How do I travel by air when I am dependent on oxygen and prone to blood clots?
I would like to travel by air but I do not know how to go about it when I require pure oxygen when resting and active. I am aslo prone to blood clots and have been told that air travel may cause me problems.
First, you need to speak to your doctor to see if you are medically stable to fly. If the dr clears you, most airlines will require a letter from your dr stating that you are medically cleared to fly and that you need to have an O2 bottle.
Next, call the airline you want to fly and ask what their policies are for passengers using bottled O2, as it can pose a safety risk. Some airlines (Southwest for example) try to avoid passengers who need O2.
As for blood clots, again you need to talk to your dr. He will most likely recommend support/compression socks or panty hose. These can be found at most places that sell diabetic or medical supplies. If possible, during the flight try to walk up and down the asile a few times every 1-2 hours to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
When you make your reservations for your flight, let the airline know you need a wheelchair escort to the gate, and another one when you reach your destination. This way you won't have to walk through the airport. Allow extra time to get through secuirty because you will need it.
Again, I can't stress enough the fact that you need to speak with your doctor about flying.
ETA: I just came across this today on the TSA website. I don't know why I hadn't see it before. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#2
First, you need to speak to your doctor to see if you are medically stable to fly. If the dr clears you, most airlines will require a letter from your dr stating that you are medically cleared to fly and that you need to have an O2 bottle.
Next, call the airline you want to fly and ask what their policies are for passengers using bottled O2, as it can pose a safety risk. Some airlines (Southwest for example) try to avoid passengers who need O2.
As for blood clots, again you need to talk to your dr. He will most likely recommend support/compression socks or panty hose. These can be found at most places that sell diabetic or medical supplies. If possible, during the flight try to walk up and down the asile a few times every 1-2 hours to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
When you make your reservations for your flight, let the airline know you need a wheelchair escort to the gate, and another one when you reach your destination. This way you won't have to walk through the airport. Allow extra time to get through secuirty because you will need it.
Again, I can't stress enough the fact that you need to speak with your doctor about flying.
ETA: I just came across this today on the TSA website. I don't know why I hadn't see it before. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#2
References :
Frequent traveler and former medical assistant.
To clarify the above answer, you can arrange with most airlines to use the plane's oxygen supply (for a fee), so you don't have to deal with your own oxygen bottle on board.
The key to air travel is to stand up and stretch often during the flight.
But definitely consult your physician before traveling.
References :