Author |
Topic: Is flying a trigger? (Read 366 times) |
|
serendipity
New Board Junior
Gender: 
Posts: 67
|
 |
Is flying a trigger?
« on: Aug 10th, 2006, 11:35am » |
 Quote  Modify
|
There's a very good chance that I may be hopping a flight sometime in the next few weeks, but I've never flown while in cycle before and I'm scared out of my mind.
I'm wondering, has anyone here ever flown while in cycle, and was it a trigger? I'm also curious to find out whether or not I'd be able to lug my O2 on board. Probably not, I'm thinking. But even if they do let me, I'm concerned about getting hit with one on a plane. I've managed to somehow avoid having one in public for 17 years. I guess I should clarify...I've had them, but I've always been able to get to a bathroom or my car or somewhere quickly, and have never had the experience of having strangers watch me go through hell.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The feedback I get here will probably determine whether or not I decide to go.
|
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
George_J
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Gender: 
Posts: 4222
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #1 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 11:39am » |
Quote Modify
|
Unable to answer myself, Serendipity. I've never flown while I was in cycle. Check with Weatherman--he did it just recently while he was in cycle, and did it with no problem. I'm sure others have as well.
Good luck and PF wishes,
George
|
|
IP Logged |
Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
Wearing the tangerine suits
And their harlequin eyes.
The pain they inspire
Draws in harmonica melodies
And the feathers of birds
Which flame up at their touch.
It all comes to light in the sheer
Debonair.
(Ellen)
|
|
|
The mad viking
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Always Look on The Bright Side of Life
 
Gender:
Posts: 3135
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #2 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 11:43am » |
Quote Modify
|
As a diagnosed cronic i dont have any problem with flying
Svenn
|
|
IP Logged |
Always Look on The Bright Side of Life
|
|
|
Bond007
New Board Old Timer
Gender:
Posts: 255
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #3 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 11:51am » |
Quote Modify
|
I just recently flew while in cycle and the trip out was no problem at all. I actually had no problem with the first leg of the trip back either. But, the second leg of the trip back was utter hell. Whomever on the flight deck is responsible for adjusting the cabin pressure did it a little too abruptly and triggered one hell of ch attack. Perhaps it was coincidence, but I'm thinking not because my wife also got a headache at precisely the same time as well as a couple of other passengers.
Then, again, that's just me, and I KNOW I'm overly sensitive to changes in pressure and they do affect my HA's.
Regarding bringing your O2 on the plane with you, you may want to call the airlines especially now that we've had this terrorist plot come to light in Britain. The TSA is really cracking down on what you can carry on the plane with you -- no beverages, liquids of any kind, except for makeup, until further notice. It would be my guess that they'd have a problem with O2. That's just a guess, though!
|
|
IP Logged |
Sometimes life bites you in the ass -- that's what drugs are for!!
|
|
|
kevinpix
New Board Veteran
treat others with respect
Posts: 184
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #4 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 11:56am » |
Quote Modify
|
I once tried to take oxygen on plane, they thought it was a bomb, yea right, like I'm that smart!
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
serendipity
New Board Junior
Gender:
Posts: 67
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #5 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 12:22pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I called the airline and they said that oxygen tanks are prohibited. =/
After reading everyone's feedback I'm seriously thinking this isn't such a good idea right now. I'm sort of behind the times as far as abortives go. If I had the right stuff maybe I'd feel a little more confident. Right now I use oxygen almost exclusively, but will occasionally take a Frova (frovatriptan) if I feel like I'm about to get hit hard, and THEN I start sucking on the O2. But Frova is only in pill form as far as I know, and I don't need to tell anyone that a pill of any kind - triptan or not - is not the ideal treatment for a CH.
This is the part where I beat myself up for letting the beast play a part in making decisions about my life.
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 10th, 2006, 12:23pm by serendipity » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
E-Double
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Are we ourselves?
Gender:
Posts: 6458
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #7 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 7:21pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Have had attacks and not had attacks while on a plane......
the best was the tandum attacks that Lionsound and I had on the way home from Dallas Convention 2005
|
|
IP Logged |
I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
|
|
|
Sandy_C
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Burn that bra!
Gender:
Posts: 2585
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #8 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 7:56pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I'm episodic, and have never flown while IN cycle. However, last May, flew to Mexico, and started with the very low, gentle ice picks in my right eye (cluster side) at the 30000 some altitude. Got myself a cup of black coffee from the attendant, and made it thru the flight. Dont know if I would have gotten a hit or not, but the caffiene helped. I would say pack some Red Bul, but after what happened yesterday, they probably won't let you bring it on the plane. Pack caffiene pills, available at most health foor stores.
Just my two cents.
Sandy
|
|
IP Logged |
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
|
|
|
Katherinecm
New Board Old Timer
Gender:
Posts: 266
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #9 on: Aug 10th, 2006, 9:02pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Have you tried Imitrex? You can get a 4mg autoinjector by prescription now. Imitrex is an absolute last resort for me, as it causes rebounds worse than the first headache a few hours later, but it does help. I use the imitrex tip and take 2mg at a time. I even manage to get free samples of it from my neurologist so I haven't had to pay for it. Get the doctor to give you TWO copies of the prescription- one to pack in a ziplock baggie with the meds to hand over to the security people at the gate (they will closely inspect it) and one to give to the pharmacist.
Secondly, if it's a long flight with drink service they are likely to have Mountain Dew or some other type of caffeine, or at least coffee. You can do two things: call the airline in advance and ask what they can do for you. They may be able to put you in an empty aisle by yourself if the flight isn't crowded. Whatever you arrange, make SURE when you check in (wait out the line and talk to a person, not just use the electronic check-in) that the arrangements are confirmed. They may be able to put a special instruction on your ticket that due to a medical condition you may need to have access to (2) cans of mountain dew, red bull, or other highly-caffeinated cold drink during the flight. You may even check with your doctor to see if they can write you a prescription for red-bull. If you take the drink WITH the pain pill it will likely work 10 minutes faster.
