To be worried about flying

[Blueboatinghat]

I am going to Australia and can't help worrying about the length of the flight causing DVT.

I suppose I'm just looking for anyone who has done long flights - I haven't gone further than Dublin before!

:)

You can take steps to combat the threat of DVT. Even if you can't get up to go to the toilet every 30 mins like I do there are plenty of exercises you can do in your seat to prevent DVT.

You can buy flight socks that help your circulation to help lessen the risk of DVT when you fly. They're not the most glamorous of things but quite comfy once they're on, and easily available from Boots or at the airport usually.

I know but I'm still worried!

when i flew to San Francisco i brought flight socks and spent a condsiderable amount of time stood at the bar.

it was my first time on a plane that big so the fact it had a bar was a big novelty for me!

I flew to NZ. I watched everything in 45 min bursts then just wandered around. I suspect I spend longer in one position on my sofa of an evening!

It's very rare unless you have a particular tendency due to health issues. You gp can advise if you are at risk. Certainly get up and walk frequently. Drink lots of water.

I'm flying cattle class - not sure I'll be able to wander around much!

Unless you are in a particular risk group (pregnant, elderly, obese etc) in which case consult a doctor about special socks and possibly asprin then just stay hydrated and make sure you get up for a quick walk up the aisles (to the toilet or the galley) every couple of hours (after each movie you watch?) and move your legs about a bit in between.

Thanks, I know I am being silly but I know of two people who died and so it's made me a bit scared!

Watching with interest as I am going to Australia o Tuesday! But i am more scared of the plane going down!

I have flown to australia a couple of times and new zealand before flight socks were recommended.

I would recommend getting an ailse seat that way you can get up as often as you want without disturbing anyone. It doesnt matter what class you are in you can wander about the economy cabin and have a good stretch at the back . I dont sleep very well on planes so the thought off being stuck in a seat unable to move would have made the journey unbearable.

I think they may recommend aspirin , that may be worth looking into.

I hate flying but not enough to have put me off travelling but dvt is not something i have ever been worried about

I've done that flight goodness knows how many times, as well as plenty of other long haul flights. Never even crossed my mind to worry.

Make sure you get your flight socks properly measured to your calves if you're going to get some.

I'm sure when I flew to Australia they told you some good exercises to do with your feet etc. It have been in the in flight mag.

Don't forget you will have at least one landing for refuelling so you will get a good walk around then.

Enjoy your trip!!

That's fine Midnite but it crosses my mind. If that's all right with you, of course!

As I say I am just a little concerned because I know two people who died from it and it has made me a little anxious. Of course, if I do die - Hopefully it will be on the way back!

I fly to Australia every year and have never had a problem. I never bothered with flight socks either - I just make sure I get up frequently and do leg exercises. And if you can get an exit row seat you can stretch your legs out, which also helps.

Thanks :)

I know where you're coming from Blueboatinghat, I do worry about this as well as my Mum's had DVT in the past (though after operations not from planes, she takes warfarin now).

But I've flown long haul (14 hours max) quite a bit and never had a problem (touch wood!) with a combo of flight socks, doing little leg and ankle exercises, and wandering around the cabin.

My ankles do get really puffy afterwards but apparently that's normal, I've been told that if you have a clot then you would know about it as one leg would be noticeably bigger than the other. HTH

Hope this helps - I've flown long haul many times and one of my dc has always fallen asleep on me, resulting in me being in exactly the same awkward position for hours and hours so as not to disturb them. I'm alive - yay!

Baby Aspirin a few days before & after the flights.

Also, keep your feet moving, circulate them often, point your toes up & down. Wiggle your toes.

You can get up quite a few times, especially if you have an aisle seat.

At the back there is usually an area where you can do a bit of stretching if you want. You can make it look like you are just waiting to go to the loo. I sometimes stand there for a while with my dc. Something to do.

You can also do ankle turns in your seat.

When you change flights, you can do a bit of walking. Stay off the escalators and those moving pavement things and walk.