Holiday

[Groundhog1234]

I’m going on holiday and the flight is 9 hours not sure how I will manage as my legs and feet start hurting , I know I can have a few walks to the toilet but I’m not one for just standing up on the plane , has anyone got suggestions to help if I get figaty legs and they start hurting . I will be drinking just water . What do other people take

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

take as much as you can to ensure you are comfortable on the flight - a small pillow/cushion; lightweight cover etc can make a difference. I always use heat pads when travelling, to help with pain management (and of course, make sure you have all necessary medication if needed during the journey). Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Do regular stretching exercises to help prevent stiffness and fluid retention in legs. Comfortable clothing, shoes etc. We booke assistance at the airport to help us through security etc

When we went to america, we paid the extra to travel first class (only because we got an excellent deal on prices) - this meant that i could take additional handluggage on board with stuff to keep me comfortable (including my weighted blanked) and i was also able to stretch out and get up and move freely as much as i needed to.

good luck and hope your flight goes smoothly

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you it’s America so long flight , we going as 6 people so can’t upgrade to first class as to much for the 6 of us . Hopefully I might sleep if I try to get medication to make me feel drowsy

[Elizahl]

Drink a lot of water and move around the plane when you can no one will think anything of it as most people do it. Also take some paracetamol before and during flight to keep aches at bay once you get off do a few stretches it might be uncomfortable but you can do it. Good luck and enjoy your trip x

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Elizahl]

Thank you I be takeing my pain killers

[Lupusrelative in reply to Groundhog1234]

Be careful about bringing codeine into the US as it’s considered a narcotic here. Make sure your painkillers are in their prescription bottles or packets.

[Gaballetto in reply to Lupusrelative]

I took a letter from my GP listing my prescription drugs when I went to America (and left all meds in their original packaging with prescription labels on)

[Miloandharley]

Drink plenty of water, take medication and elevate legs where possible. Ice cold pack could be helpful too. Keep moving your feet in circular motions whilst sitting and bend your legs to ease stiffness.

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Miloandharley]

Thank you

[Elaine200756]

Hi Groundhog, I relate. My daughter lives in Singapore and its a 14 hour flight. I manage by stopping off halfway to take a good break. For me this is Dubai or Qatar. The best thing I discovered is melatonin.

Last time I was over I took melatonin once we took off and the meal had been served. I slept soundly for 7 hours and felt fine when I arrived at Qatar. You can't buy melatonin over the counter in the UK but your GP can prescribe, or you can get it on the Internet.

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Elaine200756]

Thank you I see if I can buy some

[Elaine200756 in reply to Groundhog1234]

Hope you get as much benefit as I do 🤗

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Elaine200756]

What strength did you have

[Elaine200756 in reply to Groundhog1234]

Hi Groundhog, it was 3mg

[Midori]

flight socks will help to stop your feet looking and feeling like barrage balloons on a long flight

Cheers,Midori

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Midori]

Im going to be looking in to buying some

[onebigvoice]

I agree elasticated stockings as they are called should be used even if you are not going on holiday, especially if you have bad circulation in your legs already. Elevating the legs is also good but on a flight its a bit hard pushing them inbetween the seats in front without causing some distress to the person in front? Bare Feet Airplane - Bing images

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[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Lots of helpful replies, I last went to America 6 years ago and the American People are wonderful, so friendly and couldn’t do enough for you, have a lovely time , some great films to watch ,you normally get early releases on the long haul flights that will keep you entertained. If you can sleep great , something I can never manage to do. Take care and enjoy xx

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Yassytina]

Thank you

[Bulldogjs]

I too are going to Florida in 6 weeks. We originally booked it 2 years ago and even a year ago my health wasn’t as it is now. I only started with constant pain and fatigue 3 months ago so to say I’m dreading it is a understatement! I don’t want to be a burden to my family and for them to miss out on anything because of me. I’m just praying that this gabapentin I’m trying does it’s job! Have a pain free, less tired time! Xx

[Groundhog1234 in reply to Bulldogjs]

It’s so hard Iv had gavapentine but never helped me so on a different tablet , I’m just hoping I can walk round with the family as we had holiday cancelled 2 years ago , we going with 6 of us so can’t let everyone down

[feelingknackered]

Hi, I bought a blow up foot rest in duty free - best thing I ever bought for travelling! It fits ok on the floor, and by elevating your legs, takes some of the stress out of your back. Have a great time.