Traveling on a plane with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

[Lrn13]

Hi I’m new to all this. My partner was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis back in may 2022 and spent 7 weeks in hospital. In February this year he was taken into intensive care with a GI bleed and needed blood transfusions and was told he had portal hypertension. He had a follow up endoscopy 4 weeks later and the report said that he still had portal hypertension but no other complications on there. We are due to fly to Majorca on 29th July this year and I’m finding it really difficult to find out if he is allowed to fly or not. GP was no help and Consultant was no help either, they just said get back intouch with GP. Has anyone els been in this position and could help me out please

[Aotea2012]

It is really down to the consultant to advise whether he’s up to flying. It’s crucial that he’s informed his travel insurance company that he has cirrhosis and varices. They may cover him or he may need to go to a specialist insurance firm like Avanti.

[Lrn13 in reply to Aotea2012]

I contacted the GP who told me to contact the consultant, I did that and the consultant told me to contact the GP. I’m just being sent in circles at the moment. I have tried to google it and some articles say that a person with portal hypertension can’t fly but the others say they can fly. It’s so confusing

[Aotea2012 in reply to Lrn13]

There is a risk. I have 2 minor varices. I was told by my consultant I was ok to fly as they were grade 1 and were not showing any red flags when I had my last endoscopy. I took out a yearly insurance with Avanti which cost about £500. It doesn’t cover the USA. I’d hate to think what that would cost! I haven’t flown though...I’ve gone other ways. I’ve probably been too cautious but I decided I’d make the journey part of the holiday.

[pushthrough in reply to Aotea2012]

I can give you an idea of the cost of a 3 day hospital stay in the USA with one ct scan and blood tests every 3 hours. Oh and 3 anxiety pills a day and a banana bag (over $1200 for the bag). The total price tag for a 3 night stay 2 of which I was in the er. $24,000 if I didn’t have insurance. My cost, $3000 after insurance. 😜

[Aotea2012 in reply to pushthrough]

Eek...I think it may be a while before I head off across the pond then! Thank goodness for our NHS. It has its problems, but is still an amazing free service. I did a good job of creating work for it but my hospital did a very good job of making sure I’m still here!

[CarpeDiem11]

When you have portal hypertension, there will be a continued risk of further varices developing. It is usual for the Consultant to prescribe a beta blocker, so that the risk of them bleeding is much lower. Flying can present an increased risk of developed varices bleeding, due to the changes in air pressure.

I was advised no longer than 4 hours for a flight. This was because, if a bleed were to occur mid flight, then you are trying to minimise the amount of time it would take to divert to a hospital that could take & treat someone.

You must ensure you both have good insurance & ensure they are fully aware of the condition. Many people do fly (I have), but usually when I know I don't have any varices.

I'm not sure I would fly so soon after a bleed. Try using the search button to see other peoples' responses.

Sorry to hear this has happened & you really do need to ask the Consultant, because everyone's risk may be different. I've never spent 7 weeks in hospital, in one go, for instance. All the best.😕

[Richard-Allen]

As others have already said, there is an increased risk of further bleeds due to changes in cabin pressure. Good travel insurance is essential, but this may prove to be even more expensive than the actual holiday it's self.

This insurance may cover you for any medical costs incurred while in Majorca, but may not cover the cost if there was a mid-air emergency and the plane had to divert to another country, The airline may then have to compensate all the other passengers for failing to fly to the designated country.

I would seriously hold off this holiday until your partner's condition is more stable.

Good Luck

Richard

[TT-2018]

I am a transplant recipient. Pre-diagnosis but showing symptoms, I took a 50 minute flight to Dinard. Throughout the short journey, I felt indescribably ill and uncomfortable. When we landed, I was shaking uncontrollably and it took me the rest of the day to recover, it is definitely not an episode I wish to repeat. I was diagnosed a few months later. My advice would be to avoid flying altogether and I am confident that the Consultant will let you know the same.

Best wishes moving forward,

Mark.

[Lrn13]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I made a typing error at the beginning it was may 2020 that my partner spent 7 weeks in hospital

[heslinjones]

I have had 2 serious bleeds both abroad. Varices. Portal hypertension. Finally a tipps procedure. I was to attend a wedding in Thailand last month. I contacted my consultant who looked at My recent scan/bloods and promptly sent me a letter declaring he was happy that I was fine to travel. Pester your consultants secretary he is obviously the one who can help most. Ps declare all ailments in any travel insurance. £18000 in Thailand to stabilise me enough to get home, thank you insurance company.

[Rockie153]

Hi

Welcome to the group.

I also have Portal Hypertension (No Varices - As yet thankfully) I have also not been put on any medication to lower the pressure. I asked exactly the same question for holiday and work. (The tread should still be there under my posts). I have taken an annual policy out with AllClear for Europe only which cost about £500. I am travelling regularly ie a return flight at least once/twice a month - fingers crossed so far so good. I got a verbal OK from my GP and my Hepatologist but didnt book or fly until I had this. The insurance didnt ask for anything in writing either. Good luck with trying to get advice and I hope you get to have a lovely time in Majorca.

Sx

[heslinjones in reply to Rockie153]

All clear. Did me proud

[Roy1955]

If he had a bleed 3 months ago the very high travel insurance cost will be a good indicator that going abroad is probably not a good idea.

[pushthrough]

A recent gi bleed in Feb? I’m sorry but I personally wouldn’t take the risk. I have small varices with no bleeds (knock on wood) and I will likely skip a 2 hour flight to visit my parents and drive 11 hours instead. Sounds like your doctors are passing the puck because they don’t feel comfortable taking any responsibility.