So, you’re going to take a long flight-to Europe, Australia, Asia, or in my case, not so far, to Hawaii. Although I’ve made long flights many times before, this time I’m doing it after having open-heart surgery two years ago to replace defective heart valves.
Like any seasoned traveler, I’ve devised a plan of attack for keeping the journey as comfortable as possible. Of course, it would be better if I could afford to make this trip in first class, but that’s not an option on my budget for this trip. First of my rules is to dress comfortably. For me that will be a loose-fitting long dress that will cover my arms and legs as long flights can get chilly. Something smart looking, but easy to sit in for hours, means cotton or a cotton blend so that I won’t look like a worn-out dishrag on arrival. The minute I’ve stowed my carry-on bag (very important as it’ll be carrying my medications, diabetes testing equipment, carb snacks, a bottle of water, and a copy of my favorite author’s new best seller), I will locate a blanket and a pillow for future use.
The dry air in the airplane causes dehydration. I drink lots of water to counter this-leave the coffee and tea for when back on the ground as they can contribute to increased dehydration. I always book an aisle seat so that every couple of hours, I can get up and stretch my legs (except when the fasten seat belt sign is displayed). Try to sleep whenever possible-even a couple of 30- or 45-minute naps are better than staying awake the entire flight. If you have a daytime flight, blindfolds, ear plugs, and blow-up neck pillows can help you get quality sleep.
Because legs are especially prone to circulation problems on long flights, it’s a good idea to also do some exercises while seated and buckled in--simple isometric exercises that several of the long distance airline carriers recommend on their websites and in their pre-flight videos. Place both hands on the armrests, put your knees together, and slowly lift yourself slightly up and off the seat. Do this 10 times. Then do some calf contractions by planting both feet on the floor of the plane, then slowly lifting your heels off the ground. Keep doing the contractions until you feel a little tired. Then keep your heels on the floor and elevating the toes of both feet. Do this several times during the flight. You can also do leg and arm stretches (may be only possible if in an aisle seat). Before doing these exercises, make sure you seat is in the upright position, and respect your fellow passengers’ airspace. Breathe normally and do not overstretch.
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in one of the legs. Often referred to as the Economy Class Syndrome, DVT is actually more likely caused by immobility and dehydration than sitting in the Economy section of the airplane. The most common symptoms of DVT are:
- Pain or tenderness of the calf muscles.
- Swelling of the leg, especially on just one side. Don’t confuse this with the normal swelling of the feet that most people experience when flying, a result of gravity that will soon disappear upon landing.
- Increased skin temperature of the leg.
- Dilation of the veins right below the skin of the leg.
If you should experience any of these symptoms, alert a member of the flight crew immediately. If you don’t notice it until upon arrival, seek medical attention at once.
As always, consult your personal physician before taking a long flight. He/she may recommend supplemental medication to help thin your blood during your flight, the use of elastic support stockings, or other measures. In my own case, my medication schedule will be altered the night before the long flight, during the flight, and again on arrival.
Have a great flight. I intend to!
FTG
