Long distance flying and ET

[NibsNanna]

Hi All

I know this question has been asked before, but not recently, so things might have changed.

I'm 74, diagnosed with ET Jak2 about a year ago and am on 500(?)mg Hydroxyurea - one tablet daily plus daily aspirin. Specialist has suggested an injection before flying - it will be a 15 hour flight.

Does anyone know what the injection would be and is this commonly prescribed for long-distance flying?

Thanks

[bruddery]

hi there. I just last week returned from Australia. I flew from Ireland a month ago. My consultant advised and prescribed clexane injections - two per flight as the flight was 26 hours. Very simple to do and reassuring for. Such a long flight. Hope you have a good flight. Bruddery

[bruddery in reply to bruddery]

I should have said it was one injection per 24 hours hence longer flight so two injections. bruddery

[hunter5582]

There are a number of different self-injectable anticoagulants. Just making a guess here, but I imagine the doc may be talking about a heparin injection. Heparin is the most common of the anticoagulants that can be injected. I have had these injections post-surgery. They were not a big deal.

I always make it a point to get up and move at least every hour when on a long flight. Others report using compression socks.

Wishing you happy travels.

[Threelions in reply to hunter5582]

Apologies to Nibs Nana for cutting in to Hunter but I was just wondering what you considered a long flight? I’m flying from UK to Canada later this year & wasn’t planning any injections etc . In your opinion do you think moving every hour will be sufficient.? I’m ET on peg & platelets been good for last 3yrs +.

[hunter5582 in reply to Threelions]

Suggest you get a case-specific answer to your question from a MPN Specialist. There are several factors to be considered, including your history of thrombosis and hemorrhage, co-occurring conditions, etc. The answer to the question about what to do to improve the odds for an event free longer flight needs to be case specific.

I have not done anything in particular to fly from the USA to Europe other than to get up and move. I also make sure to get an aisle seat and pay to upgrade my seat to Economy Plus (extra leg room). I have never had an issue on a flight, but I also have never had a thrombosis in 30+ years with a MPN,. The answer for me may not be the same as the answer for you however.

Happy travels.

[Solyesh in reply to Threelions]

Threelions - Hunter (as usual) is right on - I travel long haul at least once a month for work (anywhere from 11 - 16 hour flights) - I have ET Jak2 on 90 mcg Peg every 2 weeks - when discussing with my MPN specialist the only thing he has me do is to take an extra aspirin day of flight and make sure I get up and move as much as possible..I have never had an issue but as Hunter correctly indicated, this was just my specialist's advice to me given my particular history. Definitely reach out to your Doctor but in general I personally have not had any problems.

[Threelions in reply to Solyesh]

Cheers,

That’s exceptionally helpful. Really appreciate your input👍

[NibsNanna in reply to hunter5582]

I'm going from Australia to Canada- a 15 hour flight-

[hunter5582 in reply to NibsNanna]

Do please let us know how the flight goes. I am planning a flight from the East Coast USA to Australia at some point. Would love to hear how your flight goes.

Happy travels.

[NibsNanna in reply to hunter5582]

Will try to remember to do that...

[kiwitraveller]

I have myelofibrosis and my platelets hover around 500-900 . I am on 10 500mg of HU a week plus daily asprin. I fly to the UK from NZ annually- wear compression socks, move around regularly so always have an aisle seat and drink a lot of water and no alcohol. So far - 4 years since diagnosis - no problems.