Blocked Carotid Artery, Central Retinal Occlusion and flying

[AlwaysHopeful]

Afternoon, my mother is currently 73 and had a Central Retinal Occlusion about 3 years ago.  She has been monitored since with no additional problems.  At that time her carotid artery was 80% blocked.  She went in for her (routine)physical and has been told the blockage is now 99% and she has to have surgery (I think they are recommending a endarterectomy but am not sure).  They are scheduling another MRI but we don't know when that will be (assuming it will be soon because the Dr has indicated a sense or urgency or at least quickness).  I live in KY and she lives in AZ and we had planned on her flying to visit on Jul 29th.  Is it OK if she flies right now (again assuming the Drs are OK with the wait on surgery)?  I thought blood vessels constrict when the plane is pressurized?  I do not want to put her in any jeopardy but can't find much research information on this.  



I also have a general question on the Eye problem - was that actually a stroke?  The eye Dr has it listed as one but I'm wondering if it was one of those TIAs that I'm reading about with the artery problem.



Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

[caregiver222]

Probably not. The cabins of commercial aircraft are pressurized to about 8,000 foot MSL. But the rates of compensation in different aircraft and airlines may vary considerably. Some aircraft have systems controlled by the flight engineer and some systems have automatic compensation. For a definitive answer contact the Federal Aviation Agency, Civil Aerospace Medical Division.

[AlwaysHopeful]

Thank you - I have left a message with them and hope to hear from them soon.

[C.F.]

I am 33.  Both of my carotid arteries are occluded (one completely and the other mostly).  My doctors said that it would be ok to fly....without hesitation.  I see one of the best neurologists.  p.s.  I have NOT flown since my stroke 4yrs ago.

[C.F.]

I have chosen not to fly if we are able to drive somewhere, but if the time were to come....I'm not quite sure what I would do.  The doctors don't know for sure, but they didn't seem to be concerned.  Please let me know how it goes.  I am always looking at the people that just live their lives.

[AlwaysHopeful]

CF - have you choosen not to fly because of medical concerns or because you haven't had a reason?  I did contact the airlines we have her booked on and they are very vague; i.e., if her Dr says it's OK then there shouldn't be any problem.  I don't know if I'm being paranoid because she's my mother and I lost my father a few years back or if this is a valid concern.  I'm hoping to hear from the FAA today.  I also have a message into her Dr for a return call so I can understand the concern a little better - my fear is the urgency he seems to have put on this - don't know if that's because of her age, the fact that she still smokes or something else.......thanks for your input I really appreciate it.

[AlwaysHopeful]

My mom had the scan yesterday and they told her that she's blocked over 90% - up from 70% last year.  They say she's high risk for a stroke and the Dr has said she shouldn't fly at this point in time.  



Never heard back from the FAA (called three times) which is unfortunate because I really would like to have known their opinion.

Thanks for all the info provided.

AlwaysHopeful