Newly diagnosed Phlebitis and long haul flight

[pameee]

I have had a severe leg pain for over a week and went to the doctors. He diagnosed Phlebitis. He noticed my varicose veins that I have had for 30 years and said he would arrange for me to have them sorted out, they have never given me any problems. As regards the phlebitis he told me to take over the counter pain killers and to elevate my leg etc.
My problem is that we are going on our retirement holiday next week and have an 11 hour flight. I would like to know:
a) Will the pain be worse at high altitude as I do not think I could cope with it if it was?
b) I have been told you can not wear flight socks with phlebitis (it says this on the box too) what are the alternatives?
Does anyone have any more suggestions apart from the usual drinking water and moving around?

[rdyrmsg]

Starting right now begin soaking your leg (hot spots especially) with hot wet compresses. I sit on the tub seat, put my foot against the far end, turn the water on, soak a towel with hot water, and place it on the leg. Water just drips away down the drain. Use a cup to pour more hot water on the towel as it cools. Feel towel first! It will feel as though it is cool on the leg but your hand may tell you differently. Depends on YOUR water temp to start with.

Keep it wet and hot - - don't burn yourself! - - you will feel that it itches at first but in a few moments that sensation leaves. Keep the compress on for at least 10 minutes. Do this multiple times a day.

Also start taking a regular aspirin for its anti-inflammatory properties. I take a couple a day when the veins kick up.

Actually movement is better than too much sitting/resting. But do try to elevate the leg when sitting.

You can't soak it too much! Good luck. Remember wet & hot compresses.

[rdyrmsg]

Oh sorry, I forgot. Also wrap the area with an Ace bandage. Be careful, don't get it too tight.

This will not only support the veins but provide a modicum of warmth which you will appreciate.

Remember REGULAR aspirin, normal strength is the ticket.

It make take a week or more for this to subside - - you can't rush the healing. And yes, MOVE. :-)

[pameee]

Thank you for your reply I have been using warm compresses but not wet ones, I will give this a try. The leg is very sensitive to the touch and it is very uncomfortable wearing anything. I assume an Ace bandage is an elasticated one (live in UK). I am more worried about the flight next week as we are flying to Acapulco and it is 11 hours from here. Would this bandage be advised on the flight instead of the flight socks I cant wear for DVT protection?

[pameee]

Well after a week it feels a lot more comfortable and pain has subsided. Only one thing, the rash has moved several inches higher to near the knee joint, is this normal? I am now able to wear flight stockings without discomfort so feel a lot happier about the flight on Friday.