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Traveling for the first time after diagnosis

Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Oct 20 10:51am | Replies (8)
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@mjm3

Just wondering what everyone has been told regarding air travel. I have a 4.1 ascending aortic aneurysm. My cardiologist said “don’t lift more than 40 pounds. Otherwise everything OK no limitations, flying is fine.” A second opinion cardiologist had a few more restrictions regarding weight although he had said no more than 50 pounds and avoid roller coasters but I did not ask about flying. Sitting here googling I find people saying don’t fly and others that say there’s really no difference between flying and not flying because the cabins are pressurized. I know I should just listen to my cardiologist, but I’m just wondering if other people with their experience or their doctor’s advice have any advice? I’m supposed to fly from Virginia to Arizona on Friday so I’m getting myself worried.

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Replies to "Just wondering what everyone has been told regarding air travel. I have a 4.1 ascending aortic..."
houston13 | @houston13 | Oct 21 6:07am

There have been many posts in this forum about the subject, you may want to search through. In general I believe at the size your aneurysm is, the risk of dissection or rupture is very small so travel should be ok as the Dr has cleared you, you don’t want to travel when an aneurysm grows close a critical zone. The thing to keep in mind is that the weight lift restrictions (actually tied to BP spikes) applies to suitcases, be mindful of that

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booklover71 | @booklover71 | Oct 21 1:01pm

I have flown from the west coast to the east coast round trip to then board a 7-day cruise. I had a great time and no issues. I have flown from northern California to southern California three times and then once again enjoyed cruising. I was measured at 4.3 two years ago and followed the weight of what to lift. I just had my new CT scan last week and still after two years my measurement is 4.3. Yep, you guessed it I have a cruise booked with flight for next year (2025) and one in 2026. I hope you have a good trip as we all have our own concerns and other health issues to add to our TAA. At 73, I continue to follow my doctor's advice on walking on the treadmill (2.2) just 20 minutes a few days a week, no heavy lifting, and enjoying life.

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