I was looking for some advice on flying & health if possible. I have been on Hydroxy & Asprin now for 3 months and last bloods were looking positive, just waiting for my next one with consultation next week 🤞
I had a call from the hospital yesterday asking how things are going and I broached the subject of flying abroad (4hour) for a holiday as myself and my husband feel we could do with some relaxation ! The lady I spoke to totally unnerved me saying I need to make sure I find the emergency medical place as soon as I go away and I need to book somewhere where I will not be too close to other people 🤷♀️ … I don’t think such a holiday hotel exists ? Also would I like a care package put in place ? I’m not sure what this is ?? But I would really like to feel like a normal person if possible and get on with life as much as I can as I’m just 62 so hoping for many more years if I can get them ?
Has anyone else had these comments when trying to go abroad … it was more the flying that was my concern really ?
I would really appreciate any help , advice or experience you may have
Wendy x
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Yoganana1
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I have flown to Cyprus in Oct 2021 after being on hydroxycarbamide for 4 month hematologist approved as long as I took precautions flight tights water aisle seat and I am off to to Cyprus again may if this is helpful
Thank you so much for your reply, it’s Cyprus we are looking at and great to know ! Maybe she was just being over cautious then, I will hopefully confirm with my consultant next week before booking anything
I have just come off the phone to my hematologist after a phone review and I asked again is their any reason I shouldnt fly to Cyprus she said no have a great time
ET +JAK2 I am on aspirin and 500gm hydroxycarbamide a day mon to Friday and 1000 day sat+ sun also thyroxine I am 70 i have staysure annual travel insurance for my hubby and me and my ET is on it ,another good one for MPN is All Clear insurance
Oh thank you, I am ET + Jak2 also… I had never even heard of this until I was diagnosed but thanks to this Forum and all the lovely people I am learning so much more … Thanks for the insurance recommendations too.
Glad to read your post. I too am ET+JAK2 and will be flying from France to California next week. Hadn’t thought to ask the doctor if there were any concerns..🤭
I can really recommend "Insured With". A very easy and cheap way to insure travel abroad. We are well over eighty, though so it may not suit younger age groups.
There are some reasonable precautions to take, but no reason not to travel. It is important to able able to get up and move a bit during a long flight. Some people like to wear compression socks when they fly. The issue is preventing any potential elevation in risk of clotting. I have flown (including long flights) for many years. i have never had a problem.
Regarding contact with people, suggest just using a bit of common sense and due precautions. You are not at elevated risk of contracting COVID due to your MPN unless your immune system is compromised. This would apply to the airplane and wherever you are staying. I certainly would not suggest travelling to a location where there is a large COVID surge for anyone, MPN or not.
Knowing how to access medical services when travelling is just good planning for anyone with a chronic medical condition. It is a good idea to bring a list of your medications, conditions, doctor contact info, and some basic medical records like you more recent CBCs, CMPs, etc. If you need additional insurance, again that is just good planning.
Thank you Hunter, you are a fountain of knowledge and always seem to know the answers to most things. It’s so reassuring to hear that people have travelled well and hopefully with all the sensible precautions in place, I will be able to do the same
I am very much looking forward to getting a break away, I did come down with covid a couple of weeks ago and survived it, although it did knock me for six at the time, but I probably caught that at work as everyone seemed to be dropping with it each day !
I have flown from US to Europe and back several times without trouble. I have pv and take Jakafi. I wear compression socks and move my legs, walk as much as I can on the plane.
Never been advised not to travel or fly, the advice above is the same as I’ve been given and follow, would just add that make sure you carry your meds in your hand luggage and take your recent clinic letter which will state your diagnosis and medical condition.The only additional info I would add is that if you ever go further a field particularly Asia ect you may need to contact the British embassy in the country and notify them that you are bringing a controlled drug (hydroxy) into their country, I had to do this for Singapore via email and got immediate approval!
Oh really… not sure if the lady I spoke to was new to this or just over cautious but with her restrictions she certainly unnerved me 😉
I feel so grateful I have found this Forum as it’s so helpful to get advice from others who have the same challenges to overcome and very reassuring to hear that for the most, all has gone well too
Thank you for your reply, help and advice. I will definitely take it on board and make sure I have things prepared and organised beforehand
Thank you so much for your reply. … that’s very reassuring. I will be slightly nervous on my first flight but will be very much looking forward to taking a break
Morning Yogana. I am nearly 74 on Hydroxy and Aspirin with ET Jak 2. In February we flew to Miami (8 hours +) flight. Again I made sure I discussed this with a member of the team before we went to make sure I was doing everything right. (I also made sure I had this condition added to my travel insurance which was no problem). Flight socks, plenty of rehydration, and making sure you have plenty of movement for your feet and legs. We did book extra leg room on this occasion because of the length of the flight and also increased my aspirin from one a day to two during that time. Hope this puts your mind at ease. PS also as mentioned above, I carried all meds in my hand luggage together with the hospital letter of my diagnosis. It was never queried.
When flying a few tips1. If PV make sure your Hct is well controlled
2. Drink plenty water the day before and on morning of flight and during, ditto on return.my urologist said we should drink 2.5 L per day not more.
3. Probably wise not to drink alcohol on plane or pre flight or day before and I avoid it the two days prior to return flight as alcohol dehydration can last a few days, sensible with coffee also
4. Walk around the airport a bit prior to flight to get blood pumping and get up every hour or so on plane and move
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