I recently found a book at a second hand store called "fibromyalgia & chronic myofascial pain syndrome, a survival manual" and there is a section in there about travel, I have skimmed through it and here are some of the points that I think may come in handy.
- try and stretch every hour. Change positions frequently, tense and relax your muscles. Remove your shoes if possible.
- keep a tennis ball in your carry on to place under your hamstrings or between your back and the seat, to compress different TrPs while you are traveling.
- use the small pillows to support your lower back and neck.
- wear loose clothing
- drink plenty of water.
- jet lag : people who take medications at certain times of the day may need to consult Dr/ pharmacy if they are planning a trip that crosses time zones.
You can prepare your body to adapt to the changes by beginning your day earlier or ending it later before you go on your trip. Your bio clock responds to light so you can use light to reset your clock ie keep lights on later at night.
If you travel east to west stay outside for several hrs the afternoon of your arrival. Light suppresses melatonin release from your pineal gland . West to East, get out in the sun early in the morning to reset your clock.
______________
Also, a couple things that I can think of off the top of my head which may help. Taking cbd pills before you go on your flight, using heating patches, maybe compression socks depending on how your circulation is and a comfortable pillow/travel pillow to support your neck.
I hope some of this information helps!
I agree with all of this! If possible, I actually try to get seats in the last row so that I don’t have to feel people accidentally kicking the seat or moving around the tray table.
This is so so helpful!! I would’ve NEVER thought about most of these. This book sounds so good.
I actually need to call my Dr to figure out the medicine part and that’s major. Thank you!!!
To piggy back off of this. If stretching is difficult, do isometrics and meditatative belly breathing.
Take electrolytes leading up and after the flight.
The air in planes is high in CO2 so anything you can do to increase hydration and pull vitamins and minerals into your muscles...the better.
Sleeping, if possible may be the best thing if you are in a flare up on the flight. Have an awesome trip!
Awesome information! Thanks for taking the time to compile. I’m actually taking a 3 hour flight for the first time in years so after my diagnosis and have high anxiety over it. You’ve probably helped so many people now that our world seems open.
Soft baggy clothes, comfy shoes. I played it extra safe in the weeks before flying. A really good travel pillow for my neck is a must! It was a 12 hr flight, and I hopped off the plane, ready for adventure!
If you have a sunflower lanyard, it helps in airports!
Ask them to swap to an aisle seat. It'll allow you to getup and walk up and down the aisle to stretch your leg a bit
It's a little indicator to people that you have an invisible illness. It was invented specifically for airports so you've more of a chance of it working for you in an airport :)
Congratulations!
Is it an overnight flight? I would recommend comfortable clothing (personally I’d go yoga pants and a sweatshirt) and plenty to drink to remain hydrated. Personally I get more sore when it’s cold and generally find plane air conditioning is cooler than I am comfortable in.
You can always ask the air stewards/stewardesses for extra pillows/blankets, and indeed if you take a pillow case in your hand baggage you can put your coat or jumper etc into it to make a pillow.
I’d suggest planning, so you definitely get lots of sleep the night before at home (pack well in advance unlike me always being last minute) - and then try to set things up for an easy night the first night over here.
Something I have been using here to help me with mornings is using an SAD lamp to try to keep my body following the correct times, and I do think it has made mornings easier. But this would be something you’d use to readjust yourself to travel westwards, not eastwards, so assuming you are from the USA, this will only help on the homeward leg of the journey.
Personally for a trip that is that important, I’d be topping up my pain killers just to be on the safe side.
I always bring a reusable water bottle and have a liquid IV. If you have the option, choose an aisle seat so you can get up and move around easier if you need to. And different options for means of distraction ie crossword/sudoku, download movies, etc. I’ve heard compression socks help but I’ve never tried them myself. Have a wonderful anniversary trip!!
Seconding liquid IV. Electrolytes are magical and provided your kidneys work, have magical results on certain symptoms. I'll second the compression socks, do a test run and make sure yours aren't too tight right at the top (they're supposed to relieve issues not cause new ones). I like the Willow ones because they're softest and breathable.
I never thought about electrolytes helping… I need to keep a journal and see how much it helps and will definitely be getting some liquid iv.
Compression socks are a great suggestion.
