Teaching and Traveling and Health

[Rye]

Hello all -

About 8 years ago my friend had some blood clots that ended up in her lung. Messy business, really. So they busted them and the doctors said that there was a good chance she was free and clear, and that was a one-off.

This past weekend they returned. They got her on meds and they will be clear soon, just have to pay close attention for a little while. My question is this: She will be working in a place that is around 20 hours away. I know flights (sedentary periods) are a dangerous place for another episode - and she would be taking at least 2 flights a year home, and probably many shorter ones to travel. I know there are compression socks and all kinds of things she could take, but I would like to hear any opinions on whether or not you think it is worth the trouble, and whether it is something you would risk for a job. The idea of being concerned for 6-8 weeks after a flight that a clot has or will slip through is interesting to me, so I would like to hear any points of view you have - being personally close I think my opinion is swayed. Her choices are to keep the job and do what she can to try to prevent these from returning, or find a job that wouldn't require very extended flights and play it a bit safer.

Thanks for your input!

[gengrant]

As with any decision of this magnitude, I would not seek the opinion of a bunch of people in a forum - I would seek out professional opinions of those who would have facts - medical personnel. Ask her to get a couple (or three or four) of opinions from different doctors and then make an informed decision based upon what they say the overall risk is. If the risk is minimal, she might consider the job. If the risk is great, perhaps she should rethink it. I would not make this decision lightly or based upon whims or feelings, for sure.

Hope all turns out well for her.

[Rye]

She is seeing doctors and a specialist today, (hopefully). She is very Vulcan and will base her decision on their opinions, of course. I was just looking to hear some opinions to compare with my initial reaction.

[redrider]

What is the health care like where she is? That would be a big one to me.