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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Clusters On A Plane
        
(Message started by: UN solved on Aug 31^st, 2007, 3:31pm)

Title: Clusters On A Plane
Post by UN solved on Aug 31^st, 2007, 3:31pm

Clusters @ 22,000 feet !! >:(

I've done alot of flying and never had a problem until yesterday. About 30 minutes into the flight, I got hit. It wasn't a 10, but it hurt pretty bad anyways. It may have had nothing to do with flying, but then again, it may have ??. I'm having a hell of a time with them right now though. I had 3 overnight and 1 so far today ... so I can't be sure that flying had anything to do with that cluster attack.

Always be prepared to battle the beast. Anytime, anywhere, at any altitude !

PF Wishes

UNsolved

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by Brewcrew on Aug 31^st, 2007, 3:39pm

on 08/31/07 at 15:31:35, UN solved wrote:

In the future, try contacting the airlines' special services and explain to them you have a prescription for O2 as needed for cluster headaches. Since you can't carry it onboard, ask them if they could arrange for you to have access to it if needed.

What do all those folks with breathing problems do when they have to fly?

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by Ray on Aug 31^st, 2007, 4:35pm

Brew:

You made a sensible suggestion, the only problems are: It is incredibly expensive, it won't go over 6 liters per minute, and it is the smallest tank I've ever seen.

It also makes planning a flight very complicated.

Michael, when life deals you lemons, I guess it is time for lemonaid, BIG TIME. Still praying for you bro.

Ray

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by DennisM1045 on Sep 1^st, 2007, 10:05am

I always get hit after I land. Usually within half an hour. Makes flying really tough. I'm glad I don't do it often.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by Jill on Sep 1^st, 2007, 8:06pm

Hi...

Of all the places that I hate getting the attacks is on the plane - atleast other places I can hide. I get hit just after take off and just after landing, never fails.

I have learned that the best seat is in the aisle where you can pace som. Being in the middle seat of an airplane, really close to other people... not pretty. And getting the flight attendants to bring cup after cup of coffee is sometimes hard.

Now I warn them and tell them ahead of time - usually those around me get a good lesson on clusters. And I have been given a diaretic to take before I fly.... we will see how my flight to Sweden in a week goes.

Anyways, I am getting slammed today so I am not sure how much sense this makes. Sorry. I do find it interesting though how some people are affected more than others with the altitude change.

Jill

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by cash5542 on Sep 1^st, 2007, 10:18pm

In answer to what people do with breathing problems, several things. Prearrange o2 (and yes it's expensive) and/or carry a portable nebulizer. Everytime the plane landed, Lisa had a major asthma attack. After about two years, this went away. We also met the paramedics one time as they waited in Denver ready for her. I'm especialy interested in this thread cause we are planning on flying to Hawaii next summer. She has only had CH for a year so I don't know what to expect. I' imagining boarding with a cooler of redbull and imitrex shots. I guess portable o2 isnt allowed on the plane? Can you bring a clusrer masx and attach to their o2 or is it too slow?

Charlotte

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by ClusterChris on Sep 2^nd, 2007, 8:46am

I'm pretty sure since 9/11 they do not let any oxygen on the plane.

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by Ray on Sep 2^nd, 2007, 9:16am

Chris:

You can arrange with the airlines to PROVIDE oxygen for your flight. It is too small, with too low of a flow rate to do any good, and very expensive.

You may NOT provide your own oxygen, unless the tank is certified empty and rides in the baggage. Oxydizers are a big NO-NO on planes.

With regards,

Ray

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by Brewcrew on Sep 2^nd, 2007, 9:18am

Pilots and flight attendants have access to all the O2 they want or need via full face mask and demand regulators. Perhaps some sweet talking might get you access to one of the flight attendants masks. They're even better than a clustermasx (no offense, Ben) because they'll deliver as much O2 as you need, as fast as you can breathe it. Plus, they make you look like a fighter pilot (without the helmet).

