Air Travel
I'm taking a cross country flight and am a little worried. I'll be alone and travelling by air with Dystonia for the first time. I've timed it for 4 weeks after my Botox shots but not sure what to expect. Any tips, hints, suggestions?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Quirina on
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Hi Noel,
What I used to do, flying to The Netherlands, is take at least a half or a whole Diazepam (or similar), Ultracet pain pill (or similar) and depending how long the flight is also a half or whole sleeping pill. The Diazepam made me stay calm, less stress. You will be fine as long as you try to think positive and try not to become over stressed. Really trust me, you can do itl!
Quirina
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Permalink Reply by CrookedCris on -
Absolutely - if you have something that can draw attention to yourself re: Dystonia (cane, cervical brace, etc) take it and use it. There are lots of airline folks would will help so long as they can discern you may 'actually' need it. This sounds counter productive but I traveled for 8 months twice a week with CD and the brace made my life easier.
Ask for pre-boarding for medical reasons and don't hesitate to ask to be seated where it will made the most difference (bulkhead, window, etc) (this doesn't work on Southwest, but when you preboard you're first on and you can pick out the seat you need. They are going to ask you why you need to pre-board; my standard line is I have difficulty getting into my seat in a timely fashion and need assistance with my carry-ons.
Last, take whatever you can to keep your mind busy - it's amazing how a heavy distraction can minimize the impact of being jammed into positions that you can't get out of and are going to hurt. If that means scheduling a 4-5 pill 'present' from your Doc, do it. You'll thank yourself when it's over.
Good luck and safe travels!
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Permalink Reply by noelv on -
I can use my miles to upgrade to first class, I extra room would be more comfortable and the seats I'm sure are more comfortable. It's the part where you have to be in a straight upright position that I fear. If the first class seats recline further back, I may be more comfortable. Should I do it?
I have Valium as a backup for stressful times so I could knock myself out for a while. It's nonstop so I'm sure someone will wake me up at the destination. I have a connecting flight for the return but 2 hours should keep the stress level down.
I have a Disabled Person ID, would that get me to the front of security? I really can't stand for long periods of time.
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Permalink Reply by CrookedCris on
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Yes, but to avoid any confusion you might request the Ticketing Agent for courtesy chair transport - don't take a chance with the TSA folks (I've met good and not so much). They have the facility to get you from point A to B - if you need it, definitely ask for it.
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Permalink Reply by Jenn on
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I have traveled cross country and to Europe this year.
1. Had a note from my doctor saying I was disabled.
2. Brought my cane
3. Presented note to ticket counter, they requested a wheelchair (I didnt need it however)
4. If I had used the wheelchair it would have bumped me up in the line at TSA; they will also pre-board you.
5. My problem is that I cannot sit for long periods of time... my note from the doctor said I need to stand as much as possible when in flight... presented that to the flight attendants/
6. I flew Continental and Jetblue. :P
7. Im alcohol responsive.. so.... one drink, and moving around helped, although I packed klonopin just in case.
... now curious thing though.. when in flight my symptoms lessened considerably. I limped onto the plane, limped off the plane.. but above 30,000ft felt a lot better.. I asked my neuro about this.. and she said:
"perhaps gravity affected me .. but moving to a space station was not a feasible option."
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Permalink Reply by RevWagner on -
carry a card with all your info on it. Doctors, drugs, description of attacks. This was a great help after an attack i had after the plane I was flying on ran out of gas in the air, and we sat for two hours on the tarmac.
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Permalink Reply by noelv on
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I used my miles to upgrade to first class. At least I can recline while on the tarmac.
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Permalink Reply by beka on -
Hi Noel -
Traveling should be a piece of cake -
This is agreat pdf file link for anyone considering traveling..
Link;
http://www.h2opaddle.co.uk/documents/WHO_fitness_to_fly_chap2.pdf
Plan ahead:
Be sure your immunizations are current.
Delay your trip if you are not well.
Reserve a seat by the wing if you are prone to air sickness.
Seek the advice of your physician if there is any question.
Allow ample time to check in and reach your departure gate.
Carry your medication with you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes that have been worn previously.
Inflight:
Eat lightly.
Drink water and fruit juices.
Do not place anything under the seat in front of you so you can stretch and exercise your legs.
Stand and walk about the cabin periodically.
Relax and enjoy your flight.
Useful Tips for Airline Travel can be found on the Aerospace Medical Association’s Web Site.
Effects of Altitude
Although aircraft cabins are pressurized, that pressure (called barometric pressure) is less than that on the ground. For most flights the cabin pressure is the same as that at 5,000-8,000 feet above sea level. In other words, when you are flying, the atmosphere within the aircraft is like that on the 5,000-8,000 feet peak of a small mountain. This has two effects: there is less oxygen available because the pressure of oxygen becomes lower; and, gas within our body cavities expands. Both of these phenomena are usually well tolerated by healthy passengers.
