Varicose Veins & Travelling Overseas?

Hi, I have varicose veins and am travelling overseas. I read on smart traveller that you can get blood clots easier if you have varicose veins and if you are taking the contrecptive pill (which I am).

Has anyone exprienced this?

Blood clots can develop in your legs from inactivity. Sitting on an airplane for extended periods of time puts you at a higher risk because of the varicose veins and you not being able to exercise your legs while you are on the plane. Birth control adds to that risk as well especially if you are over 35 and smoke.

One thing that you can do is what is called "ankle pumps". Basically, while you are sitting on the plane, point your feet up to the ceiling and then down to the floor. Do this frequently during the flight. This will help the circulation in your legs while on the plane. Another thing that you could do is wear support hose. Jobst stockings, TED hose, or some other kind of compression stocking will help.

Hope you have a nice trip. Just keep moving those feet and legs.

You are at higher risk. But there are things you can do to help prevent them. It isn't being on the plane that increase your risk, it is being inmobile for hours on end with pressure placed on the back of your knees from the seats. To help prevent clots avoid crossing your legs. Walk around frequently. I once read that by keeping well hydrated and walking around every few hours also helps with jet lag. On my flight home from Italy I would drink water, take a nap, wake up to use the bathroom and make a lap around the cabin.