Query on flying

[iffs]

Newly diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia with cal-r mutant gene just on asprin at the moment but my question is how do i go on flying im suposed to be going tennerife my platelets are up to 803 and just waiting for my next appointment and really scared about the risks of flying

[CalL1981]

I have ET as well. I fly frequently and my haematologist has given me clexane for any flight over 4 hours. I always sit in an aisle seat and moving around frequently.

[iffs in reply to CalL1981]

Ok thanks

[Exeter21 in reply to CalL1981]

I have ET & finding travel insurance difficult now as they look at it as high risk. Anyone ideas on Insurance Travel as if have minor illness away hospital fees are massive .

[iffs in reply to Exeter21]

Hi, i just did mine yesterday witb Staysure multi trips covered for everything, it was £94.00 , i have ET and a hiatus hernia, hubby got very high blood pressure.

[Exeter21 in reply to iffs]

Wow thanks so much I have car with them so will try re travel insurance 👍

[ChillyAsh34 in reply to Exeter21]

I have insurance from staysure not expensive and a firm called all clear are good and inexpensive I have flown twice to Cyprus since my diagnosis in June 2021 no problems wear flight tights instead of socks drink lots of water aisle seat have a little walk to toilet ,my hematologist said I have only the same chance of a clot as the general public

[Exeter21 in reply to ChillyAsh34]

That’s brilliant thanks so much for information .

[AndyT in reply to Exeter21]

Staysure for me too - very simple to arrange and not a big hike to cover ET and some other conditions

[Joerp]

Hi. I fly a lot for work. Mostly 6 hours plus and never had a problem. You can wear flight socks and speak to your consultant about possible extra meds but as long as you get up and move about every so often you should be ok.

[iffs in reply to Joerp]

Ok thanks

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hi iffs, definitely speak to your haematologist or your haematology nurse specialist about flying so that they can give you all the advice you need regarding your medication; whether or not they advise wearing flight socks; and advice on hydration and moving around. And then enjoy your holiday. Best wishes, Maz

[Dovme]

Hi iffs l have flown lots and mainly longhaul

My platelets at one time were 1250. Never had any problems. My Haemotologist advised l use Heparin for flights over 5 hours. You inject it small needle and each dose lasts 12 hours. Drink lots of water and try and walk for a few mins each couple of hours.

[iffs in reply to Dovme]

Thanks

[Gaithersburg]

I regularly fly and I have ET/Calr. I double my aspirin for a few days before and after each flight and wear flight socks or stockings. Also I try to move around or do little exercises. My platelets used to be 1500 when I was on aspirin only and I didn't have a problem and did transatlantic flights to England often as we lived on the US. Call your haematologist or nurse to discuss if you are concerned. Enjoy your trip.

[iffs in reply to Gaithersburg]

Thanks very much

[lindabomba]

I would talk to your oncologist about that mine has told me if I do fly and that I can't sit for a long period of time that I have to get up and move

[iffs in reply to lindabomba]

Thanks

[Solyesh]

Definitely speak with your doctors/medical professionals but I fly long haul flights regularly - about twice a month flights over 9 hours. My MPN specialist said no issues (ET - Jak2+) and to make sure I hydrate, walk around and for flights longer than 12 hours he told me to take an extra aspirin half way through the flight. Been doing it for years with no problems...

[AndyT]

I have ET and am CALR +ve. I’ve flown a lot since I was diagnosed nearly 19 years ago, with no problems.Just followed the normal advice about flight socks, hydration and moving around from time to time on flights under 5 hours.

While I was on aspirin-only I used low molecular weight heparin (Tinzaparin or similar) as an anti-coagulant on flights over 5 hours, to reduce the risk of DVT - prescribed by my GP.

Now my platelets are under control with Pegasys I’ve gone back to just the basic advice as above.