Chicken bald back

[The Dogmother]

I wonder if you can help with this; here's the situation... The Boy's folks are elderly and very infirm, his mum's identical twin is widowed and lives in NZ, in the past she has often travelled over to stay with them for a few months. I think she may relocate back here TBH. Earlier this year she had a minor stroke (but is still healthier than they are) and is now worried on two counts:

 

1. Should she fly? Her doctors isn't very forthcoming on this and I don't think she likes to ask any questions.

 

2. She is worried about getting travel insurance for the flight, and whether she would be allowed to fly without it.

 

Anyone here got any experience/advice on this?

[Lavenders_Blue]

Apart from the stroke, is she otherwise in good health? (And apart from being elderly?)

A stroke in itself is not a reason not to fly, but there may be possible complications such as an increased risk of DVT, especially given that this would be a very long flight. I am assuming that her stroke was caused by clot and not a bleed (most are) therefore she could be more susceptible to clotting. She really does need to talk to her doctor about this, as she may be on blood thinning medications which might need to be taken into account when flying. I'd also strongly recommend wearing compression stockings and getting up and moving regularly during the flight, at least every hour or possibly more frequently, and staying well hydrated (in my experience older people are pretty rubbish about drinking enough fluids).

I don't see any reason why she wouldn't be allowed to fly without travel insurance, however she would be sensible to ensure that she has adequate cover. Heaven forbid anything should happen during the flight, but she needs peace of mind that she will be covered and taken care of should anything occur.

With my stroke hat on, if I can provide any info about travelling I'll be really happy to do that, but obviously it won't be specific to New Zealand and their health care system.

[The Dogmother]

Thanks H, will pass that on. Realistically, this may be a last chance for them all to be together - his mum and the aunt are very close.

[Lavenders_Blue]

This factsheet might be useful CLICKY.

[Beantree]

I fly quite a bit and never have insurance Dogmother, so it isn't compulsory. But they are short journeys and the point made about DVT on a long haul is a good one.

[WitchHazel]

DVT risk can easily be manged.

 

I had a DVT and embollism a few years ago, and it turns out I carry a very high risk of having another one. I used to travel all over the world with my job. When it was time for me to come off Warfarin (rat poison, used to thin the blood) a couple of years after my DVT, I switched to using Heparin injections. I have to inject myself with Heparin every time I fly, or if I am going to be on a long car journey. For flights to/from Australia/New Zealand, I have to inject myself a couple of hours before my flight and then inject myself again 23ish hours later. I've never had any problems taking the injections on the plane.

 

If your lady is already on Warfarin, then her blood will already be thinned and she won't have another clot. She will, however, have to make a note of exactly when she has to take her tablets to make sure she doesn't accidentally miss a dose - it can get confusing with the time zone changes.

 

Regarding insurance, I would expect that she can get travel insurance, but it is likely to exclude existing conditions. It is important that she answers all the questions honestly.

 

Hope that helps

[Lavenders_Blue]

DVT risk can easily be manged.

 

Yes it can, but it does need to be managed, hence my suggestions about compression stockings, getting up and moving during the flight and staying hydrated. Sorry - not trying to be difficult, but I do think extra precautions are sensible as DVT (or indeed another stroke) could be a very real risk. You also make a very good point about timings of blood thinning medications becoming easily confused when moving between time zones, thus increasing the risk of clots developing. Definitely something that needs to be discussed with a GP.

[WitchHazel]

DVT risk can easily be manged.

 

Yes it can, but it does need to be managed, hence my suggestions about compression stockings, getting up and moving during the flight and staying hydrated....Definitely something that needs to be discussed with a GP.

 

Yes, sorry, I didn't mean to give the impression that no management was needed. I absolutely agree that it needs to be actively managed. I just meant that it shouldn't (necessarily) prevent someone flying. I should have ended by saying that discussion with GP is essential, to make sure the lady understands exactly what she needs to do and when.

 

I should also add that for a flight of that duration, it would be worth investing in "proper "Class I or Class II compression stockings, not just the flight socks. Scholl Ultima are the most comfortable that I have found at a reasonable price. flnd the toe-less ones the easiest to put on. If she doesn't want to wear a belt, you can get them in a hold up version for class 1. Alternatively, VENOSAN® Coltex Roll-On Body Adhesive is great.

 

Hope that helps.