Flying with pericardial effusion

[Bellap27]

FLYING with pericardial effusion is it advisable - it’s only 1 hour to Paris !

[Sunnie2day]

Best to talk to your GP or cardiac team if you have one. Mine (GP and cardiologist) always order a 'water pill' (aka diuretic) prescription. For a short haul like yours the 'script is usually four tabs, one pre-flight, one post-flight, repeat for return journey. And be sure to be seated on the aisle - that tab kicks in pretty quick and even on a short one hour flight you're going to want the convenience at least once

My experience with diuretics for flying is I need to be close to the convenience during the flight and for 24-48 hours post-flight as well, and that it works very very well - if I take the tablets as directed I have no problem at all with my pericardial effusion. I also don't have the 'OMGosh I'm an embolism waiting to happen!' horrific swelling of fingers, hands, legs and ankles.

Be sure to check with your cardiac team, however - your amount of effusion (and the cause for it) may mean your team gives you different guidance from the guidance my team gives.

[Bellap27 in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thanks so much xx