendation though! 😂
Oh my goodness, I am so glad I saw this thread. I haven’t flown since I was diagnosed with permanent AFib 4 years ago. I did have 2 faulty valves, one of which was quite bad, and had open heart surgery to repair them 2 years ago. I have to say I still haven’t recovered really from that, and don’t think I’ll get much better. (I am 78).I get tired much more quickly, and still get a bit breathless with exercise (more than before the op!) I do wonder if beta-blockers, Apixaban and diuretics take it out of you! And also my arthritis, which wasn’t really troublesome, has suddenly got quite noticeably worse since the operation. However one thing that has improved is the AFib. I still have it but much less than before. So something to be grateful for!
Anyway, reading people’s stories makes me think I might pluck up courage to fly - if I can find a holiday to book!
It gladdens me to hear people are finding this post is helping them. I have to say I’m overwhelmed with the amount of people who have showed interest in it and somehow they’re made feel better hearing what like minded people have to say - as do I. This subject has niggled away at me for a long time now and I just needed to know if there was anyone out there who felt as if did. And you are one of them 😊. I too haven’t flown in about 4 years so with Afib now in the mix it has been bothering me. However, the fabulous people on this forum have come up trumps and have put my mind at rest somewhat so I will fly next month armed with determination to get on board and go and enjoy my well earned holiday. You have been through tough times too so I hope that you also manage to banish your demons and board a flight to somewhere nice. Use the tools people on here have suggested - one being the assisted help the airports promote. Try somewhere not too far away for your first time and see how that goes. I wish you well in your future endeavours 🤗
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AF and anaesthetics
Flying with Afib
