Is my grandmother healthy enough to fly?

Question

After researching stem cell treatments for congestive heart failure, I finally found the one medical facility that performs fetal stem cell therepy without general anesthesia, which would be too dangerous for her. The only catch is that she would have to fly to the Dominican Repubic to get it. It would be a couple hours to get to Florida, and a couple more on the next flight to the Dominican Republic, and then the treatment facility is only 10 minutes away by cab. She's 73 and has had this disease for around 6 years. She can still go to the store, out to dinner, or other short excursions, but anything longer or more strenous requires a wheelchair, so she doesnt get out much. This is the best chance we've found to give her her life back, and I would hate to see it go down the drain just because of the flight.

Thanks. I would do anything for her. She doesnt even know I found this yet, because i want to make sure it will work out before getting her too exited.

she wont exercise. I've already tried

The initial treatment is $30,000 and all follow ups and additional treatments are done there as well for an additionl $12,500 a pop. We aren't rich by any means, but shes worth going into debt over and we would never let her pay a cent

Answer 1

She needs to see a physician and get a medical clearance to fly.
Don't risk her health.
She's lucky to have a grandchild who loves her like you obviously do.
Good luck.

Answer 2

if your mother can all these things then she can fly, when you buy the ticket make sure the airline gets disabled access organised... my mother is 79 and 90% invalid with more replacement parts than a 1960's VW but the airline do a great job and from the moment she arrives at Terminal 4 BRITISH AIRWAYS she is looked after and taken onto the plane, luggage is taken care of also... so no problemo there.
Where i do urge caution is the medical facility - make sure they are licences and recognised by your local doctor because the after care wil be done locally where she lives and if they think this is rogue treatment, they will not touch it, let alone correct it.....Good luck

Answer 3

That is still a new treatment, you really should discuss with her doctor.

If your grandma can do minor errands, she should be working at improving her strength and walking little by little almost every day.

For example, if she can walk for 10 minutes, have her try that a few times a day. When it gets easier, have her try 11 minutes, then 12 minutes, etc. That might be week by week, but her heart will gain strength.

Answer 4

Ask her doctor.