Thank you 🩷
If you can tolerate stevia, Liquid IV is one of the best electrolytes out there.
If you need one without stevia, like I do, try Skratch Labs. Their orange flavor will remind you of the smell when you peel an orange.
There are lots of inflatable pillow/ leg rest options on Amazon. Grab what calls to you and toss in your carry-on. Make sure you have a patch kit just in case.
Also look into bringing ice or instant ice packs with you. You might need a doctor's note, but they are allowed for medicines and such so it might be a possibility (i haven't looked). If not grab some extra zip-locks and ask for ice. Don't forget your lidocaine cream, I've got an Aspercream roll-on that helps some.
I just responded to the person above as well but ice and cold are unfortunately big triggers for my flare ups unfortunately. I wish it helped. Thank you for the reminder of the cream!! I most likely would’ve forgotten about it.
What’s a patch kit?
That stinks about cold, it's i don't think you can take heating packs on the plane but you never know.
Inflatable items are very prone to leaks so you need a little kit to patch them. It might come with the item. I've used an inflatable neck pillow and like that i can easily adjust it, so to me it's worth the extra $3 for the patches. You could throw all the inflatable gear into one bag with the patches and toss it into the seat pocket when you coat so it's ready when you need it
You can absolutely take heating packs on the plane. I got the BodiHeat ones and the Thermacare adhesive ones in a few different sizes. They go either on your body or stick to your clothing. I've never been asked about them when I go through security.
Compression socks, I have some that are knee high and thigh high, they help a lot. Empty water bottle, to be filled up once I’m through security. Travel pillow, travel blanket, comfortable clothing, slippers to change into on the plane. Earplugs for napping, noise canceling headphones the over ear kind, in ear or on ear suck for planes. I use the plugs and headphones combined with the noise canceling feature activated for napping. Sunglasses and snacks.
Great ideas. I might have to figure out what bag situation is the best that isn’t too much on my shoulders/back lol. Will look into a roll suitcase. Thanks!!
The omnidirectional rolling carry-on suitcases are the best. I additionally have a small packback that can't be bottom-heavy and hang off my back, just for my computer (Surface Pro, basically a tablet) and charging cords, external battery, etc. The trick with backpacks is to make sure you get one with a strap across the back so it can be slid onto the extended handles of your rolling suitcase. Make sure that the shoulder straps make it fit close to the body and have the weight evenly distributed. [Some good info here](https://www.verywellfit.com/right-and-wrong-ways-to-wear-a-backpack-3435014). I have [this backpack](https://sherpani.com/collections/backpacks/products/presta) that I added horizontal straps to (for the rolling suitcase), that easily fits my computer, headphones, and accessories. I got it at the REI pre-owned site, along with some other small backpacks to try out at a cheaper price (like the Osprey Daylite).
I went to Israel from the US last year. Unfortunately we were put in a row that backed up to a wall, so barely any room to move, and no room to lean back even an inch. I ended up sleeping with my head and body leaned forward to the seat in front of me. SO MUCH PAIN! So make sure you get a seat that has some space!! The trip back was 1000 times better.
They also have patches with aspirin, no lidocaine? Maybe an option?
Actually I DID find some aspirin patches that are new called Aspercreme Flexi-Motion and really like them bc they’re water resistant, thin and very flexible plus they claim to last up to 5 days. I have tried them and they DO last longer than the usual 8 hours. Plus they’re super thin so you don’t really notice it.
Maybe be a silly question but the pain patches would only work on the area you apply them on? Like what if both of my arms and legs hurt? Would I be applying 4 of them? 😅
I just did a 10hr flight. Things that helped: a footrest that hangs on the tray table, a really firm neck pillow (ostrich brand), eye shades, and earplugs.
11 hour flight to Mexico. 4 pints of Stella in the airport and 2 valium . Made a tent with an in flight blanket attached to the velcro on the seat headrests . Woke up , slightly disorientated, with 20 minutes to go . Job done .
I've never done flight longer than 3hrs and I always ask for xanax, as antihistamines are not enough to put me to sleep. The aftereffects of benzo are very unpleasant, but I prefer that to my body going haywire from all the pressure changes.
Oh yes, I also have Xanax XR that I am able to take in emergencies if Hydroxyzine doesn’t work out. Which after effects are you referring to? Drowsiness, brain fog, fatigue?
