Long haul flight

[Solstice2020]

Hello everyone and happy new year!

My question is related to taking a couple of long haul flights (10 hours) within a 3 week period with ET and a high platelet count (c.1100).

Are there many risks associated with this and is it advised against?

Many thanks, Jennifer

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hello Jennifer, you should speak to your consultant or your clinical nurse specialist for advice about taking these long haul flights, they can assess any risk factors and then advise you accordingly with any precautions you may need to take, for example whether or not you may need to wear compression socks/stockings, it may not be necessary, but best to check with your own team.

You will also need to keep moving as much as you can during the flights, not always easy to walk around on a plane, but when you are sitting down you can try and move your arms and legs as much as you can, wiggle them around, and also very important, to stay well hydrated.

mpnvoice.org.uk/living-with...

mpnvoice.org.uk/living-with...

[Solstice2020 in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks very much. I will check out these links

[Solyesh]

Hi - I frequently take long haul flights of over 10 hours once or twice a month. When I was first diagnosed with ET I asked my MPN specialist about the flying. He recommended extra hydration; moving/walking as much as possible during the flight and he also had me take an extra aspirin during the flights (I take one baby aspirin a day usually and he had me take my regular one and then another one about 7-8 hours into the flight). Definitely ask your doctor/care team but should not be a concern/problem with proper care.

Safe travels!

[Bbhr in reply to Solyesh]

Hi

I am also going to be taking long flights. My concern is changing the time of taking hydroxy, I was told to take the meds with kai and at the same time every day. How do you get around it. I’m travelling to a 12 hour different time zone each 6 months. How do you manage this please. 🙏🏽

[Exeter21 in reply to Bbhr]

I flew long haul frequently one was the long NZ flight & many time zones. I kept to my aspirin on uk time zone till arrival in other countries then adjusted to their time zones . If you miss one aspirin it is not life threatening. I kept them up on flight . 👌

[Solstice2020 in reply to Solyesh]

Great to hear there are lots of things to reduce risk. Thanks for your reply

[Amethist]

I also have high platelets (1400 ish) only on aspirin and have taken a few long haul flights. No issues. But then I haven’t had any prior clotting issues either. Getting up to walk around, exercising calf muscles etc a good idea for everyone.

[Solstice2020 in reply to Amethist]

Thanks for getting back to me.

[EssexDolly]

Hi there! I have PV but also take long haul flights every year. My haematologist told me to wear compression socks on every flight regardless of length, drink no alcohol, stay hydrated etc and on flights over 4 hours I inject Clexane. I get this on repeat prescription from my GP.

[Solstice2020 in reply to EssexDolly]

Thanks for your reply. Hoping to get through green light from doc next week

[ETinNYC]

Hey Solstice,Just to echo what's been said here. Check in with your doctor to be sure. I take at least 2 flights a year that are 7+ hrs in duration. My specialist advised that I take aspirin twice daily starting a day before I fly and continuing until the day after my flight. He also told me to avoid alcohol during those days, and to ensure I'm well hydrated. I make it a point to drink extra water starting a day or two before I fly. And I drink loads on the plane. Consequently, I end up at the loo a few times but that gets me up and moving. (He also advised to either get up and walk or do some chair exercises a few times during the flight.)

If you Google it, you'll find some examples of good chair exercises for flights. I've taken screenshots of them and refer to them, if for some reason the seatbelt sign is on, and I can't get up and walk a bit. People will sometimes look at you like you're a little mental when you're up and stretching, but it's better than staying seated and having a problem!

I too was apprehensive before my first flight since diagnosis. But kind folks here shared their experiences and provided me with reassurance. That, along with the reassurance of my doctor, means I barely think about it when I travel now.

Enjoy your trip!