Long haul flights

[Jasbak22]

Had anyone had any experience of flying to Australia from the U.K. with a PV diagnosis. Any precautions apart from the usually flight socks and getting up and walking g around. Much appreciated

Jason.

[Mallard]

Hi Jason never flown to Australia but regularly to California and Las Vegas. I have ET/PV and never experienced any problems whatsoever. I know I am currently suffering with a multiple PE but to be honest I don't think this would have happened if I had not injured my foot badly the night before flying to Malta 2 weeks ago. (see previous post). I always ensured I moved around, drank plenty of fluids and took my aspirin. Sorry if I appear not to be the right person to provide reassurance at this moment in time but I am sure you will receive the reassurance you need from other members to relax and enjoy your holiday.

[Jasbak22 in reply to Mallard]

Thanks for the advice sorry to hear about your foot all the best.

[bordeauxgirl in reply to Mallard]

Hello Jason

Since being told I have PV five years ago, I have been over to New Zealand 3 times to visit family. I am very sorry to say I can't be bothered with those tight socks, I try but the only last for about an hour into a 30 hour trip before I [ull them off. I know all about clots and the like. But drinking plenty of water, moving around and so on I have only ever had swollen feet once, that went within the next couple of days. So go enjoy your trip, wear your socks and forget about PV/ET and have a fantastic time.

[Jasbak22 in reply to bordeauxgirl]

Thanks. Funnily enough I flew back from New Zealand a couple of week before my diagnosis love it there.

[Aime]

Hi, have flown to Brazil and going to USA with my PV. I always get blood counts checked before I go otherwise same advice as others have given you plus advice from your haem too.

Have a great time, Aime x😺

[Hidden]

I was always prescribed a low dose of heparin as an extra precaution for any flights over 8 hours. I went to Oz 7 years ago but I did stop off enroute but we were travelling all over SE Asia for 3 months. I was also advised to wear DVT socks, not sleep for 8 hours as I would need to keep hydrated and drink up to 3 litres for every 10 hours and not consume any alcohol and also make sure I moved about. With this in mind I did what they asked. Injecting heparin is easy the only issue was in some countries like our own not having anywhere to dispose of sharps, I was backpacking so couldn't carry a sharps bin, but they have them in the US and in Oz. I remember seeing one in Vegas Also when I carried the needles in hand luggage I had a letter to explain what they were but you know what no one ever questionned or looked at it. Might be worth asking your consultant.

[Whatsisname]

I have PV and have flown several times to Argentina- a 14 hour flight. As others have said, get your bloods checked before going, wear flight socks, keep hydrated, (although I do have a small glass or two of wine)move around etc in flight. I still end up with swollen ankles for several days, but no other subsequent problems - so far.

[babbittybumble]

Hello Jason Our son lives in Melbourne but comes home al least once a year, due back in July. He has PMF and apart from his usual Asprin I know he drinks plenty of water and walks around as much as he can.He does sometimes have a headache on landing for a few hours, but I think this is the case for people who have no problems.I know there is information on the MPD website regardiing flying, hope you have a good time. Bye Gill

[Kinsale]

Hi Jason, I live in Australia and have flown to the UK last year and will do so again later this year. Additionally I have been to Canada in 2016. I don’t use the socks ( personal preference) but always choose an aisle seat so I can get up and about regularly during the flight. I’m on hydrea and aspirin and just take to requires dosages with me and take them on Australian time during the flight (if you get my drift) if I am going from Oz to the UK. I keep myself hydrated but also have wine when offered to be honest.

Cheers

Mark

[Roger41]

Ask maz.

[Vennie]

My children live in Australia and until about 18 months ago, I visited each time a grandchild was born. On the last two occasions I have been so fatigued that my cognition declined, my balance went and I felt extremely unwell. I was taken off the road by the DVLA and saw a neurologist. It took months to re-establish any normality. I took all the normal precautions. I have decided that unless I go by sea or leapfrog across airlines, I will not go back to Oz. Please don't let my experience deter you because everyone is different and how they react/respond to their illness/ experiences so your experience may be entirely different to mine. (I have ET/jak2 etc...