Flying with blood clots in legs

[Patio]

Are you able to fly if you have blood clots in your legs? We'd love to take my Mom to Disney, but, she thinks she can't fly because of her legs. She has never flown before and the flight would be about 2 1/2 hrs. Thanks!

[Disney Doll]

It's probably a bad idea because of the period of time in a cramped space which would allow for blood to pool and the pressure changes that happen on an airplane.

But check with her doc.

[momrek06]

My 50yoDSis was diagnosed with a clot back in 2005. She is an executive with VERIZON and works behind the scenes not in the retail stores AND she flies everywhere with work.

She just tells the Flight Attendents that she has a clot (actually it is totally under control now) and they allow her to walk up and down the aisles on the plane while in flight.

She flew to CA with me from MA and I watched as all the FA's obliged her in her need to get up and walk whenever she felt like it. She would go from one end of the plane to the other. AND then in the airport, she would walk and walk and walk up and down the area where we were waiting for our connection.

OP, it is absolutely doable for your mom.

[Patio]

I am going to check with her doctor, but, was just curious about any experiences. Thanks Disney Doll!!

[Patio]

Momrek06, thanks for the info. Her's is under control, also, I was wondering if they'd allow walking the aisles. Thank you!!

[momrek06]

Originally Posted by Patio

Momrek06, thanks for the info. Her's is under control, also, I was wondering if they'd allow walking the aisles. Thank you!!

Your welcome!

And 2.5 hours is so doable for her first flight. Tell her to get up every 30 minutes and walk. Do you have your seat assignments yet? Try and get an aisle for her so she can just hop up and get her walk in and sit back down and repeat!

My DSis actually kept walking while waiting for the plane to board and literally was the last one on as she will keep walking and walking until she HAS to sit down! She flies ALL OF THE TIME!

Good luck!

[minnie56]

Are they deep vein clots or superficial? I had a superficial one not so long ago...the Dr made me have ultrasounds every week

I flew to see my DD in Florida last month..he told me to wear compression stockings and get up every 20mins and walk which I did. When in my seat he told me to rotate my ankles periodically and also to take aspirin for a couple days before and after flying. Your Mom might already be on blood thinners?

I am still here!!

I think if you take some precautions all should be fine.....

[Disneywedding2010]

Originally Posted by Patio

Are you able to fly if you have blood clots in your legs? We'd love to take my Mom to Disney, but, she thinks she can't fly because of her legs. She has never flown before and the flight would be about 2 1/2 hrs. Thanks!

I had a bloot clot the full length of my leg last year and I flew many times. My doctor just told me if I could get up and walk to the bathroom and back a couple times and if not to just do exercises in my seat like moving my legs and feet to keep the circulation going.

[Chelley00]

I have a clotting disorder and checked with my doctor before I flew last November. I did not have clots at the time, but asked him how to prevent them. His advice was to get up and walk every 20 minutes or so. Also to make sure to not cross my legs while seated. He suggested booking a seat in the last row where I could stand up for most of the flight if I wanted.

I spoke with the flight attendants about my need to walk because of a medical issue, and they were great. On the way there, the FA kept coming to me going "It's time for your walk now!" and they joked about making me deliver snacks since I was already up and about

[bumbershoot]

Originally Posted by Chelley00

He suggested booking a seat in the last row where I could stand up for most of the flight if I wanted.

that's a really good idea.

I've never been on a flight where they restricted walking, except for takeoff, landing, and turbulence, but they DO get stressy if you're too close to the cockpit and standing. So to be towards the back would probably be good just for standing up purposes.

[Aristomommy]

I had clots in my left leg in 2005. Once everything stabilized, I was allowed to fly. Initially I flew with compression socks, walked every hour during an 8 hour flight and I gave myself a heparin injection prior to the flight. Now I take Dr recommended dose of aspirin. My left leg swells quite a bit even on short flights, so I recommend a good compression sock.

[pigletgirl]

Also, have her drink a good amount of water.

[Witch Mountain]

I have flown with clots twice, one flight with Southwest, one with Delta. Both were fantastic. When I checked in, I informed the ground crew that I had active clots in my leg.

Each pre-boarded me and I was able to walk up and down. The attendants on the Delta flight (4 hours) were fantastic about letting me do leg stretches in the back galley area. I got the impression that they're quite familiar with assisting passengers with clotting issues.

SW suggested the first seat in the front row, Delta had assigned seats, but I usually choose an aisle seat due to this issue.

The first time, in 2004, my doctor diagnosed it 12 hours before I was supposed to get on the plane and gave me a note. The second (in 2007), I was under ongoing care with a vascular surgeon and he and I talked about how it went the previous time.

A PP recommended compression socks, if she's not already using them, that's another thing to check with the doctor. There are differing strengths. For instance, I'm usually in 30/40 density, while a relative with the same disorder that causes these clots have 10/20s, which are less restrictive.

It's great that you're asking now. Please have her follow up with her doctor, because no two patients (or clots for that matter) are the same. While my doctors cleared me for flying, there was another time where I had a clot that I know if the situation to fly came up, my doctor would have told me no way in hell would he advise me to do so.

[judypriv]

We are dealing with this now. My dad went to the ER sunday and it turns out he has a clot in his arm. He's been in on a IV drip of hyperoin (sp?) and comudin (sp?) and he feels fine and looks great. So far his cardiovascular doctors told him he can go ( he had a triple by pass in March 2010 and then a stent last January 2 weeks before our WDW trip) and have fun but our family doctor has said probably not and he is still waiting to hear from the vascular doctor. The flight is about 2 1/2 hours. I feel terrible for him since he was so happy to go and since we leave thursday night I don't think we can get anything refunded for him either. Poor Daddy!

[I Love Pluto]

ONLY her doctor can make that decision. Last year - I was unable to fly, due to blood clot possibilities.

This year - I got the OK from my heart doctor to go to FL or CA by plane! I am very excited! We drive to FL - so CALIF here we come!