A) Oxygen: There is less oxygen absorbed into the blood and circulated throughout the body during flight as compared to ground level due to a decrease in oxygen with an increased cabin altitude. As long as you are in reasonably good health, your body has physiological mechanisms that compensate for this decreased quantity of oxygen. On the other hand, passengers with significant heart, lung, and blood diseases may not well tolerate lower amounts of oxygen. Therefore, they should consult their physician before air travel to evaluate their capability to travel and to determine if there is a need for medical oxygen or other special assistance. Medical oxygen can be arranged with most airlines and it is important to check with your carrier several days in advance of the flight. Furthermore, the combination of low oxygen, alcohol, inactivity and sleep can generate unpleasant side effects like dizziness and/or fainting if one stands up too fast after awakening. Arm and leg exercises before standing up will usually prevent this.
B) Gas Expansion: The body contains air in the middle ear (inside of the ear drum) and sinuses. As the aircraft ascends, the air in these cavities will expand to the outside via tubes connecting them to the nose. On descent the reverse occurs with air flowing from outside to these cavities via the same tubes. This is well tolerated as long as the air can flow into and out of these cavities freely. To facilitate the free flow of air, particularly on descent, it is helpful to periodically swallow, chew, or yawn. (This is why it is important that passengers stay awake during descent.) Give something to drink to young children or a pacifier to infants. Individuals with ear, nose and sinus infections should avoid flying because the congestion prevents the air from flowing freely in and out of these cavities which could result in pain, bleeding, and possibly a ruptured ear drum. Also, avoid gas forming foods or liquids before flight.
( Never thought of this....)
The Cabin Environment
Air Quality:
In all modern pressurized aircraft, half the cabin air is fresh air drawn in via the engines with the other half recirculated from the cabin. The recirculated air is ducted through an air filter before being reintroduced into the cabin. There is a total air change (filtered recirculated plus outside air) every 2 - 3 minutes or 20 to 30 exchanges per hour. This is far more than for any home or office building and easily maintains cabin contaminants to low levels. Several studies of the past l0 - 15 years have confirmed that the levels of volatile organic compounds (solvents), airborne particulates, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone and microbials were well within acceptable health levels of our regulatory agencies. This does not mean the air is 'allergy-safe' by any means--see below.
Humidity: Aircraft cabin relative humidity is usually less than 20%, which is fairly dry. Although these low levels may be a source of mild discomfort (dry skin and eyes), there is little risk to your health.
Minimize discomfort from dryness by
Drinking reasonable amounts of water and juices.
Limiting consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, and caffeinated drinks because they cause you to lose fluids.
Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses.
Applying a skin moisturizer.
Motion Sickness:
For those susceptible to motion sickness
Request a seat over the wings.
Schedule flights on larger airplanes.
Request a window seat.
Avoid alcohol for the 24 hours prior to flight and inflight.
Keep seat belts fastened while seated.
Consult your physician about motion sickness medication if necessary.
Space:
Because of crowding in some aircraft, passengers are frequently uncomfortable and unable to stretch or easily leave their seats. In susceptible individuals, prolonged periods of immobility, can increase the risk for blood clots to form in the legs. This can occur in a train, car, bus, or aircraft. Consequently, it is called travelers thrombosis. There is no epidemiological evidence of a particular link with air travel itself.
Dystonia need space !!
Travelers' thrombosis can cause pain and/or swelling of the legs during travel or even several days or weeks afterwards. Clots in the legs are not serious in themselves, but occasionally they break off and travel to the lungs causing what is called pulmonary embolism. This is not a common occurrence but when it does happen, it can be life threatening.
Nevertheless, a few simple tips might decrease the risk:
Wear loose clothing and avoid tight, restrictive garments.
Place nothing under the seat in front of you so you can stretch and periodically exercise your feet and ankles.
Drink mainly juices and water while minimizing alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Walk about the cabin periodically (every 60 - 90 minutes).
Consult your physician if you have underlying illness such as coronary artery disease, cancer, or blood clotting disorder.
( me personally , I take a baby Asperin before a long flight 81 mgs...)
beka
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Permalink Reply by Stace on -
I've traveled by air countless times since I've had dystonia and I've found that calling ahead to get a wheel chair on each end is a huge help1 It is a little inconvienient as wheelchair passengers are last to deplane but it is worth it. especially when muscles are weak or tired!
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Permalink Reply by Thorns on -
My brother who had the DBS last year will be flighing for the first time and we are hoping his DBS will not have a reaction to the scanners and shut it off. He does have the device to turn it back on but has anyone here very had a problem with their DBS when traveling. We leave for Myrtle Beach Oct 2. Thorns
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Permalink Reply by beka on
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Have him NOT Go thru the antitheft detector. he should have a Medtrnic card that says that he has a neurostimulator. He should show this to the gate agents and security and he will be wanded down instead...Better to be safe than sorry.
I got turned off last week by Barnes & Nobles Antitheft detectors. Check with your doc if the DBS IPG is in soft start mode, and if turned off, and turning back on , will lead your brother to the factory pre-set settings.
Do have a good time in the sun and sand of M.B !
beka
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Permalink Reply by Deanna on -
I traveled with three different layovers last week. I asked for a wheel chair online with my reservation. I did pre-board. I explained to the counter agent if they had a seat with more leg room. No problem. I thought with just taking a small carry on would be to my advantage, which it was.Ask for the help!
I hurt so bad for days after getting home by doing all the walking .I won't try to be Ms. Independent again when I travel. I'll accept the wheel chair with no qualms about it. Have a great trip!
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