Flying Post Tbi

[Dougieunited]

Hello

So the week before my accident, in September, we'd just arranged and booked our 2017 holiday. Now the date of the holiday is fast approaching I would like to know if anyone has any advice or guidance for flying post tbi?

Thank you

[Hidden]

I never had a problem although didn't fly until just over a year after I was in a coma for 3 days. Suppose it depends how long ago and how severe was your brain injury. Docs said don't fly for a year so I took that advice and have never had a problem on planes.

[cat3]

Please take the advice of your consultant Doug ; 6 months could be too soon for your brain to tolerate the changes in pressure. Get a telephone appointment with him through his secretary, as he can look at your medical file and make an informed decision. Good luck ! xx

[Carik]

My son age 19 had a massive TBI bleed was in ICU he flew with his friends Just over a month later. The consultant said no problem but must rest not party!!!! He did just that with no problems at all. Speak to your consultant. Enjoy!

[DTBI]

I flew over to France 12mths after, before an 11hr flight over to Canada 24mths after my TBI. No problem at all in either. Enjoy your holiday👍

[lcd8]

Like others, I would advise speaking to your consultant and your travel insurance company. It may be perfectly fine but its important to get the advice of professionals. I know that I need special insurance that covers my condition. Make sure it includes repatriation in case you become ill while you're out of the UK. Have a lovely time.

[Dougieunited]

Thank you all for the replies.

[moo196]

Hi

As others have said - take consultant's advice. And get good insurance just in case.

I was " fit to fly" within a few weeks - but didn't until 6 months later - and then with a group who included a nurse.

Boots gave me the best insurance deal. Many wouldn't cover me at all.

Hope you get to travel

[Lazuli]

Hi,

My daughter flew long haul 7 months following severe TBI. She was cleared for this by her neurologist a couple of months before our trip. She was a bit worse for wear when we arrived but had good rests while there.

[iforget]

Since I sustained my TBI I have flown extensively (mostly transatlantic) and I have never had any problems relating to this...although I do find it more tiring. Once you have been cleared to fly the best advice (other than any from your doctor of course) is to make sure you have full medical insurance cover and that you have fully declared every single thing so they have no excuse to invalidate a claim should you need to make one...

drink plenty to stay hydrated and take some snacks in your carry on bag in case you need something other than what is available... also move around the cabin if you are able to. Allow rest time when you get there because you likely be more tired than you normally would... and then have fun!

Forgot to mention: If you think you will be wiped after the flight (especially if it is a long one) contact the airline before you go to arrange assistance. This can be a real boon at the end of the long flight...and even a short flight is still a lengthier travel process than the time spent in the air what with getting to the airport and waiting the required number of hours before boarding and flying, then the disembarking, passport control and baggage claim at the other end. It can also be worthy checking the layout of whatever airport you are using... some are miles form the control areas and wheelchair or motorised cart thingy can be a real boon when you are tired and potentially overloaded . You do need to book assistance ahead of the day you fly and its better to have it in place and not need it than to need it and its not available to you. Hope that made sense?

[steve55]

flying not a problem........remorgage the house for the travel insurance.............shop around, once they find out youve had a brain injury £££££££££ up it goes. good luck, and in all seriousness have a good holiday

[RogerCMerriman]

How are you doing in your self? I flew just under a year after my accident.

The flight in of its self wasn't too bad it was only a short flight. But I found being somewhere new exhausting etc. And needed to go and rest and so on.

[fayebarbiedoll]

I went abroad 6 months after I got run over

I'd say it's how u feel & how ur health is. Check with ur docs 1st n make sure u tell the insurance u go with

[fayebarbiedoll]

My friends wife had a accident then a year later they flew out n on the last day (day7) she had a brain hemorage n she passed away .

I had 3 bleeds coverin all my brain, I flew to Spain 6 months after (checked wiv docs1st) n I wos so scared abowt it but I wos ok. It's down to the individual see how u feel n wot medical examiner says

[fayebarbiedoll]

Go with AxA travel insurance mine wos only cheap less then £30 !! Even with my head injuries

[Dougieunited]

Thank you all for the very helpful replies. So I did speak to my consultant and he has given me the all clear to fly!! Our insurance company have been superb as well. As the accident occurred after we had booked the trip they have very kindly waived any increase in the premium.

So that's one massive weight off my mind and can now look forward to week in the sun with the family. Unfortunately they'll be no cevezas for me though!!

[Dougieunited]

So we've arrived back home, from our week in the sun, so I thought I'd let everyone know that the flying wasn't a problem at all. A little bit exhausting but otherwise all ok. I'm taking it as a massive step forward in my recovery.

Oh and first day back home and it's rained all day...not happy 😭😭