Long Haul Flights

[Hoocher]

Can I ask, has anyone done a long haul flight [7hrs+] after a major HA. I had one almost 3 yrs ago and had an ICD fitted 2 just over 2 yrs ago. I was wondering what other people did. I've thought about compression socks etc, and did people obtain a fit to fly letter from their GP? I'm flying from the UK To New York.

[10gingercats]

As soon as I developed Af(No HA) I started to use compression socks .Put them on at home and left them on for an hour or two after i arrived. My GP thinks even shorter flights of c 3 hours benefit you from wearing compression socks. .....who needs a deep vein episode?

[Hoocher in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you, I will order some today

[Hidden]

Hi Hoocher - I flew from London to Texas 6 months after a major STEMI, after getting the thumbs up from occupational health at work. I was a little anxious, but was fine and just wore compression socks each way. I had my ICD fitted about 6 months later.

[Anon2023]

Hi. I’ve had 2 open heart surgeries (most recent in January) and I have moderate heart failure. I’ve just got the go ahead from the cardiologist to fly from U.K. to South Africa in Nov (15 hour flight). All he said was keep hydrated and walk a little every hour or so (which I do anyway). I’ve asked him to put his ok in writing just for the benefit of the insurance company (cost £800 for policy mind!) should anything go wrong. He wasn’t concerned about me travelling and told me to go and live my life.

I should mention that I’m on warfarin so mY risk of clotting may be less. If you’re not on blood thinners then maybe compression socks are a good idea. X

[MissisF]

We flew to Thailand 3 years after STEMI & HF Ddiagnosis & 2 years after prophylactic ICD. It was hard work for my husband, but fantastic. He wore compression socks, drank water (& a little glass of wine🤭) and walked about regularly. We stayed in the Middle East on the way there but just changed flights on the way back and that was a mistake, I think the stress of airports and changing terminals was much greater than expected. I don’t think it was so much the flight length ,although make sure you have time to readjust time zones when you get there. You’re going to e much more anxious than any previous long haul and that makes you much more tired. Also. All medication , prescriptions, insurance, doctors letters in your hand luggage. Definitely get a letter from your Dr. New York has massively long queues at immigration, it may be worse since the pandemic, so be prepared. You might want assistance? I hope you have a wonderful time. My husbands Dr has said no long hauls for him at the moment but I hope that might just be temporary.

[Hiruni67]

Hi. I have ARVC with ICD implanted. I flew to Mexico 7 weeks after icd being implanted. I’ve been on 5 long haul flights since (9 - 12 hours) and have had no issues. I always wear compression socks when flying. Have a great holiday

[Hoocher]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REPLIES, MUCH APPRECIATED X

[Triheart]

Hi, I did 2 long haul flights 6 months after a triple bypass, however at 63 I decided it was time to treat myself to business class as it’s important to keep legs elevated. I know it expensive but now factor it in to holiday costs, you can’t take it with you so treat yourself! 😂

[NyMets]

Hi, just as the other advise below. Get good fitting compression socks… go on the internet and follow instructions on which bits of your legs to measure to get the correct size. I put mine in a couple of hours before boarding as well. Yes, limit or no alcohol but lots of water … stay hydrated. Enjoy your trip

[Driver11]

Hi I had CA nearly 4 yrs ago and flew to Florida 5 months later. You do need to be careful, flight socks, plenty of fluids and exercise whilst on the plane. Also check with your doc about taking asprin, enjoy