When you board, explain to the flight attendants that you have a rare neurological condition similar to epilepsy, except instead of seizures you sometimes have attacks of severe pain. Ask them to keep an eye on you, and if one eye & side of your face gets flushed and bloodshot it means you have an attack coming on. Ask them to quietly bring you some caffeine ASAP. If you ask nicely they will do their best to help you, most are great. Sometimes I get flushed & someone watching me can tell before I can that I have an attack coming on.
Most importantly, don't panic about it. After all, you handled attacks before you were diagnosed just fine. As long as you can sit up and rock back and forth you may be able to pass off the attack as nothing more than an obnoxious nervous tick, especially if the flushed side of your face is towards the windows.
I would explain to SOMEONE that you have a medical condition before you board though, in case you have a KIP-10 and make a scene... You don't want to get arrested for suspicious behavior.
|
|
IP Logged |
http://www.squidoo.com/clusterheadaches/
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings that have a human experience." Teilhard de Chardin
"It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death." Epictetus
|
|
|
sandie99
New Board Hall of Famer
Wish it, dream it, do it - inspite the pain!
Gender:
Posts: 10429
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #10 on: Aug 11th, 2006, 3:28am » |
Quote Modify
|
Flying has not been a problem for me, not even on my chronic days. I have had hits on the same day, but not during the flight.
But if you do fly, take something with you. I recommed also caffeine tablets right now - if they help you, that is.
Just try to relax about it, ch will happen if it wants to. Don't let it stop you from getting where you need to be!
Best wishes,
Sanna
|
|
IP Logged |
CH happends, Live anyway! PF days to us all!
"Do what you can and let God take care of the rest. Leave your heart wide open and always wish for the best" (Sanna Hillu)
"No matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible" (Marketa Irglova)
|
|
|
serendipity
New Board Junior
Gender:
Posts: 67
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #11 on: Aug 11th, 2006, 9:37am » |
Quote Modify
|
That's a lot of great information. Thanks, everyone!
I also read the other thread that Patti posted a link to, and it was full of good stuff, as well.
Wish me luck! =)
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Bond007
New Board Old Timer
Gender:
Posts: 255
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #12 on: Aug 11th, 2006, 9:49am » |
Quote Modify
|
Best of luck to ya!
|
|
IP Logged |
Sometimes life bites you in the ass -- that's what drugs are for!!
|
|
|
George_J
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Gender:
Posts: 4222
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #13 on: Aug 11th, 2006, 10:23am » |
Quote Modify
|
Good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine.
Best wishes,
George
|
|
IP Logged |
Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
Wearing the tangerine suits
And their harlequin eyes.
The pain they inspire
Draws in harmonica melodies
And the feathers of birds
Which flame up at their touch.
It all comes to light in the sheer
Debonair.
(Ellen)
|
|
|
Thomas_Martin
New Board Newbie
Yippie.My Head is blowing up.
Gender:
Posts: 32
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #14 on: Aug 11th, 2006, 5:59pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I have had something similar to CH when I was flying, while I was episodic. Did get hit with something while flying. I was sleeping and I remember PAIN. but if it was a CH I can't quite recall. My wuzzy memory wins another round.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
thenucman
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Gender:
Posts: 48
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #15 on: Aug 12th, 2006, 5:35pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Flying is only a trigger for some, it seems.
I am one of those that is sensitive to pressure changes. Even driving over a 1000 foot hill can trigger one for me when I am 'in cycle'. The problem with flying is that they depressurize the plane to 8000 ft.
I have to fly as a part of my work. I carry Frova and Imitrex. If I am worried about a CH, I will try and take a sudafed just before the flight. Sometimes thats enough for the short hops. I have had to use an Imitrex injection within 10 minutes of takeoff though. I always have it in the seat pocket and warn the passenger sitting with me.
O2 would be wonderful on board and with proof of a prescription, most of the Airlines will provide you with O2 for a fee ($50-150 per segment). The FAA will not allow you to bring your own aboard after 9/11.
So, after all that, Serendipity, the best advice I can give you is this. You might already know if you are sensitive to air travel. Does a change in weather tend to trigger CH's for you? Does traveling up into the mountains trigger a CH? If not, you probably won't have any problem flying either.
Dave in Merced, Ca.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
kevinpix
New Board Veteran
treat others with respect
Posts: 184
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #16 on: Aug 13th, 2006, 2:42pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I'm with george on this one, sorry.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
artscribe
New Board Newbie
Gender:
Posts: 7
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #17 on: Sep 18th, 2006, 4:26pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I've had two hits on airplanes. The first was 6 years ago -- before I was properly diagnosed -- and it was a nightmare! The second, however, was just last week -- I had imitrex nasal spray with me, and it worked within 10 minutes of my having taken it. Whatever airline you're flying should at least have soft drinks and coffee: the caffeine will be quite plentiful. Good luck!
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
ShaneM
New Board Junior
Will someone pull this out of my eye?
Gender:
Posts: 81
|
|
Re: Is flying a trigger?
« Reply #18 on: Sep 22nd, 2006, 8:42am » |
Quote Modify
|
I recently flew cross country to CA. This is a trip that I take yearly. For the first time ever I got hit in both directions, like SandyC, at 30,000 ft. I used Imitrex injections (which normally works in minutes) but it di not seem to really ease off until we dropped in altitude. Like I said though, only time I have ever been hit on in the air. I should also mention that I am having a bit of a strange cycle so that could be the reason. It will not stop me from flying again. Good luck, mate.
Shane
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss