Phlebitis Danger

I read with interest “The Economy Class Squeeze” (The Healthy Traveler, Nov. 9), which used the term “economy class syndrome.” Author Kathleen Doheny should have used the term “killer” syndrome for phlebitis. Phlebitis almost cost me my life.

Flying from Hong Kong, I was exhausted and slept in my seat for the total flight. Two days later, my wife noticed that my right leg was swollen. I was hospitalized, leg elevated for one week, and given blood-thinning medication. Fortunately, I survived. But if that blood clot had moved through my cardiovascular system to my heart, I wouldn’t be here today.

GERARD L. PARSONS

San Luis Obispo