Flying on a plane

[Tmasgio]

Does anyone have trouble flying? I mean is there anything that I should be aware of with having a Spinal cord injury?

Just want to make sure.

[lynne]

Hi, I've flown on a plane 4 times, my injury is quite new, less than a year, tetrapalegic, and here's a few tips:
ask for the first row, there's lots of room to stretch your legs, also, when you book your ticket you can ask to be put in a seat that the armrest comes up to make transfers easier, preferably an aisle seat, i was also lifted into my seats twice with one person in front and 1 in back of me and the one in back put his arms around me and locked in front of my chest and that seemed to work well, will you be travelling with a wheelchair? if so, take your cushion and clothing guards on the plane with you or you may never see them again! all in all, it was easy, i even flew round trip alone to come home from the hospital at christmas, you can even pre-arrange assistance if you require it, it gets you through security faster too! hope that helps!! have a great trip

[chickiet]

I've flown a few times since my surgery. I'm able to walk but my feet do hurt if I walk or stand a long time. It is an option to request a wheelchair - request it in advance so it's on your reservation in the system with the airline. You don't have to wait in the security line and you don't have to stand in a line while waiting to board - it is a help.

Of course, Joel would be the best advisor on this...


Happy travels,
Chris

[Joel]

I think the wheelchair is a must. You get to cut the lines, you have a permanent seat, and you've got a built in person to talk to. Request one for your entire trip. These people will also get your luggage for you. Make sure you tip them nicely though. Other than that, you've got no real problems unless you've got to use the potty...But even that's not that bad. The other seats help keep you upright. I look like a pinball going down the aisle...boing! boing! Oops, sorry!
Joel
Joel

[susan]

Another huge thing is that you need to make sure you do exercises to promote your circulation in your legs while you are in your seat, especially if you have decreased mobility in your legs. Airplane seats in coach have little leg room. You have to sit with your legs at an acute angle. That can kink off your veins at the knees & hips and cause the blood flow to slow down or stop, which can lead to clots. If a clot breaks off it can go to your lungs which can be life threatening.
While you are in flight, straighten you legs as much as you can from time to time. Point your feet, then pull them up, make ankle circles. Those things help the blood in your veins move back towards your heart. Also, make sure you are well hydrated, drink water.
This is important for anyone on a long flight, but even more important if your mobility is impaired.

Susan

[Tmasgio]

Well, overall I am in good shape. I dont have alot of foot pain but more stiffness in my right ankle. I have good balance and can stand for quite awhile. I was worried more about the leg stiffening up as I have to stretch to keep them nice and loose. I know alot of people talk about the heaviness in there legs but I dont have that at all. I guess I am really lucky in that regards. My back tends to spasms a bit when I get overtired but I think if I bring my cane I can use that for the longer distances.

Thanks All!

[drummer904]

Well i never flown before and was wanting to get over my fear of flying but never heard of the increased chance of clot thing on a flight...i've already had one and am on coumadin, am i still at risk or does the coumadin make it safe to fly? i dont want another clot, especially in the air!!

[phylscircus2]

If you read Zachs story....he had issues from a plane ride that actually saved his life.
He is was 7 years out of surgery this past December when we flew to Florida for his Orlando wish, he LOVED it and complained only of feeling stiff as someone mentioned earlier. The flight back I baught him a ring pillow and he said it helped alot. I asked that same question for three years before doing his wish, I was only told about the stiffness from lack of leg movement and the fact the seats are so in the upright position it will cause the circulation problems. Hope it all helped you.

[susan]

Everyone who flies economy in those seats with no leg room is at risk for DVT (blood clot ) in the legs. Especially if it is a long flight or you get stuck on the ground for a long delay. You can decrease the liklihood of problems by drinking lots of water and walking around or doing leg exercises when you can't get out of your seat.
If you have already had a clot, you are at risk of a second clot forever. That's why they started the coumadin. As long as you are following up with your doctor to make sure your clotting times are where they want them, you should be OK, but I would still keep hydrated and do the leg exercises. I would talk to your doctor if you are planning a long flight or car trip. He can give you the directions for your case in particular.
When you go in the hospital these days, if you have surgery or are going to be in bed for more than a day, they usually put those inflatable things on your lower legs. That does the same thing that the leg exercises, except you don't have to participate-it does it for you every couple of minutes.
Blood clots in the legs is a frequent problem from decreased ability to move around (whether you can't move for medical reasons or you are trapped in a small space!) The risk is that one could break off and move through your veins to your lungs.

[tony]

Im not sure that you the one I read about in an earlier thread, you said your not on any meds or at least you mentioned you were not taking lyrica and baclofen. You may consider the baclofen for your spasms and if that wasn't you I read about, increasing you dose helps me when I have to fly.