surgeon made me nervous about long haul flight

[Globetrotter 1,340]

When I went for my check up with the surgeon last week he said that the only time he ever had a patient get a blood clot was when that patient, at 6 months out, flew to London (10 hr flight). I'm 3 weeks out and will be on a 19 hour flight 3 days from now. He said to get up and walk every hour and I said I would buy compression stockings but, I AM TOTALLY FREAKED OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! How will I tell if something is wrong? I know leg swelling is supposed to be a symptom but my ankles and feet have always gotten puffy when I fly. HELP!!

[SouthernSleever 228]

I got a blood clot back in 03 and a pulmonary embolism as a result. First if you are a smoker stop now and dont eat/take a lot of Vit K. Moving your legs, massaging them, walking, moving toes, lifting them up will help. My blood clot felt like achy pain behind my knees and it would get better if I moved. I also felt a sense of doom which they say is common. When it went ot my lungs I couldnt' breath. Take some baby asprine with you as a blood thinner and move around a lot.

[Globetrotter 1,340]

I don't smoke, thank goodness, and I am going to email my surg right now to see if taking aspirin will help. thanx!

[BeenThereWasThat 2]

I am three weeks out tomorrow but I still am wearing compression stockings to bed (if you don't have some you could get some for under your clothes during your flight).

I was also on lovenox (blood thinner) for 2 weeks after surgery(until I had a reaction to the prolonged use) I gave the injections to myself. You might be able to get a script for them and take them with you. They are pre-filled, easy, and not that painless.

[Donna4545 13]

As long as you walk every hour like he says, you will probably be fine. I would let the flight attendant know that you just had surgery and will need to be up and walking.

[clk 3,519]

I, too, think if you get up and move you'll be fine. I flew from Germany to San Diego for my surgery and spent just under 13 hours in the air just four days post op. I got one additional dose of Lovenox before my flight.

Since your surgeon decided to scare the hell out of you, he shouldn't find it too difficult to write a script for Lovenox if taking it will ease your anxiety.

Yes, you have an increased risk for 4-6 weeks out from surgery, but DVT is possible with any long flight. Just take preventative measures and you should be fine. If taking Lovenox will make you feel better, insist upon the prescription.

The ways to avoid DVT are to stay hydrated and exercise your legs. If the flight is turbulent, do leg exercises while seated. Get up and move every chance you get.

Take care, enjoy the trip.

~Cheri

[emilygrace 5]

I am taking a 22hr trip about 3 wks postop. I intend to eat aspirin like it's going out of business. Doc said she would write me up for lovenox shots if I want to self inject, but doesn't think it's necessary. I do have the TED hose.