Flying

[tess10]

Is it just me or does anyone else worry about Flying, I'm so concerned that it would just create extra probs where my FM is concerned, that I missed my brothers wedding in vegas in January. I am thinking that I want to do some travelling at some point. what do others do esp when planing holidays hugs xx

[julieevh]

Like you I long to travel - but am worried, mainly by what would happen if I become ill whilst abroad; my daughter is getting married abroad next winter so I will just have cross my fingers. The flying bit doesn't bother me - I love flying ..... it's being ill and not being able to make myself understood and getting insurance cover that worries me.

Julie xx

[chaimee in reply to julieevh]

I had no problem getting ins with fibro , had insurance on my bank account , declared fibro and 1 other problem, but they were quite happy.It was my husband who got loaded.

[Hidden]

I haven't flown since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia because I know I couldn't sit still for long. It only take minutes sometimes and my RLS starts. (Restless Leg Syndrome) I hope to be able to travel by flying one day, but at the moment it's a no no for me. I admire people who can with Fibro, but my legs just won't behave for long enough. Also I tend to get saddle sore sitting for long periods.

How do others manage, it would be interesting to hear, any tips etc?!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I am going to Australia at christmas and also worried about the flight ,my family live there ,so it will be great to see them, but do i need any specail requirments or anything ,i dont use a wheelchair but have a stick .please advice. Anne x

[roundthebenz in reply to Hidden]

H Anne. I have just done my regular Australia run. I wouldn't recommend BA/Qantas but can thoroughly recommend from personal experience Singapore Airlines or Emirates. Be sure you pick a flight using an Airbus A380. Although Singapore to Aus is usuall a smaller aircraft. The 380 has plenty of legroom under the seat in front and a swing down foot rest plus there is plenty of room to get up and move around. Be sure to pick an aisle seat so that you can get out and back easily. They are a double decker aircraft so you can even go up and down stairs!!

At the rear of the cabin there is a space where you can move around easily.

Don't worry about the flight, The entertainment is very comprehensive, latest films, old TV shows, computer games music all selectable by you. Enjoy your trip.

here will you be going in Aus? xx

[Hidden in reply to roundthebenz]

HI I am going with Qantas,are they bad?

[roundthebenz in reply to Hidden]

They are not bad, just not as good as many of the others. Singapore have an excellent reputation as do most of the other Asians. Emirates are rated highly as well. LOL, I know BA staff that fly Emirates!!

I had an excellent trip once with Air New Zealand, the worst by far was with KLM.

I am sure you will have a good trip. Remember, Qantas have an impeccable safety record.

Where is it you are going in Aus?

[Hidden]

Hi ive flown many times and been okay i just sleep and rest for a few hours after.x i love travelling.

[alikat1]

Hi there...I had a bad experience with a flight back from Turkey - i just couldn't relax (4am in the morning as well!). So, I paced the aisles...I think it's about being as prepared as possible for comfort...making sure you have your meds (and erm...taking a sleeping med toknock one out does make the trip go faster!). I have actually travelled with my TENS attached (and believe it or not, security didn't even flinch!). Plus lots of yummy treats/nibbles too!

[roundthebenz in reply to alikat1]

We wear flight socks, don't know if they help but we don't get problems. Also, wear comfy shoes and don't take them off!! Your feet sweel and you might not get them back on when you land.

Casual loose comfy clothes help too.

[suwie]

I fly just have toake sure I get up & move about then I'm fine but my legs swell a bitjust grin

& bare it you'll have a good rest on the beach xx

[hulya]

I am very happy to hear lucky people who are having holidays, even though I had no any holiday since 20 years. Watching TV, travel shop, holiday abroad is a good therapy! I feel better. Before, I used to have flights several times in a year, I plan almost every year but just cant make it, may be next year . Enjoy your holiday.

[tess10]

Big Big thanks from you all, your advice and support is a strength, although I cannot afford it at the mo, once I am in a better position I am going to book a much needed, well deserved break as I have not had a holiday for almost 6yrs, due to nurse training and fear. again many thanks fibro family your all stars hugs xx

[Waterlily]

I was diagnosed with fibro in '98 but had it for years before that. In the time since I have flown long and short haul fairly regularly. I have the added inconvenience of having had a dvt about 10 years ago and now I always get lmw heparin injections to use in the days around my flights (I administer them myself). I have managed to find ways of minimising the discomfort through experience.

1. I always wear support pop socks (brand name flight socks are too long for me!)

2. I wear Crocs so it doesnt matter if my feet swell a bit

3. I have a small inflatable exercise ball which I blow a tiny amount of air in to form a small cushion to place at base of my spine. As aircraft gains height, this gets a little firmer as the air pressure changes so I just adjust it to suit me.

4. The RLS is greatly helped by getting up as often as possible to 'go to the loo'. I sometimes wait till there is a queue so I have an excuse for standing around

5. Get an aisle seat - even if it means paying extra to book it, which goes against the grain with me, but important, as otherwise I am unable to get out of my seat at all.

6. Unless you live very close to the airport (which I dont), spend the night in an hotel close by so you can rest after the journey to the airport, and do the same on returning, if you can, so you are rested for the last leg of the journey home. It adds to the cost but its amazing what you can get for under £30 and it definitely helps prevent becoming overtired and spoiling the holiday..

I hope some of these tips might help you and you can have a lovely holiday. One more thing I have noticed - just getting out of damp cold UK helps my fibro. I have two weeks every winter just before Christmas somewhere nice and warm. ~By the end of that time I am able to do things and with with much less fatigue than I can at home. I often wish I could spend a whole winter abroad, or better still emigrate. Maybe one of these days. Anyway just go ahead and have that holiday.