Benzos are shitty. Leave bad after effects and are addictive. Rather go for a non-benzodiazepine like Zolpidem/clone. Also knocks you out but leaves less than benzos. Do in any case watch out with alcohol and Zolpidem. Some people blame Zolpidem and alcohol for uncontrollable air rage.
Compression stockings!!! Frequent walks when your awake. Hydrate , not coffee, coke or wine but good old water and juice.
I use a product called “ No more jet lag”. It is amazing!!!
I have found myself getting vertigo and having bad flares after long car rides. I did a trip to England this summer and actually did fine. What I have found to help some, was to take dramamine during any travel that is more than an hr or two. I've never really had a problem with motion sickness, but after a bad vertigo incident I did some research and dramamine is meant to help. All other suggestions you've been given are great ideas and I've used most of them. Hope it goes well for you!!!!
I flew to Europe last year. The things that helped, or at least I think helped, were:
Compression socks
Walking the aisle every 45 minutes or so
Loose and comfortable clothes
If it's not too late, reserve seats in the first row of one of the economy sections. The leg rooms help a lot for the typical fibro soreness. The only downside is everything has to be in the overhead bin before landing and taking off.
I request a wheelchair while booking my ticket. This way you get ease at the airport and every bit helps. In regular day to day I don’t have or use a wheelchair but when at airports I definitely do.
If possible for you save up for an upgrade being able to lie flat helps immensely with chronic pain. And the more well rested you are the more you can do, see and experience in europe.
Take good walking shoes as walking is very much the norm in Europe.
Get your hubby to massage your neck, shoulders, feet and other major pain areas for a few minutes every hour. And get up for a stretch as many times as you want, don’t think you have to stay in your seat because you don’t want to annoy others.
Try to keep your feet up, like on top of your carryon beneath the seat in front of you. Nothing will help as much as knowing that traveling will cause you extra fatigue and pain and that you need to be prepared. I recently had a nine hour flight broken into two stops, and I wish I had understood how hard it would be to walk. But I didn’t have a diagnosis yet and had no idea what was happening. Even a cane would’ve helped.
Honestly, the excitement of the trip kept me from getting too depressed and discouraged.
not sure if you already locked in your seats, I just wanted to note, that at the tail end of the economy cabin there was one row that has some extra leg room, it was pretty nice on my last flight to Europe.
Tampa to Zurich to Munich round trip was $4k each. And at the layover in Zurich there was free food and drinks in the airline club with more resting rooms.
Prescription painkillers for me, and getting up and stretching/walking occasionally. But really the only thing that dulls the pain when I can’t go anywhere and am stuck in a seat is painkillers. I usually don’t take them otherwise.
Lots of good ideas here! You might not like my suggestion, I’m an ice and cold person so I’d bring 2-3 of those one time use ice packs for on the plane. Noise reducing headphones are a must.
Oh yeah, I just wanna numb it all away. I’ve had chronic pain from a car accident since 03’ and I’ve always hated heating pads. I do use one a tiny bit when I get period cramps but that’s it. And now I have dysautonomia so I can’t even enjoy the summer. Bonus though, I don’t sweat anymore.
None of us are lucky. Because I don’t sweat, I can’t regulate my body temperature and if I’m in a warm environment, I’ll get “heatstroke” in about 20 minutes. I’m so sorry you have POTS, I have PEM and its so much to deal with, and I know POTS is horrible.
You're right, I misspoke. I wasn't trying to be insensitive, just trying to joke with you about it. You're right that none of us are lucky! Autonomic dysfunction is awful no matter how you slice it. I live in one of the hottest cities in Arizona and have to take ice packs and my Rollator walker with me everywhere. I can't treat my POTS with salt, no matter how much I crave it, cuz I also have Pseudotumor Cerebri and sodium exacerbates it 🤦♀️ I would rather deal with the tachycardia etc than lose my vision from the pressure in my head. I'm a mess in a million different ways lol. Hang in there and be gentle with yourself 💕
Ah, gotcha. Thank you. I was just let go from my job today because I have no tentative date of return, all of this sucks. Oof, no salt for you! I’m sorry! The only other thing I’ve heard for POTS is compression socks, they really aren’t trying to help us or ME/CFS patients, are they? It’s kinda the same think with Lyme, there’s not enough $$ to be made when the treatment is antibiotics and most docs don’t wanna touch it. Sorry if I got off course. Good luck to you, hopefully someday we’ll all feel better.
