Dvt

slinga

I've just had a DVT.
It happened 2 weeks after a long haul flight even though I'd been down the gym during those two weeks doing Cardio stuff bringing my HR up to 140 which isa lot higher than my 0.85 X Max HR.


Funnily enough we usually fly Business Class but for family reasons I flew Economy this time.


I'm taking rivaroxeban (Xarelto) for 3 months and during that time cannot exercise above a brisk walk or drink alcohol.


Anyone have any tips on how to ensure this DVT does not reoccur?


What about pressure socks.
How do I find the one that fits me best and when do I wear them.


How long is a long haul flight and is a short haul flight a problem.


I'll be seeing a doctor again tomorrow but wanted to get some viewpoints so I have some ideas before I see him/her.

eDicky

There's this recent thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6065661/wear-your-flight-socks

I've never personally used the socks or had any problems, but your useful post is a good warning. What sort of age are you?

UK to Singapore would certainly be long haul, I don't believe there's any real DVT risk in short haul flights.

slinga

Thanks eDicky.


Just to say I've been retired for 20 years and am in my early 70s. Dunno why I can't actually put down my age but ...


The other funny thing is we usually fly direct LHR/Singapore but this time flying Emirates I had a stopover in Dubai, so, 2 X 7 hrs.


Anyway got some thoughts from that other thread and if someone wants to merge this thread in there then no problems.

Katiehound

To buy the correct socks you need to measure around your leg at the ankle and then check the chart on packaging. This size may correspond to your shoe size- but it may not! The pressure at ankle is most important. Both Boots own & Scholls used to have a chart- don't know about other brands.

If I am only a short trip from airport I put my socks on after check in, however if I have several hours travelling to get to airport then put them on before leaving home.
You can wear them for any journey when you will be sitting for any long period- even for car/ bus/coach trips. Not vital for train as you are far more able to get up and walk/ stand around.

Not sure what constitutes short / long haul but I would be happy to wear socks for 4 hour plus trip in the interests of my sanity. Have a 10 hour flight in Feb, and now flying cattle class due to demise of Thos Cook!

heatherw_01

Flight socks and doing regular exercises with your feet and walking around when possible to stretch your legs.

slinga

Just an update after I saw specialist today.


First of all nothing really definite about how DVT is caused or how to prevent it.
No money for anyone doing studies on DVT so very little done.


Flight socks: well no evidence they do work but try if you want. I'll give them a go.
Keeping as mobile as possible during flight is the best prevention.


rivaroxeban (Xarelto) is thought to be the best drug to use if you have DVT but even then unsure if it really works or if time is the healer.


At least he was honest.

Katiehound

Hope you are making a full recovery

I think there must be some evidence regarding DVT because if you have a major operation they are insistent that you have anti- embolism stockings- or whatever they are called.- because you are likely to be immobile.

I have had 2 x knee replacements and had to wear those for 2x 6 weeks- they are similar to the ones available in the shops.

I have never been able to sleep on a plane so I am up & down like a yoyo and walk up and down, stand stretch etc. Always go for an aisle seat.

meer53

I've had various surgeries and been given different advice re compression socks every time. Gall Bladder removal, wore them for the op and then a few days afterwards. Knee replacement, wasn't given them and wasn't advised to wear them ! Keep moving was the consistent advice I was given. I always move about on a flight and make sure I keep moving my ankles on both long and short haul.

silvercar

I'm taking rivaroxeban (Xarelto) for 3 months and during that time cannot exercise above a brisk walk or drink alcohol.

You clearly have medical issues not described here as taking blood thinners does not usually mean no exercise or no alcohol, so best that you are guided by the experts.

Though on the face of it, taking blood thinners should lower your risk of a clot.

slinga

silvercar wrote: »

You clearly have medical issues not described here as taking blood thinners does not usually mean no exercise or no alcohol, so best that you are guided by the experts.

Though on the face of it, taking blood thinners should lower your risk of a clot.

After I saw the specialist referred to in post 6 above he told me thatI should gradually go back to my full exercise regime but alcohol shouldn't be taken with rivaroxeban (Xarelto) as it may overload the liver function. So unfortunately I'll listen to him on this even though my wife's birthday, our wedding anniversary, Christmas, New Year and CNY are all within the three months.

heatherw_01

Some NHS advice here too
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/prevent-dvt-when-you-travel/