posted
In a few days, I'm going to be taking my very first trip since getting sick.
We are flying from Seattle to Phoenix.
Flying has always been hard for me. I get airsick, and the airplanes are like little germ capsules.
So I'm extra nervous about this trip.
Does anyone have tips or advice for flying/traveling with Lyme/weak immune system?
Thanks so much, AnnaL
Posts: 398 | From By the Salish Sea | Registered: Dec 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
from my newbie package links!
Advise from Greg, airline steward 2007... * howdy, as a flight attendant i think i can help...I have lyme, and fly 10 hours a day, three days a week. I"M "better" meaning i haven't had antibiotics for three years now. * I manage with herbs and a rife machine. * The plane is a dirty, hostile environment for a lyme patient. * Stay hydrated, take B complex and stay away from carbs and sugar. * If your immune system is on the fritz wear a mask and sanitize your seating area . * Dont worry what the stews are thinking, we know the plane is gross. * the lack of air and pressure will wreak havoc on the neuro sx. not much you can do there. * When you get to your final destination hit the dry sauna or go for a run, thats what I do. * Remember to sleep well and stay away from the booze and coffee. * dont touch anything in the bathroom; TAKE DISPOSABLE GLOVES FOR BATHROOM! ..enjoy your flight:)
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Are you nervous - because you are a nervous flyer, anyway . . .
or is this concern over being able to do this without symptoms, etc.
I can help if it's a nervous system overload thing or about pressure on the ears / vertigo / nausea.
=========
SW Airlines ? They have been WONDERFUL to me on several occasions from Portland to Phoenix and reverse.
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When you board the plane, introduce yourself to the closest attendant and let her/him know that you have some health concerns - if you think you might react strangely - or be perceived by others to do so.
Even if you are a "nervous flyer" you can tell them - However, it's also vital they know you have an inner ear condition and vertigo. They will be more mindful, that way.
I'm not nervous at all and (used to) love to fly. But now it's like I have a strange body that I must baby-sit and make all sorts of preparations for it to "fly" smoothly.
I have seizures and (even as a surprise to me) might suddenly scream with sudden increased ear pressure.
I found out the hard way that it is far better to just let attendants AND those in seats next to me what might happen and, if it does, no big deal. In a cool, calm voice I assure them it's just in case and that I'll be fine, no matter what.
So, after telling you this, and all that follows, you likely will think you are the world's BEST flyer and it will be a breeze.
In case you can find help from any of what has helped me, take what you want for your check-list:
INNER EAR & TUMMY COMFORT
Have you been assigned a seat yet? Over the wings is more stable for anyone with inner ear trouble but after recent activity in the Hudson, everyone wants the wings.
Call your airline and make it clear that you would need this due to an inner ear condition.
If you have vertigo upon take off and landing:
Take 4 sets of doubled heavy freezer bags. After you settle into the plane, ask the attendant to put ice in a bag as that will help settle nausea and decrease chance of loosing a lunch, so to speak.
Take a thin towel to wrap around this and put along the back of your neck and sides of the neck so that blood flow to the brain is cooled. The towel can also be used for neck support later. there is no guarantee of a pillow and your own towel will be fresher.
If you can't do the ice, a cool wet bunch of paper towels can help.
=========
HOMEPATHICS that help prevent vertigo - for me are:
Tabacum 20c (this will stop nausea in its track)
& also
Cocculus 6 x
- BOIRON is a good brand. And some airport shops have some other brands. Even the AAA travel store has them.
Ginger Capsules (take long before flight and again just before) and ginger tea bags, too.
If your ears hurt, you can add homeopathic of ARNICA.
Caffeine, mint or chocolate will negate the effects of homeopathics.
I recall the security checkers at the Phoenix airport were weirded out by my homeopathic tubes. It's best to hand check those but I've also had my back-up stash go through X-ray and they worked fine.
----
FOOD
Be sure to have snacks so that your blood sugar does not get low but avoid spicy or fatty snacks.
Call Sea-Tac - or check with airline to see what you can take from home in the food dept. Ask if home-made food is allowed (since there are few prepared foods we can eat).
or google the airport's site for restaurants and have a good meal - and snack - prepared for you to pick up prior to flight. PROTEIN is key. Almonds help, but you'll also need real food before you leave - or to take with you.
Can you freeze your own breast of chicken and take a freezer pack? Can you get packets of your favorite protein powder?
I used to freeze carrot juice and take a can of sardines to eat - way away from people. I'm not sure those would get past security these days.
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Just before decent, get more ice in a fresh bag (or if you can empty the previous one, recyle that).
WATER
Be sure to drink LOTS of water - even though that will increase your time in the loo. I just wash my hands really well and don't touch much, but you might take a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer (test it first to be sure you can stand the smell).
