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Airplane flights make me sick...anyone else feel like this?

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Posted 3/22/2012 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I really need a family vacation, but I notice that my last couple of vacations have been just horrible from being on the plane! My symptoms are vertigo issues, and very fatigued. And I end up just feeling completely exhausted and resting on my vacations. My husband wants to fly to Florida, but I am so afraid to, because I have a feeling I am going to end up feeling sick, and that wouldn't be much of a vacation at all. Does anyone else have issues when it comes to flying? I never had a problem with flying..until my fibro symptoms began. Just curious as to why an airplane flight would negatively affect me????
Posted 3/22/2012 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have an inner ear disorder, and flying can really make me nauseous and dizzy. In the past I've found that staring at a fixed point inside the plane (like a spot on the seat in front of me) helps some. Also, the last time I flew, I looked out the window the entire time (my daughter's suggestion) so I could actually see the movement of the plane, which helped my brain to reconcile the motion I was feeling with what my eyes were seeing (all part of motion sickness). I much less nauseous/dizzy that trip than I have been any other time I've flown since my inner ear disorder diagnosis. Even people without a diagnosed inner ear issue often have problems with airplane motion sickness.

Have you tried non-drowsy Dramamine? The active ingredient is Meclizine, which is used in treating inner ear disorders. Other meds that sometimes help are Valium or Benadryl, both of which help stabilize the inner ear (at least according to my ENT).

I haven't tried them, but some people use Sea Bands ( http://www.sea-band.com/) which are motion sickness bracelets.

If you have nausea, I also find that sucking on something peppermint or other hard candy seems to help. There have been some studies that show that sour candy helps with nausea. Deep breathing also helps.

I know how scary it is to fly when you know it will probably make you sick. I hope you can find something that helps.

Hugs - Austen
Posted 3/22/2012 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lexus74,

I hope you're able to go. That sounds like great advice AustenFan. My b/f and I are flying to Florida this fall and my issue with air plane flight is popping ears. My ears are plugged and popping for a few days afterwards.

I heard chewing gum can help that?
Posted 3/22/2012 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Almost medfree, I have popping ear/ and ear pressure problems, too. I always chew gum, but I also find that taking frequent sips of water helps (I assume it's the swallowing that keeps my eustachian tubes open).
Posted 3/22/2012 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Lexus- I use to hate to think about going on a trip, but I finally went on one and did well. I took small dose of Ativan for nerves and had some nausea meds and gum on stand by. If you suffer from vertigo, usually comes from the pressure in your ears. Chewing gums helps and holding your nose close and blowing hard helps with the pressure in your ears. The main issue I had on my trip was being tired all the time. I would let my family know about my health. I did some activities with my family, but rested when I needed to. I went to bed early many times why others were playing cards and drinking around the table. I don't feel bad anymore going to bed early. By doing all this I had a great trip. I hope you can to.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 3/22/2012 1:22:57 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/22/2012 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
For those of you with ear pressure I would highly recommend the use of ear planes. I used to dread flying because of the pain and pressure and clogged ears for 2 days after. But now I use ear planes on take off and landing and no more issues. You can get them at Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc. they worked for me!
Posted 3/22/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, Tawney, I forgot. I used those last time I flew, and I loved them. I would definitely second the recommendation.

In case you can't tell, flying is a big undertaking for me, but I do manage to get through it pretty well now that I've figured out all of the tricks that work for me, lol. yeah

Even though there are some drawbacks and issues, it definitely beats riding hours in a car for me.
Posted 3/22/2012 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, tawney1965, for the suggestion of earplanes. Are those next to the ear plugs? Does a person need to put them in only when landing?

Thanks again!
Posted 3/22/2012 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I will definitely look into your recommendations...very appreciated!!! :-)
Posted 3/23/2012 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have a problem with flying as well as car rides as a passenger. I have these sea bands that I put on a half hour before a flight for nausea and they seem to help me with that aspect. After an hour into a flight I do get aches and pains that will steadily increase. I try to take tylenol, cannot take anything stronger for multiple reasons. I also where a lido-patch on my lower back that seems to help. I get anxious to fly so I try to breathe and stay calm which also helps me to not overload my system and create a huge fatigue issue. Know your limits and rest before your trip and during when you needs to so that you don't crash. Also, don't eat too bad. I know it's vacation time but I find when too much sugar and carbs are factored in that I am much worse.

Good luck!
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