China Romance
General Discussion and Useful Links => Useful Links And Articles => Topic started by: IrishGuy65 on May 31, 2013, 09:15:07 am
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I read advice about controlling this on the long flight on these forums, but can't seem to find it.
Can someone point me to the thread if they can find it, or offer the advice here?
Thanks so much!
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I have made many 13 hour flights to and from China and other places over the years. Another coming up Monday 10th and back again on the 18th June.
For flights I always wear tight elastic socks to reach over my calves. At home I wear no socks or very short ones. On a flight I am an annoy b---------d to others who are in my row as I get up for a walk at least every 60 - 90 minutes. That is unless I am actually sleeping but rarely do I sleep on a flight as I would not want to oversleep and miss my stop. ;D
I normally try to get to the rear end of the plane then there are usually a larger area to walk about at the back end. There is usually a door on either side there but try to resist the urge to pop outside for a longer stroll. ;D
Willy
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I got a couple of pair from the hospital but they are available at Walgreens online store and amazon.com for 20-30 dollars. Could save you life if you don't get up and walk around the plane. At least stretch and wiggle your feet and arch your toes upward if you don't want to walk.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/gabrialla-knee-highs-firm-compression-20-30-mmhgblack/ID=prod6119375-product (http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/gabrialla-knee-highs-firm-compression-20-30-mmhgblack/ID=prod6119375-product)
I like this one better cause it looks more "manly"
http://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-Patented-Performance-Graduated-Compression/dp/B004BKIPJS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370015323&sr=8-2&keywords=compression+socks (http://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-Patented-Performance-Graduated-Compression/dp/B004BKIPJS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370015323&sr=8-2&keywords=compression+socks)
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Deep vein thrombosis
Summary
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the leg. A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication. Long-distance flights may contribute to the risk of DVT or 'economy-class syndrome'. Other risk factors for DVT include coronary heart disease, being overweight or obese, cigarette smoking, pregnancy, taking a high-dose combined oral contraceptive pill, family history of DVT or recent surgery or injury.
A thrombosis is a blood clot. The clot may block a blood vessel, causing potentially serious health effects. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg. A deep vein thrombosis in the thigh carries a risk of pulmonary embolism. This occurs when the clot, or thrombus, loses its attachment to the inside of the vein, leaves the leg and lodges in the pulmonary artery, the main blood vessel to the lungs. If the clot is large enough, it can completely block that artery and cause death.
Blood flow through the leg veins generally requires some mechanical help, since it 'flows' up instead of down. Working calf muscles act as a pump. The contracting muscles compress the veins and force the blood in these veins upwards to the heart. This process is aided by valves in the veins, which direct the flow of blood and counteract the effects of gravity.
Sitting still for long periods of time allows blood to pool in the veins. There is debate over whether or not the confinement of long-distance international flights may contribute to the risk of DVT. This condition is known as 'economy-class syndrome'.
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
The symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may include: - Pain and tenderness in the leg
- Pain on extending the foot
- Swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot
- Skin that is red and warm.
Blood clotting
Blood contains platelets and compounds called clotting agents. Platelets are sticky and form the basis of the blood's ability to thicken (coagulate). If a blood vessel is cut, platelets collect at the site of the injury. In conjunction with clotting agents, the platelets produce a web or mesh, which traps platelets and creates a plug to seal off the wound. The ability of the blood to clot is essential for survival, but it can also lead to the formation of a thrombus.
Risk factors for DVT
Some of the risk factors that may contribute to the formation of a thrombus include: - Coronary heart disease
- Being overweight or obese
- Cigarette smoking
- Pregnancy
- A high-dose combined oral contraceptive pill
- A susceptibility to 'stickier' blood and a family history of DVT
- Sitting still for long periods of time
- Recent surgery or injury
- Some types of cancer
- Congestive cardiac failure
- Previous thrombosis.
Complications of DVT
If the DVT remains in the leg vein, it can cause a number of complications, including inflammation (phlebitis) and leg ulcers. However, the real danger occurs if the clot leaves the vein and travels through the circulatory system. A pulmonary embolism means the clot has blocked off the main artery to the lungs or one of its major branches.
