Are you taking blood thinner when air traveling?

[love0826]

Hi everybody!

Please tell me what you do. I have PV, I am on 500mg Hydrea and one asperin daily. I did 2-3 hour flights before , but now I am planning longer flights 5 to 10 hours, then layover and another 3 hours. And I am hesitent to take Xanelto, a blood thinner, that was recommended. I read the horror side effects and wonder if taking 1 the day before travel, 1 during travel and 1 after travel will even do anything good. And the side effects of blood thinners can be horrible. Also I was wondering what you have experienced with higher altitudes? What elevation will give problems?

What do you do? I also have compression pantyhose I will wear during the flights.

Thanks so much for your input.

[Mwalimu]

I go on long haul flights and take my usual does of aspirin and use flight socks. However, I book an aisle seat so that I can move around easily without disturbing other people. I walk round the plane and do exercises. Hope this helps - have no experience of any other blood thinners. Sallie

[love0826 in reply to Mwalimu]

Thank you very much Mwalimu.

[Mufftreacs in reply to Mwalimu]

I do exactly what you do, as I fly backwards and forwards to Australia. Have done this for 12 years since I was diagnosed with ET.

[Swede]

Hi,

I take Clopidogrel which is an antiplatlet medication. I fly freqvently and often longer trips.

I make sure I am hydrated,that I walk about a lot at the airport and not sit too long.I wear decompression socks(spec.ordered for me) and do the foot exercise in the plane, every 30 minutes or so.

Last year I flew 12 times, some long haul, and had no problems at all. I even had red wine with the food.

[love0826 in reply to Swede]

Thank you so much, Swede.

[AndyT]

I have ET and I’ve used low molecular weight heparin injections (Tinzaparin or Dalteparin) when flying long haul with high platelets but as Maz advised, you need to discuss with your haematologist and follow their advice as we’re all different..!

[Sheryljean]

To all,

Is this a requirement when flying? My hematologist had not mentioned anything that I would need to do for flying. Leaving from Seattle to Las Vegas..I already take one aspirin 81 mg..

Thank you...