Again, check with your airline or Sea-Tac about what you can and can't take on. If you take water, can you bring it or must it be purchased after you go through the security check?
I found that the plane does not carry enough water for me to drink as much as I need - so I have to take my own to be certain. Without water the instant - the very instant - that I need it, I can pass out or spaz out.
SUPPLEMENTS
Taking anti-oxidants before the flight can help - and a tissue with a drop of pure essential lemon oil can help offset the fumes from the planes before you at take-off.
Emer-gen-C packets might be a good choice. NAC, ALA, Milk Thistle - good for liver support.
---
ENERGY SUPPORT - WHEELS
If you are low energy or have trouble walking, call your airline and register for wheelchair service. You have to do this one or two days before - at least.
When you arrive at airport, find a courtesy phone and have them bring you a wheelchair. Note: the attendant will have a loud walkie-talkie in their pocket. If you are going with someone, have them push the chair.
And, you don't have to stay in it all the time. I suggest when you get past all the people to get out and walk some them.
Be sure when you get on the plane, to ask the flight attendant if a wheelchair will be waiting for you at the gate at arrival.
Phoenix used to have large golf carts, not wheelchairs, though. (If I recall correctly). Those will have loud beeps so be aware.
And they can be a bit dizzying, depending upon the quirkiness of the driver. So sit closer to the center of the vehicle.
==
NAP TIME and YOGA
Once you get to your gate, you can find a quiet corner in the adjoining gate area and do some stretches - and even lie down on the floor if you need to rest. Take a scarf for your head.
If you are traveling alone, let the gate attendant know where you are and that you'll be boarding early due to health condition.
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All this is not to cause anxiety, but I have found that having all this in place has helped me at times.
EAR PLUGS
Be sure to take several sets of EAR PLUGS - and put in different places. But, during assent and descent, you need to be sure to swallow and you may have to pop your plugs a bit so that ear pressure does not increase pressure on your ear drum.
I have a set of Bose Noise cancellation headphones - but they don't want you to use those on take off and landing (which is the time they are most needed).
Even without a noise cancellation headset, you can still hear a iPod if you have "button headphones" - just put them in front of your ears and the bone conduction will take over.
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Now, if they anxiety you mentioned is more of a "nervous flyer" type, you can take something like HOLY BASIL as that calms the rush of adrenal stress hormones.
Your regular adrenal and liver support is good, too.
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Sorry this is not in a very concise format - but I hope it helps.
Oh, Years ago, I recall a wonderful sit-down restaurant at the Phoenix airport. Good, healthy food choices.
BTW, I've never been in an airport that was not fine with my lying down off to the side. If you are self-conscious, back stretches will make it look like you have to do this for your back. You can use your purse for a pillow, keeping one strap around your arm.
Good luck and I hope you have such a wonderful time in every step of your travels.
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[ 02-15-2009, 02:15 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
keebler, outstanding; i added the link here for your tips also!!
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posted
I am glad someone asked about this because I am also flying in July to the Keys. Well, depending on how things go with me over the next few months.
I dont want to get my hopes up but it does give me something to fantasize about when I feel like dog poo.
That was awesome information from everyone. Thank you so much!!
Posts: 171 | From the land of oz | Registered: Feb 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Jamie,
I don't know if you've ever been in the Keys before or not - or where you are going there.
I have a brother in Key West. I've never been there but when we talk on the phone there are always chickens sounding in the background.
The entire island of Key West is free-range for chickens. So, if you are sound sensitive or startle easily, and if you are going to Key West, be sure to be prepared.
The upside to the Keys in July, I hear, is that it never gets too hot and usually has a very nice breeze.
Ah, my favorite past time....chasing chickens until the Roosters come after me. I may have to relive that childhood memory once again!
We are staying at Key Largo one night thn driving to Bahia State Park(Big Pine Key). We have a campsite right on the ocean. Well 75-100 ft away from the ocean. I cannot wait for that sweet ocean breeze!!
We then are driving down to Key West for a day or two then going to Miami (south beach).
I really hope I can make this trip otherwise, I will just have to use my ticket credit for another trip.
No, this will be my first time at the Keys.
Posts: 171 | From the land of oz | Registered: Feb 2009
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i've gotten to where i can't fly. the air pressure on my sensitive ears is excruciating.
the pain is so bad, i just don't fly...i feel like my eardrums are going to rupture.
i'd rather just drive for days....
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
coast to coast was pretty bad. The over all pressure was all over painful. If I have to do it again while feeling bad I may spring for the prescribed oxygen. It might be $100 each way but my doc swears it really helps and I need to function on the other side or there is no point in going.
Posts: 27 | From SW VA | Registered: Aug 2008
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