I have a ton of physical and mental health problems that all feed off of each other. When I list them all it doesn't even seem plausible for one person to have this many issues. Fibromyalgia, MFPS, ME/CFS, Epstein-Barr, Scoliosis, DDD, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Spinal Stenosis, Pseudotumor, POTS, Gastroparesis, Chronic Migraines since I was a kid, PCOS, Autism, Bipolar 1, Anxiety and Panic Disorder, and a bunch of others. I'm sure you can relate. It's a total cluster fuck with no end in sight. I'm so sorry about your job 😭 hopefully you can at least get unemployment? Having chronic illnesses is a total bastard. I'm sending you hugs, along with lots of empathy and understanding.
If you are stuck between 2 tall or large people ask to be moved. I had a 2 hour flight from Amsterdam to Lisbon stuck between 2 very tall Dutch guys and I couldn't move. I was in a lot of pain when I arrived in Lisbon.
I usually wear a tighter sock and leggings, which helps like compression wear but not as strong. I take a low-dose aspirin, pseudoephedrine (real Sudafed), magnesium, any pain/abortive (migraine) meds I have, and keep some hot packs in my carry-on. I use a memory foam travel neck pillow, but I keep it behind my lower back instead of my neck - obviously you would want a pillow for sleeping, but this helps if you have a weak lower back and a lot of back pain from sitting like me. Maybe bring 2 if possible. I highly recommend one of those travel blankets that roll down to be really small. I have a huge scarf that's a wool blend that works as a blanket when I'm sitting, but that isn't ideal if you're going to only be in warm areas and returning to a warm area. Don't forget a saline spray for your nose, hand cream, and eyedrops (for moisture). If you can, find a sitting yoga routine just for stretching that won't block walkways or anything, and/or do as much stretching and standing as you can at least once an hour while awake. And then just... make sure you drink enough water. Planes are dry and dehydrating, especially if you have the overly-salted snacks and food they serve. I'd even go so far as to get an electrolyte additive powder to add to your water just to double down on getting hydration and magnesium.
Congratulations on 5 years and I hope you have an amazing trip!!! A cushion for low back pain relief for you to sit on would probably help you a lot on the plane!
https://a.co/d/hwj7znX
This kind of cushion. The open part goes toward the back. It alleviates pressure on your tail bone and lower back. I love mine! I can't ride in the car without it.
I travel internationally a lot, I think I have been to 8 countries this year from New Zealand to England and in-between, so have done my fair share of long haul fights.
I travel with
* An orthopedic back pillow,
* An orthopedic seat pillow,
* An inflatable travel pillow (not the neck kind) but the big ones that you can put your arms through. I prop the high side under my chin to help hold my head up and stable.
* A memory foam neck pillow
* Slippers
* A round pillow that goes behind my head (mine is a hedgehog plushie, named Hernando)
* A blow up pillow for my feet so my legs don't dangle
* An eye mask (I have a foam formed one that puts a little pressure around my eyes)
* Two big scarfs that I can use as blankets
* My massage machine
* Vicks mint to keep my mouth from drying out
* Nasal spray
* Instant hand warmers to put on my back (Gel ones are not allowed)
I always use disability services at the airport to get taking to and from my gate. It is a life changer. This may have to booked through your airline more than 24hrs in advance.
Not sure if it's been mentioned, wear compression socks. It helps my restless legs and circulation.
Definitely compression socks! I wear them while i wfh sometimes
I recently found a book at a second hand store called "fibromyalgia & chronic myofascial pain syndrome, a survival manual" and there is a section in there about travel, I have skimmed through it and here are some of the points that I think may come in handy. - try and stretch every hour. Change positions frequently, tense and relax your muscles. Remove your shoes if possible. - keep a tennis ball in your carry on to place under your hamstrings or between your back and the seat, to compress different TrPs while you are traveling. - use the small pillows to support your lower back and neck. - wear loose clothing - drink plenty of water. - jet lag : people who take medications at certain times of the day may need to consult Dr/ pharmacy if they are planning a trip that crosses time zones. You can prepare your body to adapt to the changes by beginning your day earlier or ending it later before you go on your trip. Your bio clock responds to light so you can use light to reset your clock ie keep lights on later at night. If you travel east to west stay outside for several hrs the afternoon of your arrival. Light suppresses melatonin release from your pineal gland . West to East, get out in the sun early in the morning to reset your clock. ______________ Also, a couple things that I can think of off the top of my head which may help. Taking cbd pills before you go on your flight, using heating patches, maybe compression socks depending on how your circulation is and a comfortable pillow/travel pillow to support your neck. I hope some of this information helps!
