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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
        
(Message started by: ndshrubs on Mar 31^st, 2007, 8:31pm)

Title: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by ndshrubs on Mar 31^st, 2007, 8:31pm

I fly a lot for work. It's never fun, especially having a base of O'hare airport, where delays are the norm, but this week was terrible. Hopefully, it will serve as a learning experience for someone.

I was in Houston and my allergies had kicked in, causing a bit of a runny nose, sinus pressure, and, naturally, a series of cluster headaches. The headaches continued to build in intensity, despite my normal regimine of advil and axert and claritin-D.

At the airport on Friday, I felt one coming on, took a topamax, axert, and 2 advil, just as they began boarding the plane. UNBELIEVEABLE PAIN as the plane took off. The pressure of the take off, not being able to walk around, the heat of the fat guy next to me... AHGH! Absolutely awful. I thought I had experienced "10s" before; apparently, I'd been mistaken. I can only imagine landings being worse as the pressure builds.

If ever you're in that situation, try to take a later flight.

-Scott

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by chewy on Mar 31^st, 2007, 9:50pm

I'd just use my imitrex.

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by ClusterChuck on Mar 31^st, 2007, 10:15pm

Anyone with cluster headaches should know that advil and axert and claritin-D are worthless against clusters. If they work for you, you are lucky, as you don't have clusters!!

Go see a neuro, who KNOWS various types of headaches, and find out what type you really have.

Good Luck!

Chuck

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by Rockcoat on Apr 1^st, 2007, 2:21am

Yeah, none of that stuff ever worked for me either. I've taken morphine and still not have it put a dent in the pain. Maybe Chuck is right and you may not have clusters but rather some bad sinus problems. (I pray thats that's case for you) Best of luck mate.

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by pieface_49 on Apr 1^st, 2007, 8:43am

I question whether the antihistamines are a factor in my CH? I will get a sinus infection and was taking nyquil, dayquil and alka-selzer plus to help with the infection. I have noticed nyquil and dayquil seem to bring on a hit. Also, during a cycle, my histamine levels are extremely high. I would say in my case, the sinus infections are a precursor to a cycle. This may not happen with others, just know it is true for me.

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by BarbaraD on Apr 1^st, 2007, 8:48am

When I used to fly a lot, I never left home without my trex (later DHE). I've shot up on planes (in front of whoever happened to be sitting next to me - upset a few flight attendants) and bathrooms in a LOT of airports and really didn't give a rat's a$$ what anyone thought, said or did about it. (I think MAYBE in about three or four more years I can go back to O'Hare :D - one of those "famous" delays and they wouldn't give me O2 when I nicely asked for it - I kinda acted up!).

But I do carry a note from my doc that says I have CH and need my meds which include syringes. Never had to show it, but I got it in case. He's added that I also need O2 on 15 liters with a mask (after O'Hare).

You might try taking an abortative with you (or a Red Bull if you know you're getting ready for a hit).

Hugs BD

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by ndshrubs on Apr 1^st, 2007, 1:00pm

Thanks for the responses. I've seen 5 neurologists in Chicago, most recently the guys at Northwestern and most certainly have clusters. Immitrex doesn't work for me at all. I've tried maxalt, mlt, replax, zomig (pill/nasal), etc... and have settled on axert 12.5 mg as the treatment that works best, and quickest, for me. Normally, I use it in concert with oxygen and pull through fine.

The Claritin D is for allergies, just another little bonus which adds to the pressure that I feel inside my head during a cluster attack.

Just trying to offer advice to those who don't find "fast-acting" treatments helpful and would be in a similar situation.

Title: Re: On CH, Sinus Pressure, and Airplanes
Post by purpleydog on Apr 6^th, 2007, 11:45am

I can see where if your sinuses are bothering you, or with an infection, when you take off in a plane, the change in pressure would be extremely painful to your sinuses.

I fly several times a year, and never had the change in pressure affect my CH. I've gotten hit on planes before, but always after I've been in the air for awhile, and been shadowing for several days. I just use the trex, myself. Also, topomax is a prevent, not an abortive. Maybe you should see your GP for some prescription allergy meds, and make sure you don't have an infection before you fly.