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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Traveling to high altitude
        
(Message started by: valleyboy on Feb 11^th, 2008, 7:20pm)

Title: Traveling to high altitude
Post by valleyboy on Feb 11^th, 2008, 7:20pm

Hello anyone and everyone, I am 49 and have had CH for 35 years. Usually twice a day for 5 weeks with Feb. and July being popular. Imitrex injections do it for me but I get the chest pain after a week or two but the alternative is no better. My last two remissions were 2 1/2 years (hurray!). But now the bastard is back and I have a vacation planned (of course). Does anyone know if going from sea level to high altitude, and plane travel for that matter, do anything to intensify or increase occurance? Thanks and "Long Live the Remissions!"

Title: Re: Traveling to high altitude
Post by Ray on Feb 11^th, 2008, 8:03pm

Dear Valleyboy:

Like almost everything with this condition, nothing is a sure thing with everyone. I know that I've had CH on flights, my sister too. I'd plan to bring your abortives with you, just in case.

With best regards,

Ray

Title: Re: Traveling to high altitude
Post by Guiseppi on Feb 12^th, 2008, 10:17am

When I have a short trip planned, 7-10 days, I'm in cycle and geting hit regularly, I will try and talk my doc into a 14 day prednisone taper. For me, at doses as low as 30-40 mg a day, I can get complete relief. Not something you want to stay on for any period of time as the side effects of long term use are harsh.

For a short break it's something that's worked well for me.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Traveling to high altitude
Post by hotprestwich on Feb 12^th, 2008, 11:17am

i always feel that my CH are wheather related you may get some relief if your going to higher altitude,
not much advise but its somthing to feel possitive about,
thats the trick be prepared and stay possitive.

Title: Re: Traveling to high altitude
Post by DennisM1045 on Feb 12^th, 2008, 12:28pm

I've never noticed any issues strictly related to altitude. However air travel itself always nails me. Usually within an hour or two of landing. About three hours before my scheduled landing time I take a long acting Frovatriptan (Frova). It can keep the beast at bay for half a day or more. Another long lasting triptan is Naratriptan (Amerge).

The side effects with these triptans aren't as strong as with Imitrex. The also work much slower and aren't good for aborting an HA. They can buy you a break from a scheduled visit from the beast though.

Have you tried O2 yet? It is my main abortive combined with energy drinks. Using O2 has reduced my triptan consumption to once a week on average throughout a cycle.

You should be able to work something out with your insurance company and the hotel you're staying at to have O2 available while you are there.

Other than that, just make sure you bring plenty of Imitrex with you.

Good luck and don't let the beast ruin your fun.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Traveling to high altitude
Post by Loric on Feb 14^th, 2008, 5:10am

A word of caution about the plane and the injectable: if you have to excuse yourself to the "lounge" to inject (I did so once from LA to Tampa) be aware that contents under pressure expand and yadda yadda - so you'll have a bruise once you land. A bruise is better then the alternative.

Also, notice some folks are worried about carrying the statdose: put it in your carryon, no one will even ask to see it or even care, i've never even had to remove my statdoses and declare them. Just leave it in the box that clearly labels it as medication in your backpack or computer case for easy access. I've been everywhere with several of mine like that, no over zealous security person has said a peep (and they've nearly tackled me for leaving my cell phone on in my computer bag!) and that includes having my bags searched manually at London Gatwick and my stuff thoroughly gone through piece by piece when I went through customs.

Title: Re: Traveling to high altitude
Post by Loric on Feb 14^th, 2008, 5:15am

Also - absolute dumbest thing i've EVER done was make use a free drink voucher i got with my frequent flyer reward flight recently (sometimes you just forget you're -different-) .

You probably know how your cycle effects you, but i was in denial of really being back into a cycle and thought i had just gotten a random headache the day before - so i had the drink, i really regretted it.