No, the airlines will not allow you to carry O2 tanks onboard. If one were to explode, it could blow a sizeable hole in the side of the fuselage.

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by cash5542 on Sep 2^nd, 2007, 10:33am

Thanks Brew! I know there are pull down masks that anyone can use with o2 in the case of emergency. Lisa had to use it once but I don't remember it being too strong plus the mask was latex causing another issue. I didn't know about the other source of o2 with the flight attendants. I guess calling the airline ahead is the best plan. The day Lisa had the severe asthma attack in Denver that made us fly off the plane to the paramedics, the man in front of her had a heart attack. They just kept the plane seated until Lisa and the man were off. There also was a young boy behind us flying alone for the first time. He was fine until all of this happened. These flight attendants sure have there hands full on some trips.

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by MR_FLOOR on Sep 2^nd, 2007, 12:18pm

on 09/01/07 at 10:05:50, DennisM1045 wrote:

I always get hit after I land. Usually within half an hour. Makes flying really tough. I'm glad I don't do it often.

-Dennis-

On the way to Mexico not on the way home just like you said right after we landed I got hit and stupid me packed all my trex in my suite case.Not fun.

Dave

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Sep 3^rd, 2007, 11:22pm

on 08/31/07 at 15:39:19, Brewcrew wrote:

What do all those folks with breathing problems do when they have to fly?

Each airline has their own rules as to whether you can take O2 on board. Most dont allow it, but a few do.

Lesson learned: When you book a flight, make sure the carrier specifically allows it, not the booking company. For example, Alaska Air owns Horizon Air. I booked a ticket with Alaska and asked them if i can take O2 on board, and they said yes. Turns out i was on a Horizon flight and they dont allow it. FUCKERS!!!

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by LeLimey on Sep 5^th, 2007, 3:03pm

I've been hit on a plane once - and that was enough.

I now take a frovatriptan a couple of hours before flying and so far - in the last two years, it hasn't let me down.

I'll admit I'm too afraidto try without again though :-/

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by billyjoe on Sep 5^th, 2007, 11:40pm

Frovatriptan as a preventative? I didn't think you could use a triptan type drug as a preventative. I am assuming this drug is in the same class as Imitrex? Can you please educate me on this drug. I need to fly to France at the end of this month and this thread now has me concerned.

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by LeLimey on Sep 6^th, 2007, 3:36am

Billy Joe Frova is a triptan but its no good as an abortive as it takes too long to kick in (up to 2 hours)

HOWEVER, clusterheads, being the innovative (and desperate!) bunch that we are have found that because Frova has the longest half life of all triptans at up to 26 hours that it can be extremely effective as a preventative for one off occasions - ie NOT every day. For flying, a meeting, a wedding - a nights sleep once in a while it's brilliant though!

If you are getting hit at regular times then the best way to takeit is two hours before a hit is due. If your hits are erratic I'd recommend you take it with a hot or fizzy drink as both seem to speed up it's efficacy. Once taken you would need to rely on O2 or ice or caffeine drinks to abort until it kicked in.

As with all triptans Frovatriptan can be taken twice within a 24 hour period so although it says up to 26 hours I play safe and take it again at 12 hours. I've learned in the past it lasts me anywhere between 16 and 20 hours - maybe its my metabolism or what I eat on the day or so on but its better to be prepared!

I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor and asking for some samples. You might also want to bear in mind that Zomig nasal sprays have a half life of up to 8 hours and kick in alot quicker AND - you can use up to 3 of them in 24 hours. This is the only triptan that this advice applies to as yet though.

Oh and just as my usual reminder to everyone - you cannot mix two types of triptans within a 24 hour period. You take Frova OR you take Zomig for instance.

Hope this helps!
Helen

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by DennisM1045 on Sep 6^th, 2007, 7:19am

You continue to be the best Helen! 8) Great advice. Thanks...

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Clusters On A Plane
Post by billyjoe on Sep 6^th, 2007, 7:30am

Another tool for the toolbelt.

Thanks!