Flying???

[carrob]

As I may have mentioned.....we're heading out to Vegas next week for our 2 year anniversary! But, I just had a friend tell me that her husband is still afraid to fly since he's had heart failure. He was actually down to 7% at one time and on a transplant list. He's now at 60% (w/o the transplant) but still afraid to fly. They drive everywhere so his system can "acclaimate" to the surroundings....altitude, etc.

For those of you that have flown.....have you experienced any problems? I look at it this way. I've already flown with DCM and just didn't know it when we went to Cancun for our honeymoon....and didn't have any problems.

[SerenaWelsh]

Flown quite a few times since diagnosis last year. No problem at all. I did ask for "permission" from my Dr. first and he said, "why not?"

He put the kibosh on scuba diving, though.

[melissamph]

Flown several times since diagnosis. Not a single problem! Have fun!

[Lisa V]

I hate to fly and I am absolutely terrifed since the World Trade......I just flew to Florida in March and I was so sick on the way back that I was in bed for 2 days. I know it was nothing to do with my heart but I just didnt feel right and all I wanted to do was sleep.

[tabs]

I have flown many times and have only had one problem. That was after a flight to Spain. It was a very long flight(s)! I ended up with a fever and feeling very tired after the flight. It took 24-48 hours before I was feeling better. I do believe it was from my heart and I changed some things on my return flight home. My problems were not as severe after that flight.
Twilah

[momoftwoboys]

I just had my very first trip on an airplane about a year and a half ago. My sister-in-law's husband is a pilot and I got a special ride. He took me, Jaden and my MIL. It was my son's first time in an airplane too. I was sooo scared because I didn't know if my heart could handle it. But, of course, everything went just fine. I had no problem at all. Riding in a plane was much different than I thought it would be. I thought it was going to feel really really fast, but actually you feel like you are going about as slow as a snail. I don't think you will have any problems.

[mikeyandBellesmommy]

I fly a lot for work, I have to say I have flown at least 20 times since diagnosis and have never had a problem. The only problem I get at all is typically exhaustion when I get home.. but that is do to all the work I do when I am traveling for work not the flying..

Have fun I LOVE VEGAS I was supposed to go next week, but I am staying in the office this time, kind of glad, I guess, leaving both kids when traveling for work makes me upset, LOL!

[Natasha]

Go for it, Carla! I've been on a few trips since diagnosis without problems. I think the man who is at 60% is overreacting. Yes, if you are in heart failure and needing a transplant, you should probably talk to your doctor. However, you are in fine shape. There is nothing to worry about. They are sometimes concened about blood clots after flying (not just for us, but for everyone). They say you should get up and walk around every hour or so during the flight.

Have a great time! Happy anniversary!

[Special K]

I fly every other week, sometimes twice a week for my job--which can wear me out, but I have had no problems with my heart as a result.