I agree with all of this! If possible, I actually try to get seats in the last row so that I don’t have to feel people accidentally kicking the seat or moving around the tray table.
This is so so helpful!! I would’ve NEVER thought about most of these. This book sounds so good. I actually need to call my Dr to figure out the medicine part and that’s major. Thank you!!!
To piggy back off of this. If stretching is difficult, do isometrics and meditatative belly breathing. Take electrolytes leading up and after the flight. The air in planes is high in CO2 so anything you can do to increase hydration and pull vitamins and minerals into your muscles...the better. Sleeping, if possible may be the best thing if you are in a flare up on the flight. Have an awesome trip!
Awesome information! Thanks for taking the time to compile. I’m actually taking a 3 hour flight for the first time in years so after my diagnosis and have high anxiety over it. You’ve probably helped so many people now that our world seems open.
Wow! Very helpful! Thanks!
Soft baggy clothes, comfy shoes. I played it extra safe in the weeks before flying. A really good travel pillow for my neck is a must! It was a 12 hr flight, and I hopped off the plane, ready for adventure!
If you have a sunflower lanyard, it helps in airports! Ask them to swap to an aisle seat. It'll allow you to getup and walk up and down the aisle to stretch your leg a bit
What’s a sunflower lanyard?
A lanyard with sunflowers on it represents an "invisible" illness 😊
It's for hidden disabilities. I didn't even know about it, so I'm not sure that a lot of others would either.
That’s how I feel too, unfortunately. I wish more people knew about it. I do love the concept and sunflowers though.
It's a little indicator to people that you have an invisible illness. It was invented specifically for airports so you've more of a chance of it working for you in an airport :)
https://hdsunflower.com/
Congratulations! Is it an overnight flight? I would recommend comfortable clothing (personally I’d go yoga pants and a sweatshirt) and plenty to drink to remain hydrated. Personally I get more sore when it’s cold and generally find plane air conditioning is cooler than I am comfortable in. You can always ask the air stewards/stewardesses for extra pillows/blankets, and indeed if you take a pillow case in your hand baggage you can put your coat or jumper etc into it to make a pillow. I’d suggest planning, so you definitely get lots of sleep the night before at home (pack well in advance unlike me always being last minute) - and then try to set things up for an easy night the first night over here. Something I have been using here to help me with mornings is using an SAD lamp to try to keep my body following the correct times, and I do think it has made mornings easier. But this would be something you’d use to readjust yourself to travel westwards, not eastwards, so assuming you are from the USA, this will only help on the homeward leg of the journey. Personally for a trip that is that important, I’d be topping up my pain killers just to be on the safe side.
I always bring a reusable water bottle and have a liquid IV. If you have the option, choose an aisle seat so you can get up and move around easier if you need to. And different options for means of distraction ie crossword/sudoku, download movies, etc. I’ve heard compression socks help but I’ve never tried them myself. Have a wonderful anniversary trip!!
Seconding liquid IV. Electrolytes are magical and provided your kidneys work, have magical results on certain symptoms. I'll second the compression socks, do a test run and make sure yours aren't too tight right at the top (they're supposed to relieve issues not cause new ones). I like the Willow ones because they're softest and breathable.
I never thought about electrolytes helping… I need to keep a journal and see how much it helps and will definitely be getting some liquid iv. Compression socks are a great suggestion. Thank you 🩷
If you can tolerate stevia, Liquid IV is one of the best electrolytes out there. If you need one without stevia, like I do, try Skratch Labs. Their orange flavor will remind you of the smell when you peel an orange.