It is estimated that 80 per cent of pulmonary embolisms are linked to deep vein thrombosis. Around one third of people who experience a major pulmonary embolism will die. Life-saving treatment includes thrombolytic and anticoagulation drugs that dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.
'Economy class syndrome'
International flights are suspected of contributing to the formation of DVT in susceptible people, although the research evidence is currently divided. For example, a Dutch study found no link between DVT and long-distance travel of any kind, while English researchers proposed, in a paper published in the Lancet, that flying directly increases a person's risk.
Some airlines prefer to err on the side of caution and offer suggestions to passengers on how to reduce the risk of DVT. These include: - Wear loose clothes
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Move about the cabin whenever possible
- Don't sit with legs crossed
- Perform leg and foot stretches and exercises while seated
- Consult with your doctor before travelling.
Diagnosis of DVT
A deep vein thrombosis can easily be mistaken for other disorders, including lymphoedema and chronic venous disease. The diagnosis of a DVT is confirmed using a number of tests, such as: - Venous ultrasound – a special type of scan
- Contrast venography – a dye is injected into the foot and special x-rays are taken of the leg veins.
Treatment for DVT
Treatment includes: - Hospitalisation
- Intravenous drugs to dissolve the clot
- Long-term treatment with anticoagulant drugs, such as Warfarin, to prevent further clotting
- Blood tests to monitor the 'stickiness' of the blood
- Reducing risk factors such as quitting cigarettes or losing excess body fat.
Prevention strategies
Graduated compression stockings to increase internal pressure have been found to decrease the risk of post-surgery DVT for hospital patients. The use of prophylactic anticoagulants in moderate to high-risk hospital patients is also recommended.
Other methods to reduce the risk of DVT include treatment for coronary heart disease, reducing excess body fat, quitting cigarettes, exercising regularly and switching to a high-fibre, low-fat diet.
Where to get help Things to remember - A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the leg.
- Complications include pulmonary embolism (which can be fatal), phlebitis and leg ulcers.
- Treatment options include hospitalisation and medications to dissolve the clot and prevent further clotting.
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Thanks guys. I was planning on sleeping for most of my 12 hour flight. I'm not a big fan of enclosed spaces, and if seating is tight it will make it worse. So I have some sleeping pills that I was going to take to help me sleep for most of the trip.
Is it better if I do not sleep? I will definitely get the socks.
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My trips are 19 hours and I sleep as much as I can with pills. I get on the airplane then immediately go to China's time. It also help to kill a little jet lag that way.
I also wear the socks for the trip so......
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Thanks guys. I was planning on sleeping for most of my 12 hour flight. I'm not a big fan of enclosed spaces, and if seating is tight it will make it worse. So I have some sleeping pills that I was going to take to help me sleep for most of the trip.
Is it better if I do not sleep? I will definitely get the socks.
According to this article it is better to avoid sleeping if possible. http://www.xingfulove.com/forum/topic.php?topic_id=86 (http://www.xingfulove.com/forum/topic.php?topic_id=86)
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If you were trying to scare me, robertt... it worked. If I didn't like this woman so much, I would change my mind and not fly to China ;D
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My trips are 19 hours and I sleep as much as I can with pills. I get on the airplane then immediately go to China's time. It also help to kill a little jet lag that way.
I also wear the socks for the trip so......
19 hours from Hartsfield - Jackson to Beijing!! Do you fly with WWA. Wilber Wright Airlines. Ha ha.
The jet lag nevers bothers me. Probably because I now go through life not knowing whether I am coming or going anyway.
And Zoot. Never be afraid to step on a plane your biggest problem will be surviving Chinese drivers once you are here.
Willy
PS. Did I miss something? Who is Pills?
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Hey Zoot, get on the plane. I bet you cant sleep cause you're too excited. But if you do then while you're awake exercise your calf muscle by wiggling your feet. Arch your toes up then down over and over until you get tired. It really helps. My legs tend to swell and retain water anyway and on a plane walking or foot exercise is my only relief. Its not so bad. Just do it and you will survive.
