Warfrin and flying

[Sav100]

Hi,

off on holiday for the first time since a stent and mitral valve replacement and being given Warfrin, I love to fly and this is only a 4 hour flight. I’ve waited a year before taking a flight.

I’m excited and scared all rolled into one. INR is stable. I know in my heart I’m going to be ok, but my head is doing overtime. I’m like doubting if this is a good idea. But I’m the one that pushed for the holiday as we need it. And I’m not going to let conditions stop me from living. Any words of advice would be appreciated.

[Traveldreams]

I went twice in the summer after mitral valve repair. The first flight out I was fine, but the back which was delayed , I did get slight ankle swelling. I wore flight socks on the second trip despite being a short flight and my ankles were fine.

Other than that it was all amazing and it really boosted me.

Took copy of my prescription with meds and took an x3 days in case of delay.

Don’t fancy long haul - yet. Have a wonderful time! Let us know how you get on.

[devonian186]

Four hours is a long flight. I rarely go anywhere further than 1.5 hours following my bypass.

Are you going somewhere hot as a long flight and heat will need some advance preparation to ensure a good holiday and a proper rest.

[Art-99]

I had mitral valve replacement surgery 4 years ago this month and have been taking warfarin (for arrhythmia) for five years. I live overseas so fly back to the UK at least twice a year, flight time about 4.5 hours. I make sure I have enough medication with me and having a copy of your prescription and INR readings with you is a good idea. The fact that I take anticoagulants has not caused me any problems whilst travelling.

[andy110519]

Hi, I've been abroad a few times since being on warfarin and no problems. Think through it logically, your INR is stable and so long as you don't eat more greens etc than usual there is no reason why things will change.I always take extra warfarin and pack in both hold and hand luggage for peace of mind.

Take care

Andy

[Shabana1974]

My friend has been on Warfrin for 30 years plus she has a replacement valve in 1994. She regular flys a 8 hour flight atleast once a year. She's had not negative affects.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

Shabana

[Hanibil]

Hi I have taken warfarin since 2005 and had absolutely no problems with flying, if your worried about your INR while your away have a test at a local hospital or take a home tester with you, cost around three hundred pounds. Having one will cut your hospital visits for INR tests two around two a year.

[Classof1988]

Valve (aortic) replaced 36 years ago. Within 6 months of surgery had my very first flight to Majorca and then long haul to the Caribbean around four months later. Had quite a number of short haul flights since then, plus four more long haul. Have never had a problem with Warfarin, or anything else for that matter. Enjoy your holiday, you deserve it and it will be fine.

[Sav100]

Thank you everyone, INR is stable, hospital bloods department called to say go have fun just be sensible with food n drink.

Think I’m just over thinking things as it’s the first flight after everything started 2 years ago. But after hearing lots of positive comments I’m going to stop stressing and start to look forward to some well earn’t R&R. 😎😎😎