Twister_Ken
Well-known member
Apologies for a non-boaty topic...
Recently flew long-haul. Unknown to me I developed deep vein thrombosis. A few weeks later a resulting clot broke loose and caused bi-lateral pulmonary embolisms. A&E, 10 days as a guest of the NHS with tubes coming out of me. A close call apparently. All because I sat still in an aeroplane for too long. If you're flying longer haul (3 hours apparently is the start point) DO take anti-DVT precautions. Since it's happened to me, several friends and colleagues have also mentioned it's hit them, or people they know, so it's not one-in-a-million.
Please, during long-distance travel, especially long-haul flights, take precautions:
• be comfortable in your seat;
• bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while seated every half-hour or so during the flight;
• press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest to help increase the blood flow in your legs and reduce clotting;
• do upper body and breathing exercises to further improve circulation;
• take occasional short walks, when in-flight advice suggests this is safe;
• take advantage of refuelling stopovers where it may be possible to get off the plane and walk about;
• drink plenty of water;
• wear elastic compression stockings;
• be sensible about alcohol, which in excess leads to dehydration and immobility;
• avoid taking sleeping pills, which also cause immobility.
Recently flew long-haul. Unknown to me I developed deep vein thrombosis. A few weeks later a resulting clot broke loose and caused bi-lateral pulmonary embolisms. A&E, 10 days as a guest of the NHS with tubes coming out of me. A close call apparently. All because I sat still in an aeroplane for too long. If you're flying longer haul (3 hours apparently is the start point) DO take anti-DVT precautions. Since it's happened to me, several friends and colleagues have also mentioned it's hit them, or people they know, so it's not one-in-a-million.
Please, during long-distance travel, especially long-haul flights, take precautions:
• be comfortable in your seat;
• bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while seated every half-hour or so during the flight;
• press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest to help increase the blood flow in your legs and reduce clotting;
• do upper body and breathing exercises to further improve circulation;
• take occasional short walks, when in-flight advice suggests this is safe;
• take advantage of refuelling stopovers where it may be possible to get off the plane and walk about;
• drink plenty of water;
• wear elastic compression stockings;
• be sensible about alcohol, which in excess leads to dehydration and immobility;
• avoid taking sleeping pills, which also cause immobility.
