Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
I am wondering about helpful hints you all may have about traveling with Afib. I just got back from my first trip with Afib since a diagnosis one year ago (and 3 incidents in that year)--a 2 hour direct flight and one week stay. I made sure to drink plenty of water, had a medical history with me and was in a town with excellent hospital resources. I had challenges eating a low salt diet in restaurants and paid for it with a heart racing episode (but no Afib!), had to really focus on taking my meds at the right time, and did not manage my sleep well. But all in all, it went OK with this new learning curve. I love to travel and am hesitant to go too far (abroad or connecting flights because of the time in the air). I am about to start warfarin (ugh) or Pradaxa and that I think will add another challenge to afib management re: bleeding risks. I would really like to travel--I am retired--with more confidence. How do you all manage traveling?
PS: Thanks Carol for the welcome!
PS: Thanks Carol for the welcome!
Great advice and replies. Good question as well.
I must say getting on a 2 1/2 - 3 hour flight was nerve racking after I had my first episode and I was sure I'd inevitably end up having one in mid-flight and likely die in the process.
Very embarrassing for sure especially if it messed up the pilot's flight plan. :)
Fortunately, I have never had an AF episode in flight. Hydration, PIP and Zanax (just in case) are all good thing to bring on board or abroad. I still am in total awe of how easy it appears to be for so many DS members regarding 'scrips for Zanax,............. I guess I've not yet found the right GP/PCP. go figure.
Happy Travels!! - Thomas
Great advice and replies. Good question as well.
I must say getting on a 2 1/2 - 3 hour flight was nerve racking after I had my first episode and I was sure I'd inevitably end up having one in mid-flight and likely die in the process.
Very embarrassing for sure especially if it messed up the pilot's flight plan. :)
Fortunately, I have never had an AF episode in flight. Hydration, PIP and Zanax (just in case) are all good thing to bring on board or abroad. I still am in total awe of how easy it appears to be for so many DS members regarding 'scrips for Zanax,............. I guess I've not yet found the right GP/PCP. go figure.
Happy Travels!! - Thomas
Great advice and replies. Good question as well.
I must say getting on a 2 1/2 - 3 hour flight was nerve racking after I had my first episode and I was sure I'd inevitably end up having one in mid-flight and likely die in the process.
Very embarrassing for sure especially if it messed up the pilot's flight plan. :)
Fortunately, I have never had an AF episode in flight. Hydration, PIP and Zanax (just in case) are all good thing to bring on board or abroad. I still am in total awe of how easy it appears to be for so many DS members regarding 'scrips for Zanax,............. I guess I've not yet found the right GP/PCP. go figure.
Happy Travels!! - Thomas
Great advice and replies. Good question as well.
I must say getting on a 2 1/2 - 3 hour flight was nerve racking after I had my first episode and I was sure I'd inevitably end up having one in mid-flight and likely die in the process.
Very embarrassing for sure especially if it messed up the pilot's flight plan. :)
Fortunately, I have never had an AF episode in flight. Hydration, PIP and Zanax (just in case) are all good thing to bring on board or abroad. I still am in total awe of how easy it appears to be for so many DS members regarding 'scrips for Zanax,............. I guess I've not yet found the right GP/PCP. go figure.
Happy Travels!! - Thomas