In United magazines and probably others a series of in-seat leg exercises are given. Along with walking around, these exercises can be really good for blood circulation, etc.
I try to keep my legs and feet moving, and I walk (usually to the bathroom ) quite often.
We are lucky enough to fly business class, which means a flat bed for our overnight flight to Europe. Is there any difference between sitting in your seat, or lying down on the flatbed?
I do prefer to sleep for as much of the flight as possible!
Sheena
Posts: 2184 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
We tell our patients to consider taking aspirin a few days before the flight for the blood thinning affects. Matter of fact, my boss (the orthopod) won't do surgery on anyone who is flying within two weeks after surgery because of the DVT issue.
Janel
Posts: 240 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 12 February 2005
Aspirin, if you aren't already on blood thinners, or have other contraindications - history of ulcers, stomach bleeding, etc. Also stay hydrated. Lying down in business class is probably better than sitting up in coach. It is a good idea to walk around, but most of us want to sleep.
Posts: 35 | Location: Alabama | Registered: 02 May 2006
A few days before the flight I do the aspirin thing plus drink alot of water.(also being well hydrated helps lessen the jet lag effects)
In flight try to walk around as much as possible or do foot and ankle exercises at least every hour.Avoid crossing your legs and wear loose comfortable clothes.
When I fly I either freeze or burn up....never a middle ground. Oe the few occasions when I've decided to wear hose, I've had to remove them in the lavatory becasue I was too warm...not a easy depending on the size of the lavatory! Anyway, for this reason I'd stick with the excercises and above recommendations.
Hi sheena, I just got back from a trip home to Switzerland. Going over I wore TED hose because it was a overnight flight, but coming back to the States i didnt wear them, I just got up and walked about and did foot pumps often while sitting.
Posts: 125 | Location: Norway, Maine | Registered: 22 April 2006
A doctor wouldn't prescribe me medication for it, my case is very mild (only ever get it on flights or long car rides). It comes around for an hour, and I jiggle my leg(s) around like I got ants in my pants, and then it goes away.
----------------------------------- Pekorino, my food blog On The Road, Again [travel stories from 2005-2006]
I also feel like I need might need those socks, though, even at my age of mid-twenties! When I spend all day walking/on my feet (like 10-12 hours, almost without breaks), I get these red patches down where my legs meet my ankles... looks like a rash/varicose veins gone wild... but it seems like blood pools...???
My mom gets exactly the same thing.
Problem is: If it's 90 degrees out in S. Europe, I can't see how I could stand to have support hose on..?
"Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space has ceased." (John Steinbeck)
Posts: 372 | Location: Back in Seattle! | Registered: 07 February 2004
I've had good luck with support knee highs, which are not as hot as pantyhose. I take them off as soon as I can after we land. They have made a big difference, as I had swollen ankles for several days the time I didn't use them for flying across the pond. Joana
Posts: 111 | Location: Baltimore, MD USA | Registered: 02 June 2003
Sheena, I don't know if you saw this in today's newspapers but new research out of Britian essentially endorses what RR says above: keep moving as much as possible to avoid DVT.
I think the study was primarily looking at whether low oxygen levels and reduced cabin pressure during long flights contribute to the problem. It concluded that those aren't really factors; the problem more likely stems from long periods of being immobilized (or squashed, as in the case of tall people like me) into small economy-class spaces. That allows the blood to pool at the lower extremities.
They concluded that walking the aisles when possible, flexing the feet and rotating the ankles when seated -- that kind of thing -- is most helpful.
And compression stocking to encourage blood flow are also a good idea, the research suggested.
I suppose that's just common sense, but interesting!
Originally posted by sarahnwalker: Debra, That does sound absurd! Why the bar of soap? I don't get how it can do anything????
It was thought the soap "bump" would cause your legs to move about during sleep, perhaps relieving cramps. But that has been discounted by Dr. Gott and his readers who have successfully tried this.
This is the same Doctor that has claimed Vicks Vapor Rub on toenails cures fungus.
The thing is, he is well known and in many newspapers with his column. I don't get it either
That does sound absurd! Why the bar of soap? I don't get how it can do anything????
Perhaps having gone to the trouble of actually placing a bar of soap in your bed you 'will' the cramps away for fear of being thought foolish??
We are all waiting for Charity to get back and try a 'blind' test on her husband!
Sandrac I didn't see the report but I am not surprised that it came from Britain. There is much more awareness of DVT in the UK than there appears to be here in North America.
Sheena
Posts: 2184 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
John and I have done a lot of long haul flights, I always had swollen ankles and found it very uncomfortable for a few days into our trips. Bought the socks, not glamourous, but practical!!!!!. Boy, did they make a difference.Took them off on arrival, tucked into hand luggage, no probs.Tried to move around on flights, ok if you were on the aisle seats, difficult if you are by the window, especially if other passengers are sleeping. As English, we are constantly reminded about the problem, but also find difficulty with coach travel. Since living in France, I travel a lot by train and find I have no problem as I move and have a lot more leg room, French Rail Travel I find, superb. Judy
Has anyone heard of taking aspirin for several days before, during and after long flights (since aspirin is a known "blood thinner," hence possible clot preventive)? A colleague of ours died in his sleep from a pulmonary embolism the day after flying from Australia to the U.S., so we are well aware of the dangers of DVT.
Posts: 172 | Location: Bangor, Maine | Registered: 02 March 2006
Topic Closed
) quite often.
