Plane Travel

Hi,

I have been told by my doctor after testing that i need a Pacemaker fitted. However iam due to travel to Canada in 2 weeks for a big family wedding which i have booked back in March 09.

The doctor has advised me not to travel on a plane until the pacemaker is fitted, however the NHS appointment for the opp is not until 3 weeks (ill be away around that time)

From experiance i undertand why the doctor said not to fly just in case some thing happends he cant be held responsable.

Any advise out there about me traveling to Canada for 3 weeks and having the opp when i return?

Thanks

7 Comments

MISS WEDDING

by pete - 2009-07-16 02:07:58

If the NHS tell you you need a pacemaker and tell you not to travel, take note. They really really mean it 100%. You should contact the travel agent and tell the of the circumstances. They should be able to arrange a different date. Your whole life is worth a million times more than one wedding. Please dont ignore their advice. You are very likely to regret it. Cheers Peter

My 2 cents worth...

by Pookie - 2009-07-16 04:07:30

When a doctor tells you something.....listen!!!

Please don't take that the wrong way, but think about it for one second...the doctor would NOT have said that if he didn't mean it.

And believe me...You do NOT want to end up in Canada, have something go wrong & end up in the hospital here. Think about your travelling companions and your family if that were to happen.

I know it's a hard decision, but what if you were here in Canada only to end up in hospital? Plus, when I went to fly from here (Nova Scotia, Canada to Minneapolis, Minnesota)...the ticket agent here told me I had to have a letter from my doctor if the pacer was less than 6 months...at that time it was older than that,
thank goodness. So you might want to check out any travel insurance and what you are covered or not covered for BEFORE getting on that plane.

If it were me, I would cancel the trip.


Pookie

uhmmmmmm

by pacergirl - 2009-07-16 07:07:33

I think I would talk to him again. I would ask what exactly is it that he is afraid will happen? If you are in serious condition why is he waiting to give you the PM? I had the test one day and BAM! in the hospital the next day for my PM. I'm just suggesting that you gain more information before you cancel your trip. Is there someone going with you? Can they be trained as to what to look for and how to get help if you get into trouble? I'd sure be getting more information before I missed such an important event in my family.

Hope it works out,
Pacergirl

advice

by Tracey_E - 2009-07-16 07:07:50

You didn't say why you need the pm, but if your doc told you to stay off a plane, I'd probably stay off the plane. Did you discuss it further with him, tell him how important the wedding is and what were your options? If you were to get it done this week, you'd probably be fine to fly in two weeks.

PLUS...!

by dward - 2009-07-16 10:07:03

Not to be an alarmist, but If you DID have an issue, you could find yourself in Canada having to get a PM THERE. Even Travel insurance may not cover because it's a pre-existing condition... could be VERY expensive!

Planes and your body

by dward - 2009-07-16 10:07:10

Your body goes through quite a bit of stress (that most aren't even aware of) when you fly.
I would listen to your Doc. for sure!

I fly a lot for business and was told the same thing. I listened. Why take a chance?

2nd op

by dil - 2009-07-21 11:07:59

hi


thanks for your all your advise...

I had a 2nd consultation via a private doctor and was advised on not to go...

So i have cancelled my ticket and will be having my op on the 28th July.

You know you're wired when...

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Member Quotes

A pacemaker suddenly quitting is no more likely to happen than you are to be struck by lightening.