Travelling in 2 weeks time. - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Travelling in 2 weeks time.

cs1969 profile image
12 Replies

Hello, first post from me here. I had a mild heart attack coming up for 4 weeks ago. I got one stent fitted. Was back at the hospital on Saturday for an echo and got my result today saying everything was fine. I’m due to go to USA & Canada in two weeks time for a two week break. My GP said today I’m fine for traveling etc. Just wondered people’s thoughts were on traveling only 6 weeks after my stent getting fitted,

Thanks

Clark.

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cs1969
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12 Replies
SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd

My heart attack was on 28th December at 1.30 - Had it happened 5 weeks later on 1st Feb - I've have been half way across the Sahara on my way to Cape Town, and have the idea that I wouldn't have made it. My Heart Attack brought his friend Cardiac Arrest so I ended up having quite a bit of CPR which left me in agony for quite a few weeks, so even If I'd wanted to fly I was in no state to do so. So no holiday but thankfully I'm still here.

In your case, if your GP says you are OK to fly and you feel well enough to do it, go, life's too short

seasider18 profile image
seasider18 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd

His GP might say it but there is little chance that his insurer will. No one can take a chance on having to pay for hospital treatment in the USA. I was once quoted £2000 for a month in America when I told them that I had aortic stenosis.

Nathan53 profile image
Nathan53

Go for it Clark. Just a few thoughts which you may already have covered: Make sure you have good insurance cover and fully declare all health conditions. For the States I think you are going to find that tricky to get and expensive but there is a lot of info on this blog on insurance companies. Take copies of your discharge letter and meds. Take all your meds plus some extra supplies in case of travel delays. Keep well hydrated on flights, walk around regularly during flight. Have great time

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

The question on medical assessment for insurance regarding stents is more than 6 weeks ago yes/no if I remember rightly.

Presuming you already have insurance if travel planned, it's imperative you inform insurer asap for options.

Go for it

5 weeks after HA and stent I was flying regularly from Southampton to Edinburgh. If the GP gives ok then go for it, as a previous poster said Life's too short :)

Good luck with your recovery

seasider18 profile image
seasider18 in reply to

But you did not need travel insurance then in the most expensive medical country in the world.

in reply to seasider18

Sadly question wasn't about insurance, it was about travelling and flying post stenting, and yes i did have insurance in case of delays, lost luggage etc. However have been to Orlando twice since HA have found Post Office to be most reasonable in my case. Of course everyones quote is probably different.

seasider18 profile image
seasider18 in reply to

When did you have your heart attack?

Cathybm profile image
Cathybm

Only you know how you feel about it but I had my HA on a Sunday last January and given 3 stents to RCA and flew from Edinburgh to Germany on the Thursday. Albeit this was a shorter flight than Canada/USA. I think if your medical professional has given you the go ahead then it's only your own confidence you need to think about but you are now very well protected with your meds so probably much safer flying now than before you had your event. Good luck and enjoy your holiday!

Andyman profile image
Andyman

Not to freak you out as I am an advocate that we are all different and our bodies behave different.

After my HA and 2 stents and another 2 6 weeks later I was told not to go back to work. The reason was my job involved long haul flights to Asia. My cardiologist and my GP were not happy to let me fly and didn't allow it until 6 months after my HA. But that's me and my body. Your doctor has said its fine for you to fly. So follow this advice. What I am trying to say you cannot make your decision from our experiences. Its between your doctor your cardiologist and your body.

Getting back to my flying. I was soon back to taking 75 flights a year long and short haul and have never worried about flying since.

Listen to the advice here but don't think it necessarily means it the same for you.

Out of interest who told you your HA was "mild".

Good luck enjoy USA and Canada. Holidays I hope.

cs1969 profile image
cs1969

Thanks for all the comments folks. Really appreciate people taking the time to reply. We’re getting Insurance quotes tomorrow and if it’s not a totally daft price we’re definitely going to head of on holiday. I still expect to pay around £500 + though !

Nomorechocolate23 profile image
Nomorechocolate23 in reply to cs1969

Please let me know which company you get your insurance from . If you don't mind . Thanks!

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