Flying to New York

[Angela C]

I am going to New York in July, the flight is about 8 hours. I was just wondering whether this is considered a long flight and whether it's worth me trying to track down my haematologist. Would the drs just recommend aspirin or is is considered a long enough flight to be given heparin?

Obviously I know all about walking around and stuff on the plane and I have compression stockings to wear, just wondering about medication as obviously it will affect my insurance. (Seeing as I haven't had any medication or treatment in the last 5 years or so most insurance companies don't see me as that much of a risk I don't think but obviously if I had to medicate for the trip I'd have to tell them and they'd probably want loads of extra money for my policy!)

[James]

I am on warfarin and have been advised that for flights under four hours I do not need to change my usual anticoagulant therapy but for flights longer than four hours I should have injections of low molecular weight heparin instead. I think you should speak to your haematologist to find out what they would recommend for you. I always get my blood tested prior to flying and ask my doctor for his approval.

[Zarin]

Listen to James, it would be better to take a LMWHeparin injection an hour before your flight, just to be on the safe side.

James, if you are on Wafarin Sodium why do you still need LMWH shots for flying? I know people who just ensure that their INR is within the proper range before they fly.

[James]

I have been advised that LMWH is only necessary if my flights are longer than four hours. Fortunately for me, my favourite holiday destination is just within this time limit but if I had to travel further then I would definitely be following my doctor's advice.

[Angela C]

Thanks James & Zarin for your replies.

I guess I'll try and track down my haematologist then, I haven't seen her in about 4 years so I'll have to jog her memory a little.

[Guest denism]

Hello Zarin and Angela

I came off warfarin after 6 months in Sep 05. I was told that I had a one-off DVT and that there was nothing genetic or intrinsic behind the incident. However, my haematology specialist recommended that as a precaution I should self-inject subcutaneously low dosage heparin for flights of over 4 hrs.

I was interested in Zarin's reference to injencting one hour before the flight. However, because of airport security problems, I do not like taking the syringe airside and, therefore, inject some 2 to 3 hrs before the flight. My understanding is that the injection lasts for 24 hrs and thus my timing should not impact on this.

I should welcome any observations you or others may have.

For Angela.......how did you get on? I've done many 5 hrs flights since but I'm off on my first 9.5 hrs to Miami soon...... I am a bit apprehensive.

Best Regards

Denis

[Hyacinth]

I have flown for long flights with my needles and always took the injection an hour or two before the flight, and had the injections in a hardcased makeup case in the cabin of the airplane with me. I had a note from my doctor and informed the cabincrew and security people that I had them with me.

Once I forgot to inform one security checker and he pulled me aside and asked what it was I had in my bag....oppps. So make sure you inform everyone that you have them.

[Angela C]

For Angela.......how did you get on? I've done many 5 hrs flights since but I'm off on my first 9.5 hrs to Miami soon...... I am a bit apprehensive.

I don't go to NY until July and I haven't managed to get in contact with haematologist yet so I don't know yet!!