Jet lag is not so bad going in that direction BUT...coming back is real bad depending on how long you stay in China.
Don't forget a lot of deodorant. Its frigging hot there in the summer and the humidity is 70-90 percent depending on the wind direction. If you not used to a humid climate be prepared to be drenched in your own sweat. . my first summer there I changed shirts 2-3 times a day. Dress for it. Get a water bottle(s) and a purse to carry it in.
What's your departure date? I am still waiting on the NVC for my daughter. Maybe we can meet there. Stranger things have happened.
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I'll never tell!!!!! 8)
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Willy,
Are you not up to speed on current Yank slang?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFmRp4rBjBE/SPnGXp-MNII/AAAAAAAAAJA/k062KB0GMGE/s320/sleeping_pills.jpg)
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I try not to be up to speed on anything American. ;D ;D
Willy
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Hey Zoot, get on the plane. I bet you cant sleep cause you're too excited. But if you do then while you're awake exercise your calf muscle by wiggling your feet. Arch your toes up then down over and over until you get tired. It really helps. My legs tend to swell and retain water anyway and on a plane walking or foot exercise is my only relief. Its not so bad. Just do it and you will survive.
Jet lag is not so bad going in that direction BUT...coming back is real bad depending on how long you stay in China.
Don't forget a lot of deodorant. Its frigging hot there in the summer and the humidity is 70-90 percent depending on the wind direction. If you not used to a humid climate be prepared to be drenched in your own sweat. . my first summer there I changed shirts 2-3 times a day. Dress for it. Get a water bottle(s) and a purse to carry it in.
What's your departure date? I am still waiting on the NVC for my daughter. Maybe we can meet there. Stranger things have happened.
My departure date is July 12. I'm coming back July 27. I'd be glad to meet you if you are going to be there around that time. I gave myself several days to re-acclimate once I get back home, so I should be fine.
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Chinabound we don't have it to bad.Willy is just mad and jealous because he wasn't born American.When he applied for American citizenship.They denied him.So he has ben mad since then.He got so mad that he lived in Africa for a couple of years.So everytime he thinks he has a chance he takes a shot at the Americans on this forum.
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Sunscreen might be an idea as well. We tried for a while, but the only sun cream we could find was whitening cream.
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Guangzhou and Georgia has practically the same weather, I guess that's why I wasn't in too much discomfort there, I work outside here in Georgia year round 8-14 hours daily doing maintenance on ready-mix concrete plants so I am accustomed to hot and cold weather! Wear loose-fitting light colored " cotton ' clothing, a hat, and keep a water bottle/sports drink with you to rehydrate with and you should be fine. I would recommend eating small meals during the day and avoid fatty and greasy foods that will weigh you down. As a word of caution, ALWAYS keep some toilet tissue in your pocket/man-bag just in case the outside meal does not agree with you and you have to brave the public toilet :o which usually has nothing even resembling paper within arms reach! ;D I would recommend taking an unopened package of Amodium A/D with you also to help with trots if you get them! :-\ The trick to eating in a place you have never been is to watch where the locals gather to eat, they usually are a good indicator of safe places to eat. The sidewalk vendors for the most part should be avoided like Gerry mentioned earlier, but normally the locals only eat where they feel safe so you should follow suit. I also recommend getting some lemon scented moist wipes, you can wipe your face or hands and feel refreshed at the same time. One other thing that you might watch out for is eating too much sticky rice, that stuff will stop up a hydro-electric plant turbine so be careful.
Good Luck and Best Wishes
P.S. Watch out for Pick Pockets , they are everywhere
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Maxx,
I thought Willy's problem was that when he was leading the British troops George
Washington had a better plan and defeated him and sent all the British home were
they belong 8).
We were just one country that they couldn't control for a long time.
Probably right there except for one thing. At that time the ancestors of most of today's 'Americans' were still thousands of miles away trying to survive in the back streets of some far off destitute country. The true Americans who staye were eventually herded into areas where their entry and exit was restricted by the foreign newcomers that took over their country. :'( (Does this remind you of a certain middle eastern country. ::) )
Willy
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I keep thinking about it and wondering how I'm going to be on a plane for 12 hours, NOT sleep, and not die of complete boredom....
