Hi all
So Saturday I'm going to be flying for close to 18 hours (with one break).
I need all the suggestions I can get to make it through without triggering a massive flare up.
That's what happened the last time I did this about 8 years ago. Have avoided long flights since then.
Thanks
Ani
Drink lots and lots of water, keep getting up and walkimg around every hour, and think about gettimg flight compression stockings.
Then try to relax and enjoy everything when you get there.
I've had clots so a flare is the least of my problems but helixhelix has got it bang on plus I'd watch a movie and go to sleep. Enjoy yourself x
HH has given sterling advice already but might I suggest asking for some oral steroids "just in case" or maybe a steroid shot?
In addition to what HH, ML and Gnarli have said, I would also make sure you have the means to entertain yourself and pass the time, keeping yourself relaxed, eg reading, watching movies, or listening to music. I like to use my iPod with tiny little ear phones so I can drift off to sleep comfortably (which is hard using the big clunky airline headphones!). Also worth thinking about is having an aisle seat so that you can easily get up and move about (and go to the loo!) without stressing about disturbing others. I have just done a 9.5 hour flight, and find it’s all about staying as chilled and as comfortable as possible. Hope your flight is taking you somewhere exciting - enjoy!
Aisle seat is definitely the way to go.....unless you get some with a weak bladder on the inner seats.
If that does happen...ask the cabin crew if there is a free aisle seat you can move to....don't just sit & fret,
Bon voyage- Anichou!
I read something the other day about taking a tennis ball with you to massage your legs while sitting; it fits easily in hand luggage and shouldn't disturb your neighbours. I always have my Kindle with me when flying, too.
Or complain and get bumped into first class at no cost. Real china plates, proper glasses and nice wine, First on and first off extra baggage allowance now thats the way to travel!!! lol xx
I would love that. I travel a lot for work and usually first. Bought my own tickets this time so.... Can only afford coach. Which is why I'm worried.
They mucked up our reserves aisle seats in economy plus, so we got onto head office as had booked seats 6 months previously as I've had clots (DVT and PE's) they offered first class. Would have been rude to have refused. lol
Actually we're hooked the extra cost for priority loading being removed from the orginal bill and meal refunded it was not as expensive as we though to upgrade and next time we'll definately do it again only we'll have to pay. A lot less stress and access to a nice departure lounge with free bar. We're skiers. Spending Kids Inheritance. hic lol xx
Can I like your post more than once! Hahaha.
I’m also flying tomorrow, although ‘only’ 11.5 hours.
Agree with what others have said, here’s my plan:
junior aspirin night before and day of flight
compression socks
move about when you can
lots of water
more water
lay off the booze 😢
take books / ipad / headphones
disinfectant wipes for the tray (dirtier than a toilet apparently 🤢)
hand gel because have you seen those toilets in the morning? 🤢🤮
Inflatable neck pillow (will reserve judgement on that until I’ve tried it!)
comfortable clothes
slip on shoes
moisturiser for face (planes = very drying)
split any medications between hand and hold luggage (my case didn’t turn up last time I flew and it was the only time I’ve ever put virtually all my meds in my case resulting in £100 charge to see doctor for new script)
And finally, if you want a nice, stress free flight — don’t sit next to my children 😀
Nothing ground breaking, but everything that makes life more comfortable has got to be good!
Also, as I’m flying overnight, suffer from insomnia, only have 7 days in South Africa and can’t function very well with no sleep, I have got some zopiclone from the doc. I’ve used it before and it doesn’t totally knock me out or leave me groggy, so doc was ok with it.
See you in Cape Town 👍
🙏🏻
First defence nasal spray b4 you fly, and tea treel oil to dab on tissues in case you are near a cough n sneeze body!. despite all this my h. picked up a bug on way home from winter sun after 4 weeks. He was in bed for 3 days then i went down, and after 10 days am still not good. Improving tho'. So put up the germ barricades as well as u can, and have a great trip.
Send us a postcard please
Definately a steriod jab if possible, and a good book! Have an amazing time!
I last flew in 2015 to the deep South of USA, my daughter's there. Three flights one after the other, 18 hours like you. Knew I'd have real problems becos the only relief I get from pain and stress is being able to lie down. So after much agonizing I reckoned I could just about afford to go first class on the first flight, the long one over Atlantic. I do realize that's not possible for most folk, so please don't think I'm being snobby! It's just that I hadn't seen daughter for 5 years, and I'd managed to save up.
So I totally echo all the suggestions you've had from others, an aisle seat is a must, and walking around as much as possible. You're not taking medication that needs to be in fridge, are you?
Lastly, because I have an understanding GP, who knows my anxiety problems, I had some diazepam with me to take, which did help!! As it's also a muscle relaxant I think it took the edge of the pain as well.
My biggest hassle was fitting all my medication into the carry-on bag, I was away for 4 weeks so had tons of pills, and they HAVE to be in that bag, not in your checked luggage. Oh, and if you have a lot of prescription medication too, you're best to get a letter from your GP confirming what you take.
Drink gallons of water too.
It's not easy, long distance travel with RA, but definitely doable, so here's hoping all goes well for you.
Bon voyage!
I have caved in to booking assistance on my flights. Just flown 3 flights back to back to back from Australia!! You get off the plane last but get taken through customs with any others with mobility issues straight to your luggage. It took a lot for me to do this but after one 13 hour flight knowing it was a mile walk & a huge queue I’m really glad I did.
There’s a button under the arm on some airlines aisle seat arm rest. If there’s one ask how it works then you can turn sideways to get up & not limbo from behind someone’s reclined seat. Also ask to be sat around 5/6 rows away from toilets so you’re close enough if you do sieze up but far enough from any queuing.
Look around for any spare seats before you take off & if you’re lucky ask a steward(was) if you can move. I was lucky one whole row available. With some positioning of blankets over seat belts I got to lie down & my legs didn’t swell at all, they were a bit stiff but a lot better than outbound flights.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or tell someone say next to you you’re a little slower moving about. Happy travels ✈️
I’ve taken long flights recently and the most difficult part was trying to look after cabin baggage, and retrieving luggage from the carousel with sore feet and very gammy hands, together with neck and shoulder agony.
So coming home last time, I went to special services and requested help.
I was very grateful the help, I would do it again. They were great.
All done! And survived! Thanks all for your advice. Now enjoying India!!! 7 more days and then back!
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