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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Is flying a trigger?
        
(Message started by: serendipity on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:35am)

Title: Is flying a trigger?
Post by serendipity on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:35am

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.

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by georgej on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:39am

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

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by The mad viking on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:43am

As a diagnosed cronic i dont have any problem with flying

Svenn

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by Bond007 on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:51am

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!

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by kevinpix on Aug 10^th, 2006, 11:56am

I once tried to take oxygen on plane, they thought it was a bomb, yea right, like I'm that smart!

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by serendipity on Aug 10^th, 2006, 12:22pm

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.

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by pattik on Aug 10^th, 2006, 12:37pm

Quote:

If you have something to say to me, say it directly, please.

I trust this is direct enough...here is another thread on the same subject-last post on August 1st--

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=chspecific;action=display;num=1154400053

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by E-Double on Aug 10^th, 2006, 7:21pm

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

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by Sandy_C on Aug 10^th, 2006, 7:56pm

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

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by Katherinecm on Aug 10^th, 2006, 9:02pm

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.

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by sandie99 on Aug 11^th, 2006, 3:28am

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

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by serendipity on Aug 11^th, 2006, 9:37am

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! =)

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by Bond007 on Aug 11^th, 2006, 9:49am

Best of luck to ya!

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by georgej on Aug 11^th, 2006, 10:23am

Good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by Thomas_Martin on Aug 11^th, 2006, 5:59pm

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.

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by thenucman on Aug 12^th, 2006, 5:35pm

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.

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by kevinpix on Aug 13^th, 2006, 2:42pm

I'm with george on this one, sorry.

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by artscribe on Sep 18^th, 2006, 4:26pm

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!

Title: Re: Is flying a trigger?
Post by ShaneM on Sep 22^nd, 2006, 8:42am

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