I was thinking maybe I'll set an alarm every hour. Then I can sleep, get up on the hour and stretch the legs, and go back to sleep.
Anyone know how much longer before the transporter from Star Trek will be up and running? ;D
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Watch a movie then go for a walk. Some people can sleep anywhere. I will walk around at the back of the plane for 30 minutes or so after ever movie. As the toilets are up the back then I am always hoping I may be invited to join the mile high club one day! ::)
Gee Whatever happened to Zoot?
Willy
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Mile high club? I live near Denver (5,280 feet) Does that count?
Actually that was just a lead-in to my next brag. I used to be a lot more crazy than I am now. I joined the club with my ex wife on the way to Cancun about 15 years ago. Just a lot of raised eyebrows but no cheers or Atta boys. 8)
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I keep thinking about it and wondering how I'm going to be on a plane for 12 hours, NOT sleep, and not die of complete boredom....
I was thinking maybe I'll set an alarm every hour. Then I can sleep, get up on the hour and stretch the legs, and go back to sleep.
Anyone know how much longer before the transporter from Star Trek will be up and running? ;D
A couple of weeks, the flux capacitor is on back-order! 8)
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Watch a movie then go for a walk. Some people can sleep anywhere. I will walk around at the back of the plane for 30 minutes or so after ever movie. As the toilets are up the back then I am always hoping I may be invited to join the mile high club one day! ::)
Gee Whatever happened to Zoot?
Willy
I had to change my name...
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Watch a movie then go for a walk. Some people can sleep anywhere. I will walk around at the back of the plane for 30 minutes or so after ever movie. As the toilets are up the back then I am always hoping I may be invited to join the mile high club one day! ::)
Gee Whatever happened to Zoot?
Willy
I had to change my name...
Just being nosey. That happens on here. Is it the FBI or ex wives chasing you? Ha ha
Willy
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Watch a movie then go for a walk. Some people can sleep anywhere. I will walk around at the back of the plane for 30 minutes or so after ever movie. As the toilets are up the back then I am always hoping I may be invited to join the mile high club one day! ::)
Gee Whatever happened to Zoot?
Willy
I had to change my name...
Just being nosey. That happens on here. Is it the FBI or ex wives chasing you? Ha ha
Willy
OK, I guess it MUST happen a lot if you already know it's one of the two... the ex is the answer. I looked up my nickname on google and my posts here came up on the first page. She's somewhat of a stalker, so it's best to change my nickname here.
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You forgot number 3 Willy even if it is related to number 1. :-X
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I never have been able to sleep on the plane. If you go in the back the ladies
working the plane are more than happy to fill you up with coffee and snacks
for the chance to talk with you in English.
Try it the next time you fly to China. Works out well for me.
What sort of American Airline does not have perfect English staff? ;D ;D
Willy
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Willy any American Airline that has hubs in Asia,Or anywhere else in the world where English is not the first language.American Airlines hire the locals.On a international flight starting in Los Angels to say Hong Kong.Half of the cabin staff will speak Some Asian dialect.IE Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai.As a first laungauge.And English will be there second language.
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Trust the Americans to hire cheap labor! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Willy
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No Willy these are not Limey companies.They are American companies.We have labor laws.To protect the employee.Not like the limey's.A Asian flight attendant make the same Money.As A American flight attendant.And have the same voting rights at the union meetings.
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No Willy these are not Limey companies.They are American companies.We have labor laws.To protect the employee.Not like the limey's.A Asian flight attendant make the same Money.As A American flight attendant.And have the same voting rights at the union meetings.
Well ChinaBound, that figures as English is the second language for the majority of people living in the USA.
And Maxx they use american airlines for one reason only. Unlike European companies american airlines do not provide any accommodation when flights are cancelled or delayed at last minute. So either they are paying low wages all round so cannot afford to provide what others provide or they are making huge profits which do not show in their accounts!
Willy