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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Travel Questions
        
(Message started by: Weatherman on Jun 30^th, 2006, 1:34am)

Title: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jun 30^th, 2006, 1:34am

I have to travel by plane 2 times in the next month. Both times I should still be in my current cycle.

Questions:

Has anyone ever flown while in cycle?

Will flying trigger attacks?

Will the airlines allow me to bring O-2?

Will I have prescription issues if I travel to Canada?

Anything else I should be aware of in regard to travel?

Thanks All !!
Doug

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Sean_C on Jun 30^th, 2006, 3:46am

Some people get hit while flying some don't. I guess like anything else be prepared with an abortive just in case.

The rest of the questions it would probably be best to ask your travel agent just to make sure.

Cheers

Sean......................................

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by BarbaraD on Jun 30^th, 2006, 6:06am

If you take meds with you, it's a good idea to take a doc's note saying that you use syringes, etc. I've never had to show one, but.....

I've been hit a few times in the air, but most of the time don't get hit. I think it's the same old thing -- if you're due for a hit - you're gonna get it.

I don't worry about it too much - (and I'm flying today, so...)

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by kayarr on Jun 30^th, 2006, 8:22am

If oxygen is your primary abortive arrange for it to be on the other end. Imitrex, for my husband, will almost guarantee four hours so he takes one of those for the flight.
Welcome by the way:) Sorry you have to be hanging out but very nice to meet you.

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by seasonalboomer on Jun 30^th, 2006, 8:23am

on 06/30/06 at 01:34:15, Weatherman wrote:

I have to travel by plane 2 times in the next month. Both times I should still be in my current cycle.

Questions:

Has anyone ever flown while in cycle?

Yes, many times.

Will flying trigger attacks?

It can for some but hasn't been a spceific trigger for me. I've gotten hit while flying but due to my own stupidity of drinking a beer in the airport lounge prior to getting on the plane. What a dunce!

Will the airlines allow me to bring O-2?

I've seen many posts as to how to do this but I think rules have been changing and you'll probably need to talk to your airline for their specific rules.

Will I have prescription issues if I travel to Canada?

Shouldn't - I have to travel to Toronto frequently, as does my family and have never had an issue. Particularly for any meds that would be Cluster related.

Anything else I should be aware of in regard to travel?

I try not to sleep on the plane when in cycle as sometimes the sleeping with your head all twisted or tilted has given me the feeling that I might get hit.

Enjoy your vacation!!!

Thanks All !!
Doug

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Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by chewy on Jun 30^th, 2006, 8:30am

For syringes the RX label should be on the bag they came in.

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Cat_CH on Jun 30^th, 2006, 8:57am

Hi!

I had to do a lot of travelling last year while "in cycle", and I must say it generally did not do anything good..

The change in altitude seemed to trigger attacks for me, and they also lasted longer when I was travelling. In general, travelling (especially for work I would say) is a bit stressful, and though on the body and that affected me. A few times I took an imitrex shot before boarding the plane, which seemed to help a bit for me.

But this may of course vary, you might not be troubled by at as much if you are lucky :)

Good luck!

Cat

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jun 30^th, 2006, 6:57pm

Very helpful as always!!!

Thanks Everyone

Doug

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by mynm156 on Jul 1^st, 2006, 2:25pm

Hey Dude,

I did have a problem flying, some flights were good, some were not. I have no trouble taking my Imitrex onboard they never even checked it out, but I just made sure that I hade my scripts with me. You cant take your own O2 on the flight. However, it can be arranged with the Airlines but it takes several days advanced notice otherwise it requires special medical transport. There will be paper work that your doctor has to fill out and the fastest I was able to push it through Alaska Airlines for one of my patients was three days. So I would plan a week in advance.

Hope that helps ya out!

MYNM156

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jul 1^st, 2006, 11:03pm

It does....thanks!

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by ShaneM on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:04pm

Doug,
I can't remember if you said before, but do you use Imitrex (of any sort)? I know that it has the ticker draw backs but if you are only going to be gone for a few days you may want to just take it and not lug the old bottle around. Of course, this is coming from someone who has yet to get my first O2 bottle. Got my script to be filled for Monday morning.

Shane

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:29pm

Unfortunately my body can't tolerate imitrex or any other narcotics. They never worked for me anyway. I just ended up all doped up with a headache.

I'm finding that I won't be able to take my O-2 on the plane. My prednisone taper seems to be kicking in pretty well plus the kudzu and melatonin seem to be starting to help...I think. I had a rare and glorious pain free sleep last night with only a few shadows all day today. I hope this is the beginning of some regular relief.

Just in case though, I plan to start on Taurine supplements as soon as it gets delivered. I'll take some "Liquid Ice" energy drinks with me... request a cold towel if I need it... and have some "Goody's" powders handy too. Those powders taken with a mountain dew or strong coffee do a pretty good job for me. A little hard on the stomach though. Powders were all I had before I was properly diagnosed and I learned how to maxamize their performance. I'm working on having O-2 arranged for me at my destinations.

I think all in all it's a pretty good plan. And if my current treatments are truly starting to kick in, I may not even need any of that other stuff. That would not suck!

Finger's Crossed
Doug

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by kayarr on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:40pm

Nice preemptive planning!
Since you prolly get to travel some it will all be old hat soon:)
Hopefully you will be in remission soon and not having to be concerned about such stuff:)

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:43pm

Thanks Kayarr. And by the way, that is a very sweet '67 on the other posting!

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by kayarr on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:53pm

Thank you! Putting that 460 in was tight. Had to use some different motor mounts specifically for this application. Still didn't leave much space. Tightening the header bolts was a tough.

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:56pm

Oh what I wouldn't do to take it for a spin. I bet it would abort a hit!

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by marlinsfan on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 10:56pm

Doug, I travel extensively for work, both domestic and international. I always call ahead and have oxygen delivered to my hotel room, and I bring my mask and regulator with me. I have a script for O2 in my wallet and I fax it to the O2 supplier at my destination.

During the flight I do whatever it takes NOT TO SLEEP, as sleep will always trigger a headache. I drink lots of coffee on board, or regular coke. Of course, I also watch what I eat/drink, given that I have a good handle of the foods/drinks that are triggers for me. I usually don't have a problem, but if I do get one that is not aborted by the coffee, then off to the bathroom I go with my trex.

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by Weatherman on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 11:05pm

Good advice Marlinsfan....Thanks! I'm working with Apria Healthcare on the O-2 at my destinations. Sounds like they are going to take good care of me. They have been awsome so far here in my hometown. Wish I could do the trex. I've tried injection and nasal spray. No pain relief and very bad physical reactions. Not good stuff when you have a tricky heart.

Doug

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by ShaneM on Jul 2^nd, 2006, 11:06pm

Marlinsfan,
I have always been curious... the only time I can remember having a problem with a HA is descending alt. Is it the same for you or anytime during flight? Oh, BTW, I started my taper Wednesday and said waht the hell and went for the beer test (12oz) at 5:30pm. Not even a shadow! Yeah, me!!

Shane [smiley=mellow.gif]

Title: Re: Travel Questions
Post by marlinsfan on Jul 3^rd, 2006, 9:33pm

Shane, I don't think it's made a difference for me. I'll ususally get hit if I nap. If I'm awake and drinking coffee or coke, I am usually OK during flights.

I've lived in the Rockies and at sea level, I've been paragliding, hiking up mountains, and scuba diving, and altitude/change in pressure has never really been an issue for me. But, we're all different....

Congrats on drinking that beer and staying PF! Hope it lasts!