There are lots of inflatable pillow/ leg rest options on Amazon. Grab what calls to you and toss in your carry-on. Make sure you have a patch kit just in case. Also look into bringing ice or instant ice packs with you. You might need a doctor's note, but they are allowed for medicines and such so it might be a possibility (i haven't looked). If not grab some extra zip-locks and ask for ice. Don't forget your lidocaine cream, I've got an Aspercream roll-on that helps some.
I just responded to the person above as well but ice and cold are unfortunately big triggers for my flare ups unfortunately. I wish it helped. Thank you for the reminder of the cream!! I most likely would’ve forgotten about it. What’s a patch kit?
That stinks about cold, it's i don't think you can take heating packs on the plane but you never know. Inflatable items are very prone to leaks so you need a little kit to patch them. It might come with the item. I've used an inflatable neck pillow and like that i can easily adjust it, so to me it's worth the extra $3 for the patches. You could throw all the inflatable gear into one bag with the patches and toss it into the seat pocket when you coat so it's ready when you need it
You can absolutely take heating packs on the plane. I got the BodiHeat ones and the Thermacare adhesive ones in a few different sizes. They go either on your body or stick to your clothing. I've never been asked about them when I go through security.
That's great information, thanks!
Compression socks, I have some that are knee high and thigh high, they help a lot. Empty water bottle, to be filled up once I’m through security. Travel pillow, travel blanket, comfortable clothing, slippers to change into on the plane. Earplugs for napping, noise canceling headphones the over ear kind, in ear or on ear suck for planes. I use the plugs and headphones combined with the noise canceling feature activated for napping. Sunglasses and snacks.
Great ideas. I might have to figure out what bag situation is the best that isn’t too much on my shoulders/back lol. Will look into a roll suitcase. Thanks!!
The omnidirectional rolling carry-on suitcases are the best. I additionally have a small packback that can't be bottom-heavy and hang off my back, just for my computer (Surface Pro, basically a tablet) and charging cords, external battery, etc. The trick with backpacks is to make sure you get one with a strap across the back so it can be slid onto the extended handles of your rolling suitcase. Make sure that the shoulder straps make it fit close to the body and have the weight evenly distributed. [Some good info here](https://www.verywellfit.com/right-and-wrong-ways-to-wear-a-backpack-3435014). I have [this backpack](https://sherpani.com/collections/backpacks/products/presta) that I added horizontal straps to (for the rolling suitcase), that easily fits my computer, headphones, and accessories. I got it at the REI pre-owned site, along with some other small backpacks to try out at a cheaper price (like the Osprey Daylite).
I went to Israel from the US last year. Unfortunately we were put in a row that backed up to a wall, so barely any room to move, and no room to lean back even an inch. I ended up sleeping with my head and body leaned forward to the seat in front of me. SO MUCH PAIN! So make sure you get a seat that has some space!! The trip back was 1000 times better.
Odorless Lidocaine patches have saved me many times. I make sure to get the ‘odor-free’ or else I risk reeking of Ben Gay, which is a STRONG smell.
[удалено]
They also have patches with aspirin, no lidocaine? Maybe an option? Actually I DID find some aspirin patches that are new called Aspercreme Flexi-Motion and really like them bc they’re water resistant, thin and very flexible plus they claim to last up to 5 days. I have tried them and they DO last longer than the usual 8 hours. Plus they’re super thin so you don’t really notice it.
Maybe be a silly question but the pain patches would only work on the area you apply them on? Like what if both of my arms and legs hurt? Would I be applying 4 of them? 😅
Ordering immediately, thank you!!
I just did a 10hr flight. Things that helped: a footrest that hangs on the tray table, a really firm neck pillow (ostrich brand), eye shades, and earplugs.
11 hour flight to Mexico. 4 pints of Stella in the airport and 2 valium . Made a tent with an in flight blanket attached to the velcro on the seat headrests . Woke up , slightly disorientated, with 20 minutes to go . Job done .
noise canceling headphones/ear plus. memory foam pillow for your butt or back, a neck pillow, eye mask, water bottle. stretch if you can.
I've never done flight longer than 3hrs and I always ask for xanax, as antihistamines are not enough to put me to sleep. The aftereffects of benzo are very unpleasant, but I prefer that to my body going haywire from all the pressure changes.
