Intermittent Claudication and Travel

[Somerford]

Hi folks, I'm a new member to your forum. I have been recently diagnosed with Intermittent Claudication. Came as a shock, as I am very active but the symptons of severe pain in my calf resulted in the above diagnosis. I am about to fly to Tenerife in a few weeks. It is unlikely that I will have undergone the next stages of tests, although a Duplex test is planned for 19th Feb.

My ABI index reading was .81.

I am very worried about the implications whilst on holiday should anything occur.

Obviously I will be guided by my GP and no doubt my travel insurance folk will have something to say. I'm in a dilemma about giving up holidays abroad. I am male 78.

Any advice or personal experiences would be most welcome.

[shopman]

What a dilemma if you are used to travel. I have been in a similar place but with different symptoms. I have had a look around and thought I could try a cruise from the UK, I can get a train direct to Southampton - no changes. The other I have looked at is travelling via Eurostar to Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain or France and possible extensions to travel further afield.

At first I thought having to change in Paris was going to be hard as OH uses a wheelchair but found a lot can be done by changing in Lille and just crossing the platform. You can get some good info from seat61.com/

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I have had PAD for a decade and think I could write a book on it! Being short on time I will reply in detail later. In the meantime you might like to read something I posted earliet:

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

To continue - any ABI below 0.91 is a sign of PAD. Currently yours would be classified as mild (0.71 - 0.9). Moderate is 0.51 - 0.7, and severe 0.5 and below.

Many people are asymptotic and over 75 about 25% of people will have a degree of PAD. The fact you have symptoms at that level is slightly unusual. Although a Doppler is a fairly simple non-invasive test it is open to a high degree of operator error. My last check came out at 0.55 for my left leg. I was not happy that the test had been carried out totally correctly and believe it is probably somewhat better. The good result is one of my GPs (I am a floating voter) has referred me back to the vascular clinic that discharged me three years ago when I developed angina.

Have you been put on any medication such as aspirin and a statin ? With PAD you are 3 - 4 times more likely to develop CVD.

As regards travel your first issue is travel insurance particularly whilst awaiting further tests. I tend to recommend StaySure. The second is with PAD flight socks are not usually recommended because they increase the risk of a clot. You will have to check this out with your GP.

If you have any queries feel free to ask...

[Somerford]

You have been most helpful and set my mind at ease a bit!

I was anxious to find out whether Intermittent Claudication affected sufferers from going on holiday. Are the risk factors such that people stop going on holiday abroad. Or is it something that you have to live with. Assuming the Travel Insurance Co accepts you?

[MelB51 in reply to Somerford]

I have this condition too and it hasn’t stopped me from travelling. If I am going long haul, I travel business class so that I am not sitting cramped up for hours on end! Tenerife is only a few hours away, even for us Northern folk, so I think you should be fine. I was there in November with no problems on the flight at all. If you have good travel insurance, the healthcare is good, especially in private clinics. I will be going to Lanzarote in March for another dose of sunshine and I am looking forward to it! 😎

[Adaboo]

Hi, your ABPI reading is not too bad, it’s mild PAD. Of course speak to your doctor but I don’t know anyone that’s stopped going abroad because of it. Take normal precautions for long haul of course. I’m sure your GP has already put you on blood thinners too. Happy hols

[Somerford in reply to Adaboo]

Thank you so much. Feel much happier now. Good forum.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Somerford]

Hi! The normal precautions for long haul include flight socks. PAD can be a contra-indicator. I was advised not to wear them but this varies with severity, medication, etc. You should ask your medical team if planning long haul. It is important to keep well hydrated and not to wear tight shoes as feet may swell slightly. PAD unless really severe should not restrict travel!

[bowls12]

Don't give up holidays. I find that they keep me sane and give me something to plan etc.

Good travel insurance is critical. Try P J Hayman, their medical questionnaire was good and the price even better.