A young woman has warned of the importance of wearing compression stockings and exercising during long-haul flights after developing a dangerous blood clot in her left leg.
Lois Chitticks, 26, was excited to move from London to Australia and slept most of the 20-hour flight on December 31.
Two days after arrival, her left calf became swollen, “warm,” and felt as if she had “pulled a muscle.”
“It felt warmer than the other leg and it irritated me so much I couldn’t sleep,” Lois told FEMAIL, describing the feeling as a “pink” in her calf.
But she felt it was an ominous 4cm blood clot that was causing the irritation.
Lois Chitticks, 26, was left with a 4cm blood clot in her left leg because she didn’t wear compression stockings and didn’t exercise enough during a long-haul flight to Australia
Two days after arriving, her left calf became swollen, ‘warm’ and felt as if she had ‘pulled a muscle’ (Lois pictured left with her partner on the flight)
In the photo Lois’s legs: Blood clots are not always visible from the surface, so it is essential to consult a doctor if symptoms persist. The risk of blood clots is greater after flying due to the long periods of immobility and reduced air pressure
The risk of blood clots is greater after flying due to the long periods of immobility and reduced air pressure. The risk is greater for people who have circulatory problems, smoke, have a family history and/or take certain medications.
‘During the flight I didn’t get up at all because I was so comfortable in the aisle seat. At the end of both flights I got up once to go to the toilet, otherwise I slept the whole time,” she said.
While her father had warned her to exercise regularly and given her compression stockings to wear, she ignored his advice.
“I now deeply regret that,” she added.
After she went to the hospital, a blood test and ultrasound confirmed she had a 4cm deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Because she is young and healthy, doctors advise her to wait until the clot dissolves on its own. However, she will need check-ups in the coming months.
‘They said it was a major DVT and that I need to be careful for the next three to six months. I will be prone to it in the future and will also have to wear compression stockings,” she said.
‘If the DVT doesn’t go away or move, I’ll have to take blood thinners for a year.
‘I’m afraid it will move or that I will be susceptible to it later in life. I feel weird too, because I should have just gotten up a few times!’
Lois said the DVT was more “ache than pain,” which is concerning because the clot could have gone unnoticed if she hadn’t gone to the hospital.
Because she is young and healthy, doctors recommend waiting until the clot dissolves on its own and she will need checkups in the coming months. ‘I’m afraid it will move or that I will be susceptible to it later in life. I feel weird too, because I should have just gotten up a few times!’ she said
To warn others, Lois shared her experience on a now viral TikTok video and outlined her symptoms.
“Girl, I’m impressed you managed to sleep this long,” one commented, while another said: “At least you hit Australia’s healthcare system.”
“Oh god, I’m so sorry. I hope you are doing well now,” a third wrote.
Others admitted they have made the same mistake before by not moving regularly on long flights.