Hey there!
Was just wondering if anyone has any experiences of flying post graft? Am thinking of visiting the states next year (probably Feb / March), which will be almost six months post graft, but just wanted to see if there is anything i should be thinking about, as i know it is a very long flight.
I haven't talked to my surgeon yet, as i have only just started making plans, but will check in with him at my next check up. Ok, thanks for any input!
Love Sweet X x X
Grafts and flying
Moderators: Anne Klepacz, John Smith, Sweet
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Sweet
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Grafts and flying
Sweet X x X
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jayuk
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Hi
I dont believe there are any issues with flying however I was under the impression to wait at least 2-4 weeks post op.
I have flown around Europe a number of times since my graft...the first been I think 6 weeks post op without any issues what so ever.
However,what I did was ensure that I knew where the nearest Eye Centre was and also took 2 bottles of Maxidex....the Chloramphanical I couldnt take as it needs to be placed in the fridge...
J
I dont believe there are any issues with flying however I was under the impression to wait at least 2-4 weeks post op.
I have flown around Europe a number of times since my graft...the first been I think 6 weeks post op without any issues what so ever.
However,what I did was ensure that I knew where the nearest Eye Centre was and also took 2 bottles of Maxidex....the Chloramphanical I couldnt take as it needs to be placed in the fridge...
J
KC is about facing the challenges it creates rather than accepting the problems it generates -
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(C) Copyright 2005 KP
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rosemary johnson
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If you are going to the US, make sure you have good insurance cover, and double-check you are cover for KC. And/or make sure you have *plenty* of money in case you do need to use their medical services (in case of a rejection episode).
Of course, we all hope you won't, and chances are slight, but if you do need medical attention in the US it can get **very** expensive.
The three things I know of that may be a concern with flying are:
1. being at reduced air pressure for some time (I think it's 8 hours to the eastern states, longer to the west coast maybe) and consequent effects on your blood pressure. Keep getting up and walking about, wiggling your feet, hand jiving, etc to keep blood flowing.
2. the air tends to be very dry which could dry out eyes and/or lenses
3. recycling effect of the air in the cabin can spread infection very easily - many people pick up coughs and colds on flights. If you're still on immunosuppressants so as not to reject the graft, you could be more vulnerable to infections.
If you think you my be flying with reduced eyesight/without being able to wear contacts all the way, don't forget you can book in as a disabled passenger who requires special assistance. This may mean someone tries to wheel you about in a wheelchair (!!), but you sould be able to have someone to escort you around the airport and onto the plane, and off again at the far end and on as far as your ongoing transport. I once got whisked right across Schipol (Amsterdam) on one of those VIP buggies, and straight down all the "Crew only" passages and through the crew fast-route through the formalities!
Good luck.
Rosemary
Of course, we all hope you won't, and chances are slight, but if you do need medical attention in the US it can get **very** expensive.
The three things I know of that may be a concern with flying are:
1. being at reduced air pressure for some time (I think it's 8 hours to the eastern states, longer to the west coast maybe) and consequent effects on your blood pressure. Keep getting up and walking about, wiggling your feet, hand jiving, etc to keep blood flowing.
2. the air tends to be very dry which could dry out eyes and/or lenses
3. recycling effect of the air in the cabin can spread infection very easily - many people pick up coughs and colds on flights. If you're still on immunosuppressants so as not to reject the graft, you could be more vulnerable to infections.
If you think you my be flying with reduced eyesight/without being able to wear contacts all the way, don't forget you can book in as a disabled passenger who requires special assistance. This may mean someone tries to wheel you about in a wheelchair (!!), but you sould be able to have someone to escort you around the airport and onto the plane, and off again at the far end and on as far as your ongoing transport. I once got whisked right across Schipol (Amsterdam) on one of those VIP buggies, and straight down all the "Crew only" passages and through the crew fast-route through the formalities!
Good luck.
Rosemary
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Lesley Foster
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I haven't had a graft but have flown a few times to the States and Europe without any problems apart from one trip to Florida. My corneal lens flicked out onto some unsuspecting chap who then had to put up with me and my husband frisking him to find the darn thing which we didn't. However once the plane had landed and all passengers were off my husband, bless him, crawled around on the floor and eventually found it. I have to say the aircrew were very understanding and even supplied a torch.
I also managed to drop a scleral lens down a plughole in a motel on the Keys, again hubby came to the rescue but I never left the plug out again!
I also managed to drop a scleral lens down a plughole in a motel on the Keys, again hubby came to the rescue but I never left the plug out again!
Live long and Prosper.
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John Smith
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Sweet
- Committee
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Thank you all for your advice! Have just sent my passport off for a renewal and am booking flights soon!
Does anyone know of any good insurance policies that will cover me if worse luck i have a problem and may need a stitch removed? I know the states are very expensive on health care, so need to make sure that i am well covered.
Ok, thanks again, and looks like it should be fine to fly!
Sweet X x X
Does anyone know of any good insurance policies that will cover me if worse luck i have a problem and may need a stitch removed? I know the states are very expensive on health care, so need to make sure that i am well covered.
Ok, thanks again, and looks like it should be fine to fly!
Sweet X x X
Sweet X x X
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