Aisle be taking that seat please

[oz_mark]

AISLE or window seat? It's a common dilemma for travellers boarding long-haul flights, but research confirms the aisle will help prevent dangerous blood clots.

A review of in-flight health risks, published in The Lancet this week, also concluded business class seating was a waste of money for those hoping to reduce their risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) — clots that obstruct blood flow.

Aisle be taking that seat please

 

[straitman]

Aisle be taking that seat please

No mention of the relationship between DVT and flying vs DVT and other non flying types of transport and even not traveling at all.

There is a lot of research on the topic that rarely seems to make the headlines.

 

[JohnK]

A good thing about aisle seats is the ability to stretch the legs slightly. It may not actually prevent DVT but it certainly helps to relieve some of the aches and pains associated with sitting in a cramped position.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Well you can at least get up and go for a walk almost anytime you want and can at least stretch your legs in the aisle even if you don't actually get out of your seat.

 

[NM]

A good thing about aisle seats is the ability to stretch the legs slightly. It may not actually prevent DVT but it certainly helps to relieve some of the aches and pains associated with sitting in a cramped position.

Except on aircraft that have the IFE control/distribution boxes under the aisle seats, which can impede the ability to stretch the legs a little.

 

[JohnK]

Except on aircraft that have the IFE control/distribution boxes under the aisle seats, which can impede the ability to stretch the legs a little.

I was actually referring to the ability to stretch the leg(s) out in the aisle or one leg out in the aisle parallel to the seat and the other under the seat or legs crossed out in the aisle. Off course it is asking for trouble if stretching the leg(s) out too far into the centre of the aisle....

 

[Natt]

this is good to know!

not a huge fan of an aisle seat, but after getting a mysterious calf pain after a shortish flight - I'll be asking for one for sure when I take international flight (soon)

I also plan to bring one of those resistance bands so that I can exercise on the plane

going to look like a right pratt - but hopefully it will help

 

[NM]

I was actually referring to the ability to stretch the leg(s) out in the aisle or one leg out in the aisle parallel to the seat and the other under the seat or legs crossed out in the aisle. Off course it is asking for trouble if stretching the leg(s) out too far into the centre of the aisle....

I try to avoid branching out in the aisle space. Those trolleys can be push along with great momentum at times :evil:.

 

[Adelaide_Matthew]

not a huge fan of an aisle seat, but after getting a mysterious calf pain after a shortish flight - I'll be asking for one for sure when I take international flight (soon) I also plan to bring one of those resistance bands so that I can exercise on the plane

That's a good idea, but the best thing is probably to get up and walk around as much as possible - my favourite being where you make a circuit to the back, stop there for some good stretching, cross over and head back up the other side towards the front, then cross over again and head back.

Doing these little circuits of the plane makes me feel better at least (whether it makes a difference physiologically I have no idea).

 

[oz_mark]

No mention of the relationship between DVT and flying vs DVT and other non flying types of transport and even not traveling at all.

There is a lot of research on the topic that rarely seems to make the headlines.

Indeed. Always have a smile when friends in the mining industry say they have to fly bus class for OH&S reasons. They don't seem to realise that Y class is not the problem.

 

[Adelaide_Matthew]

Indeed. Always have a smile when friends in the mining industry say they have to fly bus class for OH&S reasons. They don't seem to realise that Y class is not the problem.

But any excuse is a good one if it results in J travel rather than Y!

 

[kiwitripper64]

I work around the corner from a lab that did research on DVT when it was a hot media issue.
1. DVT are probably a lot more common than is expected. If you go looking for them with ultrasound, a lot of travellers will have them after long flights. But most have no symptoms and resolve with no medication or treatment. Some clots do work loose and end up in nasty places causing problems
2. DVT mainly caused by lack of movement. DVTs have been found in people who sit in front of computer for long periods. The risk of DVT goes up when you get dehydated and blood gets stickier. Gentle leg exercises OK, but actual walking is best.

So, sitting in business class and NOT moving is a risk.

I dont know if the studies have looked in detail at horizontal lie flat beds or jets with communal areas ( A380 bar)
Bring back the Zeppelins
DVICE: New zeppelin designs could reinvigorate airship travel

Design Concept: Strato Cruiser Airship, Floating Along Without Wings or Reality

 

[19binda]

Having had four heart attacks and quadruple bypass surgery as a result of SEVERE Ischeamic Heart Disease and travelling to Vienna (Austria) from Sydney and back about 22 hours total flight time each way usually in a 12 and then a 10 hour (approx) leg and having used both Business and economy I have had no problems with either class I do get up and walk around more because I get antzy sitting around for long periods than for good medical reasons I also do not drink alcohol when flying which I believe dehydrates you but again by this is by choice not for medical reasons

 

[Flashback]

Indeed. Always have a smile when friends in the mining industry say they have to fly bus class for OH&S reasons. They don't seem to realise that Y class is not the problem.

