RLS AND LONG HAUL FLIGHT.

[hazelrobson]

I am going on holiday next week and flying to USA which is obviously a long flight. Has anyone any suggestions to help cope with the RLS on the flight. I take ropinirole and one 50 gm tramadol at night (don't want to increase these as I start getting side effects). Thanks. H xx

[ffrwdwin]

I flew to Detroit with severe RLS last year. I found several things very helpful. Firstly, try for an aisle seat so that you're not worried about other people. Get as far to the rear as possible. (I did book my seat in advance). Make sure you get up and move about as much as possible, at least every hour. I also stood at the rear quite a lot and did stretching exercises. I found it helped to alert staff on board so they didn't think I'd gone mad!!

Try not to overload the digestive system and NO alcohol. I honestly had a reasonably carefree flight. Worrying about the possibility of not being able to move makes things worse.

There's no need to up your medication. I hope this help and good luck.

[hazelrobson in reply to ffrwdwin]

Really helpful - won"t last sitting an hour though!

[Hidden in reply to ffrwdwin]

I find it so much easier to talk to my doctor and explain that

the legs want to keep moving during the flight making it very

uncomfortable for you and the people sitting near you.. there

are good drugs that can help if you don't mind being drowsy during

the flight and for a bit after. I've taken the painkiller followed by a

strong cup of coffee and like magic, I was semi awake and relaxed

for the flight. My legs sat still there and back. Don't forget to get the

return flight medicine. I know that it's not the healthiest lifestyle..

I could do better for myself. It worked for me. XXKaren

[hazelrobson in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply, it has given me hope. I will gladly be knocked out for the flight! Going to the GP in a couple of days. Thank you.

[Hidden]

If you put in the search RLS and flying, you should see some past posts with lots more tips.

[hazelrobson in reply to Hidden]

Cheers will do

[Hidden]

Sorry, no advice for the flight but do make sure you have doctors evidence for your meds just in case you need to prove your need for the drugs.

[hazelrobson in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for warning me - hadn't thought of that!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Very good tip.. in original pill bottles.

[JenniferG]

I have done long haul a few times with RLS. It's horrendous so I now make sure I have a supply of tramodol or diazepam and knock myself out just before going on the plane. I pretty much wake up when we get to Thailand. All I can suggest is try and knock yourself out as much as possible.

[Hidden in reply to JenniferG]

and pray that you will not throw it up. I do the same. I used to dance around the plane in the back doing Jane Fonda moves and stretches. It was crazy long before the plane touched down.

[hazelrobson in reply to JenniferG]

It’s funny but if I take too much of something it makes it worse - my worst ever flight was when I doubled my ropinerole

,

[JenniferG]

However i don't think doctors or the airline would agree with my advice

[hazelrobson]

I am thinking of doing that !hh

[Hidden in reply to hazelrobson]

How long is the flight?

[Hidden]

I once took an antisickness tablet ( back in the days before I knew they sent my legs bonkers) before boarding. Oh my I always say I walked home from Greece!

Have a brilliant holiday x

[hazelrobson in reply to Hidden]

Thanks - I am going to try to get something from the GP.

[Sue777]

My last flights to and fromThailand were sheer hell! Can you ask your Gp to prescribe diazepam or similar for the flights? I wish I had. Sugar and carbs make my RLS worse so maybe avoid these until you land. Good luck and enjoy your holiday. X

[hazelrobson in reply to Sue777]

Thanks for the advice - I will go to the GP.

[beady3]

Hello there,well what I would do about your flight is take the Tramodol 1hr befor take of,and let's hope that keeps our friend at bay,last year I had to stand up all the way from Tenarife leg was a B ,why don't you ask the doc if you could take another Tramodol say 4hrs later. You let us know how things went when you get back ,have a great time Beady 3

[hazelrobson in reply to beady3]

I am trying to come off tramadol as I was getting all sorts of side effects.

[Hidden]

Hi, you could ask your GP for something to help "settle" you for the flight. I also told air stewards that I would need to move around & why. I spent some of the flight at the back of the plane by the loos where there was a little private corridor area and did "walking on the spot" exercises which helped a lot.

Also, I echo Blackcurrant Bubbles advice and take your prescription with you. I took a lot of meds with me when I went to the states and was asked about them by customs but as I had my prescription with me to show them there was no problem at all.

I wish for you a "restless free" flight and a wonderful holiday.

I loved every minute of our holiday in New York and can't wait to go back !!

[hazelrobson in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the advice especially the bit about taking my prescription.