Monarch question

[onetwo07]

Hi All, hoping somebody might be able to give me a little info.

Am due to fly Man - AGP on ZB660 in a week or so's time. Unfortunately I managed to give my wrist a good twisted snapping this week. I'll be having it plated/screwed this Monday, exactly a week before travelling.

I'm hopeful of just being in a bandage/splint by then (this is what the doc says usually happens), in which case I foresee no issues. However, there is an outside chance I'll be in a plaster cast below the elbow.

a) Will that cause any probs with the airline etc?
b) Should I bring a Dr's note to say I'm ok to go?

Seem like silly questions - it's only a broken wrist. It's just the level of general ooohing and aahhing and frowning that happens when you mention flying with any minor complication!

Cheers.

[L4key]

1207 Sorry to hear about your accident, sounds bloody painful!

I have nothing useful to add other than the fact that you should definitely pay for a leg room seat (though there may be impairment issues given your condition on an exit row!) - I'm 6'3 and Monarch and me don't go well with their 28-29" seat pitch (sad because I prefer them to the better proportioned EZY & Jet2). Just thinking about your general movement that may be awkward.

If it's a A321 I think it's 11A or F that are the best seats, but check seat guru by all means.

[TSR2]

Sorry to hear about your mishap.

My daughter broke her wrist earlier this year whilst ice skating. No screws, no plates, just 5 weeks in plaster from the elbow. I hope your not being too optimistic.

[onetwo07]

Cheers - that is a good suggestion actually, I hadn't considered it and will do now.

You're right it was sore! Did it thoroughly innocuously by slipping kicking a ball on a school trip (teacher). Am only 24 but apparently it's very much a geriatric injury!

Any further info anyone could give on the regs concerning travel would be very appreciated, as would any similarly general help!

[onetwo07]

Thanks very much :)

Strangely, I believe that having the surgery lessens the chances of major inconvenience (provided it goes well). That's because with the bones being held together artificially there is not quite the same need to immobilise them (whereas now, pre-op, I am in a full lower arm cast).

Having said that, I won't know for sure 'til I wake up. It depends on what they end up doing, precisely...

[Truck2005]

After an accident that has involved a serious injury it is always a good idea to get a 'fit to fly' chit from your doctor. Some airlines will not fly you without one.

If your arm is put in plaster speak to the doctor about it because there may be some discomfort from the pressurisation. I have seen what could be called a half cast, (backslab, I think it is called), which eases the pressure on the injury.

Hope all goes well.

[redsnail]

If you're going to fly long haul within 48 hours of having a full plaster cast on, the cast must be split. (short haul, 24 hours).

Any thing after that is ok. You may need some pain killers etc, make sure you have them handy etc. You may be a bit uncomfortable but you're probably getting used to that already.

You won't be able to sit at the exit row as you're not fully "able".

I had an issue with a passenger with a freshly broken leg and we spoke to Medaire.

easyJet (http://easyjet.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4181/~/can-i-still-fly-with-a-broken-arm-or-leg%3F) has some guidance.

[DX Wombat]

You should seek advice from the consultant in charge of your case. There is a small possibility of a fat embolus from any fracture. You are still likely to have a cast on even though the bones have been pinned. As Reddo has said, you MUST have a split cast for flying.

[partyboy_uk]

Sorry to hear about your lil' misfortune there. I hope all goes well. I think everything has been said already but I will point you in the direction of the Monarch guidelines (http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/medical-and-special-requirements/other-medical-conditions) in relation to medical enquiries and plaster casts in particular. I would get your consultant to write you the letter to save you having to pay for one with your GP. Have a good holiday!

[onetwo07]

Thanks one and all for the tremendously kind and helpful advice.

Had the op done and am sat at hope with a slightly achey wrist but otherwise fine. No cast, no splint, just a few bandages. I have to go to the GP to get the wound checked and re-dressed on Thursday then the bandages should be mainly off and I can wear a little velcro wrist support.

All of which means, touchwood, we should be fine to jet off for some sunshine! Just need to get the OK from the GP in view of having had general anaesthetic a week before flying.

Thanks again to all who contributed.

[Chuchinchow]

It's good to read that your procedure was successful, onetwo07. Enjoy your flights!

[Bealzebub]

Enjoy your holiday.

When you go to the doctors on Thursday ask him or her for a "Fit to fly" certificate. It shouldn't take him a minute to write out the note. That will cover you in the event that any issues do arise. They probably won't, but best to be well armed (no pun.)