Blood Clots and Travel

Sitting for long periods of time with limited mobility, or the inability to move, is a risk factor for dangerous blood clots. If you are sitting in a car, plane, bus or train for long periods of time, you could be at risk for a blood clot.

My tips to help you prevent blood clots when sitting for long periods of time when traveling:

If you are traveling by airplane, there are some additional precautions you can take:

Get an aisle seat, bulkhead (front of the main cabin) seat, or upgrade to extended leg room
When you get to your Gate, ask the airline attendant if you can board early. Some airlines offer pre-boarding, either for a fee or at no cost. For me, this helps to relieve anxiety and ensures I can get settled, or get an aisle seat, before everyone else gets on the place.
Take your medications on board with you. Here are the TSA Guidelines for flying with injections (you can take them on board with you)
Take your medication in the prescription bottles. If you do not have them in prescription bottles, take a printed list of your medications from the pharmacy with you. Any pharmacy will provide you with this list, if you ask for it. I carry a list like this with me every time I go on a trip away from home.

More Information & Resources

Safe Travel Tips from the National Blood Clot Alliance
Safe Travel Tips from the American Society of Hematology
Safe Travel Tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In-Flight/In-Car Fitness (for those times when you can’t get up and walk around)
How to Make Flying with Disabilities Less Stressful

Newly diagnosed and don't know where to begin? Here are a few things I have discovered during the recovery process that are important for healing.
A printable list of questions for your first doctor appointment. Take it with you.
Recovery can take a long time (1-2 years) and varies for each individual. Read more about what to expect and connect with others who are also recovering.
It can be hard to know when to call your doctor. In this post, find more information about important clotting and bleeding symptoms you need to be aware of, and start learning to trust your body again.
It is a common misconception that people on warfarin should avoid Vitamin K. It is not about eliminating Vitamin K from your diet, it is about eating with consistency. Read more about why you need both Vitamin K and Warfarin.
Feeling depressed and anxious after your blood clot? You're not alone. The psychological affects of a blood clot are very real, although not very talked about. Until now.
You don't have to give up car or airline travel post-blood clot. Here is how you can travel and stay safe.
You can still do the things you love after a blood clot - even on blood thinners. You don't have to stop living the life you love.
Are you feeling the pain, fatigue and sensitivity long after your blood clot happened? You're not alone and it's not in your head. Read more about post-thrombotic syndrome here.
Compression stockings are specially designed stockings or socks that apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. Here's everything you need to know.
If you have anything that causes you concern enough to wonder if something else might be going on, you are right in seeking medical attention. Do not not let anyone tell you or treat you differently - not even medical professionals.
You should never ignore shortness of breath, chest pains or headaches. Your body might be trying to tell you something serious is going on.
Visit my Amazon Influencer Shop and stock up on the products I use to manage my health every day.