Ask an expert
Search expert health advice:
Browse by expert
- Allergy expert
- Anti-ageing expert
- Arthritis expert
- Breast cancer expert
- Cancer expert
- CyberDoc
- Oral health expert
- Diabetes expert
- EnviroHealth expert
- Family law expert
Question
05 Nov 2006
Share
Pulmonary Embolism
Hi - I am a 50 year-old woman who had PE two years ago as a result of abdominal surgery. I have been advised that when I travel for more than a 3-hour flight, I have to inject myself with Clexane. I understand that there are new special DVT stockings (knee-high) that have been invented in Australia. If I were to wear them, would I still need to inject myself with the same dosage and strength of the Clexane? I am no longer on Warfarin. If I used the DVT stockings as well as taking aspirin, would this be sufficient and if so, what dose of aspirin and for how long before / after a flight should I take it? Thank-you.
Dear Auge,
Clexane is accepted as the best preventative for this type of travel. You will have to consult your previous surgeon, or contact a travel doctor ( I think Netcare has this service) The average patient may need a single dose of 40mg administered a few houres before the flight, but this varies, so please consult your doctor.
Wearing the special anti-embolism stockings AS WELL as using the clexane is a good idea in your case, with your history of PE. Aspirin will not be of much use, as is works in a different way, but what will help it consume plenty of liquids during the flight and KEEP MOVING AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
Enjoy your trip.
HeartDoc
Clexane is accepted as the best preventative for this type of travel. You will have to consult your previous surgeon, or contact a travel doctor ( I think Netcare has this service) The average patient may need a single dose of 40mg administered a few houres before the flight, but this varies, so please consult your doctor.
Wearing the special anti-embolism stockings AS WELL as using the clexane is a good idea in your case, with your history of PE. Aspirin will not be of much use, as is works in a different way, but what will help it consume plenty of liquids during the flight and KEEP MOVING AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
Enjoy your trip.
HeartDoc
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
