Had multiple stents last September, feeling ok occassionally anxiety kicks in causing symptoms similar to heart issues. Fine exercising for long time, following proper diet and medication as suggested .Traveling to Bali first time post incident 6 hrs flight...bit nervous about a whole journey including being in a plane for so long and also being away from my comfort zone. so much things going on my head at the moment such as access to ambulance, response etc. Or having HA or a emergency situation.
How did you cope with your plane journey ? What was your experience like? I want to enjoy and have a good time. But bit nervous about the whole journey. I have some mix feeling. Any suggestions or advice. 🙏 Thanks all in advance
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Sodp
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Hello, I had a CABG x 4 about 20 months ago. I have flown short haul for 2 hours. I am a nervous flyer at the best of times. The strategies for me were drink lots of water, plenty of breathing exercises, a good book to read. I also asked to doctor for advice on what I could take which would not interfere with my heart meds. I was given something for my anxiety which did help. For me it was a question of do I want to miss a lovely holiday with my family or try and deal with it, which I fortunately did. It’s not easy and when we go through these heart events it can be very worrying. I had all the right insurance too, so providing we do our best then that’s all we can do really. I must confess that I also try and tell myself that I am now possibly a lot healthier now than some of the other passengers. Whether it is true or not it definitively helped me to think positive thoughts! I do hope all goes well for you and you have a wonderful time 🙂
Thanks Heyjude31 yes it is going to be some nervous moment since I have not done long trip since stents last year. Yes I do need this break and want to make most of it . Thanks for your advice, I will try to recite your mantra "healthier than other"
Thank you so much BeKind28- really appreciate that.yes I have been given yes from my cardiologist... feeling fine most of the time occasionally some pain or unusual sensation brings in anxiety. Yes something I am looking forward to for a while ..bit nervous due to long flight etc. This trip will be very different to one I used to have before. I don't know what to expect.
Thank you again for your kind words, will update once back.
Traveling also gave me anxiety etc which never seems to go away unfortunately or in the background. However you will be fine though. Flying, traveling, is great now not quite Bali we go to Dubai and no problem having stents etc, all good. Make sure you are comfortable on the plane extra leg room and enjoy your holiday.
More traveling the better , great way to relax and get rid of all the stress.
Thanks @chesterchop good to hear you have been travelling and playing sports. I have gotten back into exercise ..jog not so yet into MTB or football I enjoy. Hopefully soon. Yes I felt I needed this time off in warm climate, after long lockdown and heart event. Did you carry your BP monitor and HR monitor with yourself? Yes I probably need to dehydrate and keep moving. Hoping it isn't bad as I am thinking.
I had a 7 hour flight to and back from Dubai in April this year. This was my first time flying since my heart attack last year and I had all of the same anxieties/concerns you have.
From my experience, I did have brief moments of angina in the air. I took a book on the flight with me to keep me distracted or put on a movie when I could, though I couldn’t really concentrate if I’m honest. I found myself doing a lot of breathing exercises whilst I was on flight to keep my anxiety levels down. A cabin crew member noticed that I was really nervous so she constantly checked up on me during the flight which was nice.
I had my GTN spray with me in mg bag in case I needed it on flight. I stayed hydrated and I wore compression socks as a cautionary measure. I tried to sleep where I could when I felt the anxiety creeping in again. I had a friend with me, so that was reassuring. I’m assuming you are flying with someone too.
If something were to happen on flight, as I was concerned about this too, the pilot can divert the flight to the nearest hospital. However, this only happens in rare circumstances once the cabin crew have assessed you for example, and if you are considered too unwell to wait to attend the hospital at your destination, that’s when it’s diverted as one cabin crew member told me. Cabin crew are all first aid trained and are expected to know CPR and some other measures. Oxygen has always been available on my flights. You might need to check this with the carrier you’re flying with.
You can let airport staff know in advance if you need any help at the airport when you get there. They can provide assistance in terms of a wheelchair for example, which can save you waiting and standing in long queues and prioritise you where possible. I personally, didn’t opt in for this service.
I’m assuming you have already checked the requirements for taking medication into Bali, and any restricted medications should be declared. I took medical reports/letters with me which state what medication I’m on, as well the heart condition I’m being treated for.
I got anxiety added to my travel insurance. It did significantly increase my travel insurance however, I wanted to cover all bases in case it got to the day of my flight and I changed my mind.
I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to look at the BHF site, but there are a few bits of information on there too in case you find it useful.
Thanks Tos92 That was good information to have . My flight is 6 hrs shorter than yours. I always carry my GTn spray and aspirin with myself. I haven't used GTN spray since I had my stents but still good to carry around. Yes I am more worried about anxiety and coping with anxiety throughout 6 hrs flight.
Yes I am flying with my wife and 10 months old..I was diagnosed and he was born a week apart..so first trip post stents and with baby. As you said I need to divert my mind and watch movies etc.
Yes I have additional insurance on top of my family insurance for pre condition, but expensive but I guess it is worth it.
Thank you for your information and a link. Will go through that soon
Hi,I had three stents fitted in June 2019 (aged 50) then went to Sydney to see my daughter in November 2019. No overnight stays en route, just a change of flight in HK each way. Had a great time and felt totally fine throughout.
