Pacemakers & flying
 

Hi, are there any cautions and/or advice about flying to Hawaii -from the midwest- about a 10 hour flight . It goes without saying, that I want the safest flight for my husband. Thanks very much.

Have you considered asking his doctor?

Don't forget your medical card which shows you have a pacemaker. Otherwise there could be a problem with security!!

But I agree with nytraveler. For such a serious matter, I'd sure check with my doctor rather than post the question on a travel board!!!

Of course we have discussed this serious matter with our doctor. Good grief! Just thought some helpful person with experience coud offer advice, I guess not.

Sorry, orchid, but what exactly is it you are interested in hearing?
Since you have asked a doctor about cautions & advice, what can we tell you?
Did your doctor tell your husband about walking every hour or so?
Have you been flying before since he has gotten the pacemaker?
What does the doctor say?
The only helpful thing I can think of is keep away from microwave ovens.

Just proves my point, eh Jackie ?

There are many questions posted here that require expert opinion (such as legal questions) but that does not usually discourage non-professional people who have no idea what they are talking about from responding anyway. Surely there is someone out there who wants to amuse us by playing amateur doctor!!

PS Orchid, if you really want a non-professional opinion do a Google search for "flying with a pacemaker".

Rusty, who is Jackie?

You could say I am his externalized super-ego. :S-. This is really cool. LOL!

Rusty there is hope for you. Keep working at it. I am beginning to see a glimmer of light albeit a flicker but that is more that before. :-)

You Jackie are beyond all hope!

Speaking of hearts, how about a good thought and well wish for Pres. Bill Clinton ... bypass surgery set for as early as Saturday the 4th.

I heard he is not having surgery until Tuesday. Maybe he is waiting until he gets some on-line medical advice.

You think so? His angiogram revealed what is called a significant blockage, but he doesn't appear he suffered a heart attack. To wait 4-5 days would be surprising. Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia.

After surgery, I wonder how long before he can enjoy a good cigar again?

Patrick, you mean Mr Clinton still has interns working for him?

I know I know >:)

I'm pretty sure you must have at least 50% blockage before they will operate.

It must be bad if they are doing bypass instead of stints. Bypass is much much more invasive.

True,GT. Non invasive, completely. Only a slight prick of the groin, insert a needle, and thread the line into the blocked area, painless, dye, inflate and insert one or more stents. In and out in under an hour, and one may even be wide awake for the procedure, to watch it on TV. The hard part comes next, being perfectly still for up to six hours while the leg artery heals. Cracking the chest, removing arterial material from the leg, etc., very different. Lets wish Bill a great procedure and many happy and productive years ahead.

Lets hope all goes well. BTW veins are removed from the leg, not arteries. Arterial grafts can happen but the donor sites are in the chest (mammalary) or the arm (radial). In any case best luck to old Bill.

To tie this into the original question, Mr. Clinton will probably have a temporary pacemaker after surgery.

I add my thoughts that I hope all will go well.

Most CABG pts. have temporary pacing wires which are removed after a few days. These attach to the heart muscle and exit thru the skin and can be attatched to an external pacing generator in case pacing is needed. Usually it isn't. Again best of luck to Bill Clinton.