Sleeping Pills can kill

[markis10]

I was not aware of the implications of taking a pill in regards to DVT, but this article seems to indicate its definitely a no go, given its no news I am unsure as to the creditability of the article so perhaps more learned AFF members could advise on the points raised?



DOCTORS are urging travellers not to take sleeping tablets during long-haul flights following the death of a healthy woman from blood clots.
The 36-year-old woman, who was not identified due to patient confidentiality laws, had taken a single sleeping tablet and spent most of the flight asleep in one position, the New England Journal of Medicine reported last week.


Read more: Air travellers warned of sleeping pill danger | News.com.au

 

[Princess Fiona]

I was not aware of the implications of taking a pill in regards to DVT, but this article seems to indicate its definitely a no go, given its no news I am unsure as to the creditability of the article so perhaps more learned AFF members could advise on the points raised?



DOCTORS are urging travellers not to take sleeping tablets during long-haul flights following the death of a healthy woman from blood clots.
The 36-year-old woman, who was not identified due to patient confidentiality laws, had taken a single sleeping tablet and spent most of the flight asleep in one position, the New England Journal of Medicine reported last week.


Read more: Air travellers warned of sleeping pill danger | News.com.au

IMO probably OK in J or F flat bed, provided no other risk factors. Ill advised in Y especially if like this poor lady on pill. I am aware of at least 2 recent deaths in Oz due to massive pulmonary embolism in recently arrived backpackers.

 

[drron]

And i am personally aware of a DVT occurring on travel in PE on QF A380.
Surveys however suggest DVTs just as common in premium cabin as Y.Just more Y pax so greater numbers.
Before economy class syndrome was named we used to call it here on the Sunshine coast-Victorian pensioners syndrome as at the first sign of cold weather they would hop in the car and drive straight through.
Now also described in office workers who dont move around.

 

[Flashback]

Now also described in office workers who dont move around.

Which is probably things like the GCC exist!

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/playground/global-corporate-challenge-2010-step-21523.html

 

[MatF]

I had a pulmonary embolism (more correctly a suspected PE) around 9 years ago, which was attributed to the fact that I'd been FIFO from Perth to Argyle Diamond Mine for the previous 2 years. I used to curl up and sleep the 3-3.5hr flight both ways every time. Not long flights. I did also spend a lot of time stationary in a chair playing computer games in my time off at the time .....

Ended up in hospital for 2 weeks, and on Warfarin for 9 months.

I've had no known issues since, but I'm very, very conscious of getting up and walking around or at least doing exercises similar to those in the inflight literature (pumping calf/leg muscles especially) regularly when flying or driving. It still worries me.

Fact is, when your legs are lower than your heart, you need to pulse the muscles in your legs to help move the blood back up, and remaining stationary for that length of time (particularly with your legs lower than your heart) is not a good idea, sleeping pills or not.

 

[serfty]

A close friend of ours contracted DVT travelling to SYD by car for the Olympics.

Who knows where and how it may occur - risk mitigation is the only real option.

Drink lots of water, exercise.

Preventing DVT When You Travel | Health | Patient UK

http://www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=24609

Travel Safety - DVT

Aspirin and DVT

 

[Princess Fiona]

A close friend of ours contracted DVT travelling to SYD by car for the Olympics.

Who knows where and how it may occur - risk mitigation is the only real option.

Drink lots of water, exercise.

Preventing DVT When You Travel | Health | Patient UK

http://www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=24609

Travel Safety - DVT

Aspirin and DVT

Thanks for the links. Personally, and I may be verging on hypochondria here, if had to fly long haul Y ( perish the thought) I would
have a heparin injection 4-6 hours before the flight, wear flight socks and avoid alcohol, and depressant medication. I know lots of colleagues who would do the same.

 

[Siegfried]

A question for the medically aware here - is there any research that indicates genetic factors as increasing the risk of DVT? If so, what are the risk indicators?

 

[drron]

A question for the medically aware here - is there any research that indicates genetic factors as increasing the risk of DVT? If so, what are the risk indicators?

Yes.possibly up to 50% have a genetic factor as one of the risks.If there is a strong family history of blood clots get your doctor to order a Thrombophilia screen.In women repeated miscarriages can also be a sign of some of those factors.