Blossom

http://www.strandtravel.co.uk/strand..._detail.aspx?v
id=5#content

I have recently read a couple of posts regarding health and flying - and as I may have problems with flying to Australia, I thought I had better start at looking at my options. I have really bad problems with swollen legs, even on a quick flight to Spain so I doubt very much if I would manage a flight to Oz any time soon.

I have search re cruises, and I did find ONE, but it was going to cost in the region of £7,000 (one way) and at least 54 days. But i have now found another possible source - albeit less glamorous! LOL


Has anyone else ever used this method to get to Australia?

petereb

4K is a lot of cash - have you not thought about business class?

Blossom

The problem would still occur whether I flew Economy, Business or First Class.

alipally

It would be much cheaper to invest in some made to measure compression stockings/tights.
Don't be mistaken these are nothing like the garments you can buy 'over the counter', and they couldn't be described as attractive! You go and see a specialist nurse. She will give you proper advice regarding odaema and measure you up for the right amount of compression to prevent the painful from occuring.

It's unfortunate, but you will have to pay for the service and the garments are not cheap, but they are effective. (I think it's about £100 for a pair of stockings/tights and the local lymph odaema specialist nurse by me charges £70), but it's still less than the cruise. Although it would be nice to do!

Blossom

I have used the over the counter flight socks before and they were a total waste of money.

However, after an Op, I had to wear the compressions stockings for a few days and ended up taking them home with me, so on a flight to Tenerife, out came the stockings (hip to toe) - didn't make one bit of difference, legs and ankles still blew up like balloons - I couldn't believe it! I really am at a loss as to know why this happens to me, but also now very scared of flying since all the media over the past few years reporting on DVT.

Looks like I may never get to Australia again unless someone somewhere produces a miracle cure!

RussellCRowe

what abouit this idea:
Get QM2 southampton to New York - cost about 700 GBP.
Take train to Los angeles - takes cuple days - cost approx 500 gbp.
Take cruise from LA to Sydney. Various ships do this route. Cost approx 1500 gbp

total = 2700 gbp including food for 2 1/2 weeks!

Blossom

That's brilliant many thanks for this info, I shall look into it further.

alipally

TED stockings are not meant to reduce swelling they are just designed to prevent DVT. I suggest that you consult with a lymph odaema specialist and they will be able to advise how useful proper compression wear would be for you... I think you could probably get that information over the phone and for free... (If you'd like the number of someone pm me, she might not be local but she could point you in the right direction in your area) She may also be able to help you with Lymph drainage massage techniques to help reduce the problem....
Nothing is perfect, but I think that anything is worth investigating if it has the potential to help you be more comfortable and make the journey without any unecessary suffering.

Although I have to add that I much prefer Russell Crowe's travel plans.... it sounds about perfect... I really love the idea of travelling across America on a train.....

RussellCRowe

welcome - i hate flying more than 12 hours in one day so last time i went nz to LA flying, spent nite there, then flew to NY ( 5 hours) then took the QM2 to uk.. awesome trip and met some amazing people

good luck!