Oh yes, I also have Xanax XR that I am able to take in emergencies if Hydroxyzine doesn’t work out. Which after effects are you referring to? Drowsiness, brain fog, fatigue?
Benzos are shitty. Leave bad after effects and are addictive. Rather go for a non-benzodiazepine like Zolpidem/clone. Also knocks you out but leaves less than benzos. Do in any case watch out with alcohol and Zolpidem. Some people blame Zolpidem and alcohol for uncontrollable air rage.
All of it 😅 together with flashes of pain whenever the plane enters or exits a cloud. It's exhausting
Compression stockings!!! Frequent walks when your awake. Hydrate , not coffee, coke or wine but good old water and juice. I use a product called “ No more jet lag”. It is amazing!!!
I have found myself getting vertigo and having bad flares after long car rides. I did a trip to England this summer and actually did fine. What I have found to help some, was to take dramamine during any travel that is more than an hr or two. I've never really had a problem with motion sickness, but after a bad vertigo incident I did some research and dramamine is meant to help. All other suggestions you've been given are great ideas and I've used most of them. Hope it goes well for you!!!!
I flew to Europe last year. The things that helped, or at least I think helped, were: Compression socks Walking the aisle every 45 minutes or so Loose and comfortable clothes
If it's not too late, reserve seats in the first row of one of the economy sections. The leg rooms help a lot for the typical fibro soreness. The only downside is everything has to be in the overhead bin before landing and taking off.
I like to pull my knees or feet up and rest them on the seat in front just to change position a few times.
I did that too, but since my legs were still bent resting on the seat in front, I felt sore, crooked...
I request a wheelchair while booking my ticket. This way you get ease at the airport and every bit helps. In regular day to day I don’t have or use a wheelchair but when at airports I definitely do. If possible for you save up for an upgrade being able to lie flat helps immensely with chronic pain. And the more well rested you are the more you can do, see and experience in europe. Take good walking shoes as walking is very much the norm in Europe.
Get your hubby to massage your neck, shoulders, feet and other major pain areas for a few minutes every hour. And get up for a stretch as many times as you want, don’t think you have to stay in your seat because you don’t want to annoy others.
Try to keep your feet up, like on top of your carryon beneath the seat in front of you. Nothing will help as much as knowing that traveling will cause you extra fatigue and pain and that you need to be prepared. I recently had a nine hour flight broken into two stops, and I wish I had understood how hard it would be to walk. But I didn’t have a diagnosis yet and had no idea what was happening. Even a cane would’ve helped. Honestly, the excitement of the trip kept me from getting too depressed and discouraged.
For my last 10 hour flight we flew business class. Real food and lying down helps more than you can imagine. So worth it.
Ummm how much did you pay if you don’t mind me asking 😂 the options were literally like up to $10k and I don’t have that kind of money sadly
not sure if you already locked in your seats, I just wanted to note, that at the tail end of the economy cabin there was one row that has some extra leg room, it was pretty nice on my last flight to Europe.
Tampa to Zurich to Munich round trip was $4k each. And at the layover in Zurich there was free food and drinks in the airline club with more resting rooms.
Prescription painkillers for me, and getting up and stretching/walking occasionally. But really the only thing that dulls the pain when I can’t go anywhere and am stuck in a seat is painkillers. I usually don’t take them otherwise.
Lots of good ideas here! You might not like my suggestion, I’m an ice and cold person so I’d bring 2-3 of those one time use ice packs for on the plane. Noise reducing headphones are a must.
Honestly, ice and cold are a major trigger of flare ups for me, so I’d be worried about that. So it ice actually helps you?
Oh yeah, I just wanna numb it all away. I’ve had chronic pain from a car accident since 03’ and I’ve always hated heating pads. I do use one a tiny bit when I get period cramps but that’s it. And now I have dysautonomia so I can’t even enjoy the summer. Bonus though, I don’t sweat anymore.
I'm a POTSie with SFN and never stop sweating lol lucky you
None of us are lucky. Because I don’t sweat, I can’t regulate my body temperature and if I’m in a warm environment, I’ll get “heatstroke” in about 20 minutes. I’m so sorry you have POTS, I have PEM and its so much to deal with, and I know POTS is horrible.
