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Tips for Flying?

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Posted 5/5/2017 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
On Saturday, very early AM I am flying for a family event. Luckily, the flight is only 3- 3.5 hrs. However, as I've shared on here I struggle with anxiety very strongly (and IBS). I'm working on it- weekly counseling, new LLND, herbs, and now more open to meds.

Do you have any tips to combat with the fear of flying (my fear is not feeling well on the plane or getting anxiety/ a panic attack from feeling enclosed)? I took 1/2 an Ativan today to test out. I liked how it felt better than Xanax. The Ativan has made me quite sleepy with a light headache all day so I'm thinking of taking only a 1/4. Is that ok?

I'd love to hear how you make flying more comfortable. In the past I had no problem flying, flying as far as to & through Europe solo, but given current health, my body has been on high alert. I will be traveling with a family member, so I will have someone with me for support. Still nervous though and trying to be calm and not chicken out as this event is important to my family. Thanks for any tips/suggestions.
Posted 5/5/2017 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Holy basil helps ..also i wear a lot of thieves oil and spray lemon and take propolis to avoid viruses.

planes can be little hyperbarics and may herx a bit but lower elevations help
Posted 5/5/2017 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
i did A LOT of flying while sick. I am well equipped for the thing, it is brutal for the body for sure

- get some very good ear buds, mine are pretty hi quality and i can hear almost nothing with them
- get an inflatable pillow or any pillow
- get a professional sleep mask for the eyes, one that will get u total darkness
- for long flights, if u can, get some prescription sleeping pills, be careful to take the prescription with u to show it to the customs, sleeping pills are tightly regulated when passing customs controls. If u dont have a prescription for this, get some melatonin and magnesium pills and take them before shutting down.
- get a spot next to the window, so u wont be disturbed by people willing to go to the restroom or walking the aisle.
- get some antibacterial gel with u and use it before u take meals
- i usually order gluten free food from the plane, or i take food with me. Having a pack of raw nuts with u is always a good idea.
Posted 5/5/2017 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
good ideas blue lyme- I've used holy basil, but it doesn't seem to do much for me. I am going to be taking a thieves spray with with me (thieves, distilled water, and witch hazel) to ward off germs. I don't like thinking about all of the germs on the plane! eeks! You mention herx- does that usually happen after the flight?

Thanks for the tips mpost. I have two sets of ear buds, not the best, but I'll try to see if I can pick some better ones up tomorrow. I have a neck rest pillow I can take and do have the Ativan (flight is 3 hours so no sleeping pills this time around). I actually am an aisle seat gal- so I booked myself one of those. I'll be sure to bring some gluten free snacks, but don't want to eat on the plane.

I'm mostly concerned how my body will do and how to cope with the 3 hours in the air. Just keep as distracted as possible? Usually, just having the option to leave an anxiety-inducing place is of comfort and know that option is out on a plane feels difficult to take in.
Posted 5/5/2017 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
CBD oil for anxiety. It doesn't make you sleepy, just takes the anxiety down. I take it almost every day.
Posted 5/5/2017 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
10LymeB - are you talking about the CBD oil that you can get from the health food store (hemp seed oil) or medical mj? I've heard that there's different types of oil (whether thc is in it, etc., but am not well versed).
Posted 5/5/2017 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the distraction. A good audio mystery, puzzle book or even a DVD player to watch a couple movies.

I have used distractions for myself and for kids for years.
Posted 5/11/2017 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to loop back and say thank you to all for the support. I made the trip and was able to do the two flights well. Keeping distracted and reassuring self-talk helped a lot.
Posted 5/12/2017 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Since I've been sick, I herx when I fly. Every single time.
Posted 5/12/2017 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have a 10 hour flight coming up next week :/
Bought some noise cancelling headphones and plan on bringing mini liquor bottles, a device or two, a good book, etc.
It's important to wear slip on shoes as feet swell, I prefer wearing a hoodie, and don't forget about watching what you eat the day before as who likes to sit on the pot at 35,000 feet.
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