Don't smile at me!

Unfortunately all travel has pretty much dried up here now, only 2 flights left for the year (1 to MEL, 1 to/from FRA/LHR) :-|

 

[Flashback]

Welcome to AFF 19binda! That's correct, alcohol does severely dehydrate you!

I work around the corner from a lab that did research on DVT when it was a hot media issue.
1. DVT are probably a lot more common than is expected. If you go looking for them with ultrasound, a lot of travellers will have them after long flights. But most have no symptoms and resolve with no medication or treatment. Some clots do work loose and end up in nasty places causing problems
2. DVT mainly caused by lack of movement. DVTs have been found in people who sit in front of computer for long periods. The risk of DVT goes up when you get dehydated and blood gets stickier. Gentle leg exercises OK, but actual walking is best.

So, sitting in business class and NOT moving is a risk.

I dont know if the studies have looked in detail at horizontal lie flat beds or jets with communal areas ( A380 bar)
Bring back the Zeppelins
DVICE: New zeppelin designs could reinvigorate airship travel

Design Concept: Strato Cruiser Airship, Floating Along Without Wings or Reality

I shouldn't have any problems them... cause I'm always jigging my foot!! Doing it now in fact, while I'm seated at my desk in front of my computer

 

[rhjames]

I copped a possible DVT a few years ago after a two day visit to Turkey from Australia business class. The pain in my lungs on the last hop was so bad that I had to sit upright all night and take short breaths. Ultrasound didn't detect anything in my legs, but a D-dimer test was slightly positive. I ended up on Warfarin for a few months just in case. Blood tests showed normal coagulation.

I always travel in an isle seat as I like to exercise regularly (one when I was by myself in 1st I did a full floor routine of pushups, situps etc). My favourite is upstairs on a 747 where I can use the area near the stairs for stretching. My point is that I exercise and stretch on flights, but still suffered a DVT.

Usually I give myself an injection of clexane before long haul flights. Last week I saw a product called Cardiprin (pills) in a pharmacists shop and tried them. I took four tablets over four days before flying to Egypt. They are a blood anti-coagulant. They are available over the counter, but should only be used under medical supervision. Anyway, I figured they couldn't be worse than an injection. Asprin can have a similar effect if taken over a period of time (don't cut youself shaving)

I tried the stockings once, but they were uncomfortable.

Personally I suspect there may be a connection with reduced air pressure and immobility.

I'm interested o hear from others who have experienced DVT and what they do about it.

 

[rwatts]

Last week I saw a product called Cardiprin (pills) in a pharmacists shop and tried them. I took four tablets over four days before flying to Egypt. They are a blood anti-coagulant. They are available over the counter, but should only be used under medical supervision. Anyway, I figured they couldn't be worse than an injection. Asprin can have a similar effect if taken over a period of time (don't cut youself shaving)

Cardiprin is just a brand name of low dose aspirin - 100mg if I remember, versus usually 300mg for pain relief purposes.

Richard.

 

[albatross710]

I copped a possible DVT a few years ago after a two day visit to Turkey from Australia business class. The pain in my lungs on the last hop was so bad that I had to sit upright all night and take short breaths. Ultrasound didn't detect anything in my legs, but a D-dimer test was slightly positive. I ended up on Warfarin for a few months just in case. Blood tests showed abnormal coagulation.

Before all of his flights my friend, a european surgeon, injects himself on he way to the airport with Warfarin (?) . He says that all of his surgeon friends on the conference speaking circuit do it to avoid DVT.

 

[rhjames]

Before all of his flights my friend, a european surgeon, injects himself on he way to the airport with Warfarin (?) . He says that all of his surgeon friends on the conference speaking circuit do it to avoid DVT.

I doubt that it's warfarin - it takes many days to take effect, and needs strict control - more likely clexane or equivalent.

 

[drron]

Before all of his flights my friend, a european surgeon, injects himself on he way to the airport with Warfarin (?) . He says that all of his surgeon friends on the conference speaking circuit do it to avoid DVT.

And this is why surgeons are recognised for their manual skills and dexterity not for their logical thought!
Warfarin is oral so it would be Clexane or similiar that is injected.Not free of side effects.Only reccomended if you have a clotting disorder or history of DVTs.
Physicians(the thinkers) do not use Clexane on themselves unless they are at increased risk.