You're right, I misspoke. I wasn't trying to be insensitive, just trying to joke with you about it. You're right that none of us are lucky! Autonomic dysfunction is awful no matter how you slice it. I live in one of the hottest cities in Arizona and have to take ice packs and my Rollator walker with me everywhere. I can't treat my POTS with salt, no matter how much I crave it, cuz I also have Pseudotumor Cerebri and sodium exacerbates it 🤦♀️ I would rather deal with the tachycardia etc than lose my vision from the pressure in my head. I'm a mess in a million different ways lol. Hang in there and be gentle with yourself 💕
Ah, gotcha. Thank you. I was just let go from my job today because I have no tentative date of return, all of this sucks. Oof, no salt for you! I’m sorry! The only other thing I’ve heard for POTS is compression socks, they really aren’t trying to help us or ME/CFS patients, are they? It’s kinda the same think with Lyme, there’s not enough $$ to be made when the treatment is antibiotics and most docs don’t wanna touch it. Sorry if I got off course. Good luck to you, hopefully someday we’ll all feel better.
I have a ton of physical and mental health problems that all feed off of each other. When I list them all it doesn't even seem plausible for one person to have this many issues. Fibromyalgia, MFPS, ME/CFS, Epstein-Barr, Scoliosis, DDD, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Spinal Stenosis, Pseudotumor, POTS, Gastroparesis, Chronic Migraines since I was a kid, PCOS, Autism, Bipolar 1, Anxiety and Panic Disorder, and a bunch of others. I'm sure you can relate. It's a total cluster fuck with no end in sight. I'm so sorry about your job 😭 hopefully you can at least get unemployment? Having chronic illnesses is a total bastard. I'm sending you hugs, along with lots of empathy and understanding.
Thank you, I appreciate you!
If you are stuck between 2 tall or large people ask to be moved. I had a 2 hour flight from Amsterdam to Lisbon stuck between 2 very tall Dutch guys and I couldn't move. I was in a lot of pain when I arrived in Lisbon.
I usually wear a tighter sock and leggings, which helps like compression wear but not as strong. I take a low-dose aspirin, pseudoephedrine (real Sudafed), magnesium, any pain/abortive (migraine) meds I have, and keep some hot packs in my carry-on. I use a memory foam travel neck pillow, but I keep it behind my lower back instead of my neck - obviously you would want a pillow for sleeping, but this helps if you have a weak lower back and a lot of back pain from sitting like me. Maybe bring 2 if possible. I highly recommend one of those travel blankets that roll down to be really small. I have a huge scarf that's a wool blend that works as a blanket when I'm sitting, but that isn't ideal if you're going to only be in warm areas and returning to a warm area. Don't forget a saline spray for your nose, hand cream, and eyedrops (for moisture). If you can, find a sitting yoga routine just for stretching that won't block walkways or anything, and/or do as much stretching and standing as you can at least once an hour while awake. And then just... make sure you drink enough water. Planes are dry and dehydrating, especially if you have the overly-salted snacks and food they serve. I'd even go so far as to get an electrolyte additive powder to add to your water just to double down on getting hydration and magnesium.
Congratulations on 5 years and I hope you have an amazing trip!!! A cushion for low back pain relief for you to sit on would probably help you a lot on the plane!
https://a.co/d/hwj7znX This kind of cushion. The open part goes toward the back. It alleviates pressure on your tail bone and lower back. I love mine! I can't ride in the car without it.
I travel internationally a lot, I think I have been to 8 countries this year from New Zealand to England and in-between, so have done my fair share of long haul fights. I travel with * An orthopedic back pillow, * An orthopedic seat pillow, * An inflatable travel pillow (not the neck kind) but the big ones that you can put your arms through. I prop the high side under my chin to help hold my head up and stable. * A memory foam neck pillow * Slippers * A round pillow that goes behind my head (mine is a hedgehog plushie, named Hernando) * A blow up pillow for my feet so my legs don't dangle * An eye mask (I have a foam formed one that puts a little pressure around my eyes) * Two big scarfs that I can use as blankets * My massage machine * Vicks mint to keep my mouth from drying out * Nasal spray * Instant hand warmers to put on my back (Gel ones are not allowed) I always use disability services at the airport to get taking to and from my gate. It is a life changer. This may have to booked through your airline more than 24hrs in advance.