Long haul flight after DVT

I had a DVT in my right calf nearly 2 years ago after a 7 hour flight (I was only 25  at the time). I am now living in New Zealand and want to fly back to London for a wedding. I am wondering whether doing two 24 hr flights within 10 days is too close together and how long I should leave it ideally? Would you recommend exit row/extra leg room seating and blood thinning injections? I am going to see my GP before I fly as my leg often gets swollen if I am standing for extended periods now and it was swollen for a couple of weeks following a 17 hour flight which included a 9 hour stop over.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Yes, I agree with your intention to see your GP sooner versus later. The purpose of this visit would be to evaluate the symptoms that you describe and also determine (with blood work, physical examination and diagnostic testing) whether or not you have a pre-disposing condition that might have been related to the occurrence of your previous DVT.

In general, recommendations for long haul flights include: staying well hydrated, walking up and down the aisle every couple of hours, and depending on what medical conditions you have, consideration of aspirin and other medications as recommended by your GP or specialist.

Please reply with any additional questions that you may have.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.