When speaking to my consultant beforehand he said I was in a much better position with the stents fitted than had I been when oblivious to my condition. He just told me to have a good time.
As has been said, just keep yourself relaxed, hydrated and try to suppress the anxiety (you'll never get rid of it completely) knowing that you are in better shape.
Bali is wonderful, we stayed near Ubud, which is quite inland. Have a great time!
Thanks TVR_user , you have done long haul then my Bali trip that gave me little bit of confidence now. As you said , I have to look at the positive side and not to think too much. Anxiety will make it worst and definitely don't want that flying. Yes we spending few days in Sanur and eventually will be staying in Ubud. Something we are really looking forward to since this is our first trip post stents and first born . So two challenges need to tackle..one my condition and second travelling with 10 months first time.
Hi Sodp, I have 7 stents and have had a bypass and I still get angina periodically, mostly when exercising. I have flown several times, though only short haul of 2 - 3 hours. The first time I was anxious, but have not had any problems except getting angina when the plane was descending. This may have been caused by cabin pressure changes or maybe my increased anxiety, or both. On subsequent flights I used my gtn spray before the plane starts to descend and have had no further problems.
I think we hearties are the lucky ones. We know what is wrong with us and have been 'fixed, ' to varying degrees. We also have medications to control our conditions. Indeed we are probably the least likely people on the plane to have a heart event. Additionally, the doctors wouldn't give permission for us to fly if there was a significant risk. Anxiety wise it also helps me to focus on what will happen after I reach my destination. Have a wonderful holiday.😀
Thanks Astronomyrules very reassuring to hear that. Sorry to hear you still suffering with angina. Even though I haven't used GTN spray post stents I do carry them always with me. I will make sure to carry that this time.This anxiety is a problem which have similar symptoms to heart event. That is making me bit nervous.
Thanks 🙏 for your response. I will try to enjoy and make most of it. You have a good day .
Thank you for your reply. I too know the anxiety effects. Over the years I've found that slowly breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth usually works for me. I hope you find some method to help you or maybe consult your GP to see if medication might be helpful. Bon voyage!
Hey! I'd say you have nothing to worry about if you've been given the all clear by your doc. I'm sure you're going to have a wonderful time and have no regrets!
I had my first stent fitted in February after about a year of Angina symptoms. I've not had angina since the stent was fitted but have been getting spooked by occasional strange sensations, twinges and stitch like feelings across my chest over the last month.
I just arrived in Mexico after a 10 hour flight, and had a 12 hour flight from the US to London last month. I travel often for work so generally I don't have any anxiety about long flights, but was a bit wary on my first post-stent transatlantic flight from London to NY, about 6 hours. I had my GTN spray handy for reassurance, though I've not needed to use it since the stent was fitted.
I've not felt any chest sensations on any of my flights, but I think if you're nervous a little tightness wouldn't be a surprise. I'd just run though some breathing exercises (try Breathly or Breathwrk apps if you want guidance), and have a good book and some relaxing music on hand.
This heart disease really has upped my anxiety though. I've always been a very care free person, even after going through cancer treatment back in 2017, but getting CAD last year seems to have brought an end to that. Part of my reason for coming to Mexico was to get away from distractions and focus on health and developing my exercise regime. Two days in to my workouts and I get a stitch like sensation on the right side of my chest which lingers for 24 hours. Cue me freaking out and posting on here, googling endlessly and sending out emails to cardio specialists... The next day it subsides and I'm reassured it's just a muscle strain from the exercise. Now back to being chilled. Old me would never have reacted like that...
Still, the biggest hassle this has caused so far was finding an insurer who would cover me. I seem to be almost uninsurable. I think partly because my stent was under a year ago, and possibly the cancer double whammy too. Finally got there though it cost an arm and a leg as I'm away for a few months.
Thanks YungHart for your response. Yes you have done quite a bit travelling since, this one will be my first. I guess so nervous moment awaits.. hopefully it l not be as bad. Since you be done fair bit that sorts of gave me some confidence. Yes I do carry GTN and aspirin even though I didn't have angina or used since stents. I have used couple of time before procedure last Sept due to anxiety . Yes, this anxiety is something hard to overcome.
I do get occasional pain etc. Post exercise specially weights etc. That was reassuring you have confirmed with your cardiologist and it's likely muscular.
Sorry you had to go through double issue must be hard.
Thanks 🙏 again, enjoy your time in Mexico hope that helps you in good way.
Updates from my travel.Thank you everyone for your response, 🙏 I just got back from Bali after 2 weeks of holidaying first after my post stents. I had a great time, I was lucky I didn't feel anxious or anything. I managed to do everythingi used to before my events. hiring scooter and travelling with my family including 10 months old. Lots of wandering and swimming skipped few exercise session and did indulge a bit but limited my beers.
Once or twice I felt something maybe happened but didn't last too long. I get that more often here even though I was away from hospital and in remote location. I get anxiety and uncomfortable situations here more than what I felt during my travel. This has gave me some confidence back, I am travelling in September for work, it will definitely help with my travel.
Thank you again 🙏 this site has been a great help.
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