Difficulty travelling

[polarbear]

Hi everyone,

I want to see Dr Potter for an MRN, but don't know how to get there. I can not sit in any capacity and when in the car I lay in the backseat. Very uncomfortable for more than 4 hours. NY is 8-10 hours by car.

Any suggestions?

Gail

[carolynm]

What about Vicodin-ing up for a flight? I know it's hard. I'm flying to NY from CO next month and also thinking about how I"m going to deal with the long flight.

wishing you the best, and get that MRI scheduled as soon as possible!f

cari

[polarbear]

Hi Carolynn,

If I try to sit in any capacity I have nerve attacks ( sharp knife like pain) that last approx.
30 min.

I have not found any pain meds to stop nerve attacks.

Do you have nerve attacks and does Vicoden stop them? Also I can not stand for more than 20-30 minutes, how about you?

I really want to travel to NY to see Dr. Potter, but am afraid of having an attack on the plane.

I may need to travel laying in the backseat of my car as a last resort. At least if I have a horrible attack I am laying down.

Totally confused,

Gail

Gail

[calluna]

We all get this to some degree, Gail. It is hard finding a way around it.

I can sit for a while if I use my Togu cushion, and take meds - at the moment it is pregabalin (Lyrica) plus tramadol. In a car, I recline the seat and make sure I don't stay in the same position for too long. Ice is also very useful. I haven't tried flying, but I know that several people on here have managed flights.

What I've heard - take the heaviest meds you have. Use ice - if you take ice packs on board, and explain that you need them for pain relief, then the stewards will put the spare ones in the ice compartment of their fridge. And stand as much as possible. If you buy an extra seat, then you can lie down across your own seat and the spare and that of your partner. Or if the plane is not full, that makes it a lot easier - you can lie down across a row of seats and the only real problem is take off and landing, when you will have to sit with the seatbelt on. Of course tell the airline beforehand that you are disabled with pain, and you will need a lot of help.

With regard to what stops the pain flares - so far I haven't found anything that actually prevents them. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes the closest, and tramadol does definitely take it down a notch or two. Even so, it still comes through. It is more manageable, though.

When the pain is very sharp, I've found breathing focus to be helpful. There is a good section about it in the book I mentioned before.

[polarbear]

Hi Calluna,

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will talk to my doctor about some strong medication fo the trip. I like your idea of 2 plane seats. I could always purchase 2 seats to be more comfortable. We also plan on buying a new car/suv over the next two weeks, which may be more comfortable for long rides.

One way or another I need to get there.

Thanks for letting me know that most individuals with pne deal with transportation problems. I am not alone.

Gail

[carolynm]

Gail,
Vicodin doesn't help my pain much as well, but has helped others.
what about valium? It helps me so much. If someone can travel with you, you could take 5-10 mg once you have to sit in the plane and have your "helper" guide you through the airport/cab situtation.

will someone be going with you?

cari

[Amanda]

My recommendation is to take your cushions, ice and plenty of meds and remember the reason why you are travelling....it may hurt but the adrenalin will get you through this tough time. I have travelled many times for medical opinions and treatments to Frnace, and Belgium involving more than 9 hours each way. The Airport staff are generally helpful once you say you have a problem, i usually book special assistance which means I am pushed through security and all other areas in a wheelchair....I know this involves sitting but I take some pills beforehand so that Im more comfy than normal.
The thought of this may be daunting but to recieve a good medical diagnosis or treatment makes up for the discomfort. You have to remember that you may have to rest for days after your trip to recover.

Best of luck

[polarbear]

Amanda,

Thanks for all the suggestions and stressing the importance of finding a way to travel to appts.

Gail