Flying

[Kimmy53]

Having MPN is it save to fly or are we taking a risk of getting clots by doing so

[ELIZBEN]

Hi ive been told by my haematologist that im ok to fly as long as my flight time is less than 5 hours

J x

[Bears23]

I fly quite a bit and was advised to take either xarelto 10 mg or a lovenix injection about one hour prior to a flight over 2 hours. I have used them both. Xarelto is a pill and easier than lovenix, since no syringe to deal with. Both are mild and I’ve had no side effects from either.

[Kimmy53 in reply to Bears23]

I am currently on rivaroxaban (xarelto) and my haematologist said I should be ok

[Swede]

Hello, the best it to talk to your doc but generally it is the lenght we are sitting still that matters. It is not just flying, it is also sitting in a car, bus or so for a longer time. I have been flying a lot and I used compressioin socks , tried to walk around at the airport or trainstation/busstation, instead of sitting down waiting to go. I drink water and try to enjoy the whole thing! (if you drink a lot of water you will need to go to the toilet and then you are moving around ,so double benefit there)

[Kimmy53 in reply to Swede]

Thanks for the advice

[Anag in reply to Kimmy53]

Hi Kimmy. I agree with Swede. I just came back from a 10 hour flight to and then from Seoul. Going there 12 days ago, I had a massive headache half way. It got better with 100mg aspirin. It was during the overnight part, where I couldn’t sleep and I was frustrated. Only slept 5.5 hours night before flight. My hemo said I’d be fine. I have about 600 thrombos at the moment. Coming back was absolutely no prob. at all. I took a 100mg aspirin the night before, one on the flight and one after, on top of that my usual Ginkgo. I had a lovenox injection with me but I didn’t take it. I landed Monday night back home and haven’t taken any blood thinners since, due to a tiny nose bleed. Tomorrow I start my usual 4x 50mg aspirin weekly and 3x 60mg Ginkgo daily. Once again, we are all different. Make sure nasal cavity is open so that head pressure doesn’t occur. Wear compression stockings. Get up and move around often. Do some leg exercises. No coffee, tea or alcohol on flights! I do believe that the pressure control in the cabin of the airplane plays a big role. The first plane I was in had a bit of a pressure problem.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Kimmy53, you do need to ask your haematologist before you fly. A lot of people with MPNs do fly, long and short haul, but you do need to check first. And make sure that when you do you keep well hydrated and move around as much as you can, even when you are sitting in the seat you can move your legs and feet and arms, to keep the circulation going. Best wishes, Maz

[Kimmy53]

Thanks for the advise I do get up and move about also wear flight socks

Only done short haul flight but I do want to go to America

[Jenny_F]

Depends on different factors. As I am on just aspirin I was told to take double dosage for the week before, during a holiday and the week after and wear compression socks. I also get up and move around and drink lots of water.

[wotan10]

I have had et for 4 years this September.

I have been advised to keep off booze for two weeks prior to flying, wear flight socks during the flight, keep hydrated and try to keep stress free.

Hope this helps.

If you are concerned however discuss it with your health team.

Better to be informed than thinking it will not happen to me .

[Vicki_02]

I have flown to the US and Oz from the UK in the last month. I’m currently on Pegasus interferon and inject weekly but other than that I do not take any medication and was not advised to do so before flying. I would echo the comment above and say talk to your doctor (before Pegasus I did have to inject fragmin for long haul flights) and I choose to not drink any alcohol, I stick to just water, wear flight socks and always ask for an aisle seat so I can move around a lot. I would also advise that you get out for some physical exercise as soon as you can - just a walk around to just make you feel better after the flight. I am trying to not let ET stop me doing things and am learning to not worry about it all of the time - life’s too short. Speak to your doc and have a great holiday!😃

[Lifam]

My haematologist said as long as I have low blood counts, blood test before flying and bring all medications, that should be fine. But I personal would not go for any trips flying more than 8 hours.

[Cja1956]

Hi, Kimmy,

I flew to Israel from the US last year. My hematologist also advised me to walk around as much as possible and stay hydrated. I was on hydroxurea and baby aspirin. I did experience nosebleeds on the flight and while in Israel but no blood clots. I agree with Maz, though. Everyone is different and you need to check with your doctor.

[hunter5582]

I think the answer is that "it depends." Each of us with an MPN has a unique risk profile based on how our MPN presents. For many, there is increased risk of thrombosis. Taking some precautions when sitting for extended periods of time is a really good idea. For others of us, thrombocytosis (with ET or PV) can actually result in an increased risk of hemorrhage. Our risks are different. Add to this mix the cooccurring conditions we experience (some MPN-related, some not) and it can be a bit tricky to figure out. I also fly a lot and with age-related spinal deterioration and osteoarthritis, sitting in those coach seats rips my back to shreds. The one thing that helps my back is the same as what helps prevent thrombosis - get up and move around. Moving and stretching are key. I never go more than 1 hour without getting up an moving. Hope that helps.

[Shmb]

Hi Kimmy, I've recently returned from 4 week holiday in Australia (3 flights, 26 hours ), I've PV, had clots so on hydrea and warfarin - I had long chat with Haemotologist before booking holiday and in my case he was fine with me travelling that far as long as I wore compression socks, drank loads of water and no alcohol, walked up and down aisle occasionally, rotated arms and ankles/moved in seat when not allowed get up. I was worried about sleeping as it would mean that I might not move for 5/6 hours (ended up not sleeping much, travelling with children) and asked should I set an alarm on my phone to go off every 2 hours. He said no need, that actually (again this specific to me, you need to chat to your haemotologist) given I was on warfarin and would definitely follow the loads of water, no alcohol , movement as much as possible (I was forever getting up to go to loo because of all the water drinking 😂) I was probably at less risk than several people on the flight who were "healthier" than me. I did get my warfarin levels checked then week beforehand to make sure my INR was ok. Hopefully your haemotologist can answer your questions and concerns and you get to go on your amazing holiday

Best wishes