Day 6
May 7th, 2008
Just wanted to say thank you for all the info and helpful advice. This was my first major surgery and it’s nice to know there are so many others going through this crazy experience.
One question for anyone… once I get my plaster cast off am I able to fly without worry about blood clots? My doc says no but I’ve talked with 2 others and they say I shouldn’t worry. Any thoughts?
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ndngirl - my doc said blood clot risk was all but gone at 3-4 weeks, and I’m pretty sure this was regardless of the immobilization device you are in (splint, cast, boot). There are quite a few folks who have flown, I think Chipintn flew pretty early, he may be able to answer better…http://achillesblog.com/chipintn/2008/04/
Hi Annaz,
I managed to travel in plaster on week 6 and had no problems. My flight was a short one of 1 hour and i got a letter from my GP to produce at check-in just in case there were any questions. the advice i was given by my GP was to keep the toes moving and drink fluids to lessen the risk of DVT.
Have a nice time !
ndngirl-
I traveled from Detroit to Mexico exactly one week after surgery in a cast. 3.5 hrs flight there and returned home 5 days later. I sat in the first row of coach it gave me about two more feet of leg room. I actually brought something on the plane and elevated my foot best I could. It was not ideal but I did not have any major problems. I got a wheelchair to the gate. I brought crutches on plane and stored them in overhead.
At 3 weeks I flew to LA from Detroit 4.5 hrs and back 5 days later. Sat in regular coach and did not have problem. Moved toes and legs best I coudl to keep circulation going. I used a walk about (knee roller) to get through airport. I gate checked it like a stoller and it worked great.
So thats two pretty long flights in the first 4 weeks. Make sure you call airline to get the best seat for your needs- they save x number of seats for medical conditions. Wheel chairs seemed plentiful.
As a side note sitting right behind me was someone with an amputated lower leg….Made me realize to be thankful this is a temporary injury… He had a great attitiude…put is crutches and prostetic leg in over head. He kidded and told me make sure I take the right crutches he has customization his…
thanks for the info! i’ll be flying out tomorrow. we’ll see how it goes…