Having had RSD for many years, I avoid any air travel I can.
Ten years ago (not from flight) my feet were so swollen (top of feet swollen over end of toes)------both feet literally broke, I never stopped walking however--never will. Suppose I should never say never but am even walking now with both ACLs torn in half---docs go how? Partial tears take big athletes down screaming. Suppose it only speaks to how horrid RSD pain really is---may sound strange but I enjoy a few good bee or wasp stings
as are what I call distractions and with RSD, you know, we need distractions. I do not advocate other pain ---I am not a masochist.--------My current doc re--RSD advises no flying at all for me. I can hike, bike---but to merely get legs vertical, they turn blue, then almost black in 2 minutes. I can not stand still while a bag of popcorn pops, so just sitting in a plane is not good but it is the altitude, pressure changes that do me in. A flight from Austin to Houston or Dallas (little alt.) no harm, flying to NY--have thought large athletic calves may explode. I did last 2 trips (3-4 yrs ago) to NY wear high quality (expensive)
compression sox (hate using word hose for me!!) and did better. I arrived always 2 days early of an event, so could wear shoes etc. 10 yrs ago, went 18 mos w/o shoes, then found a pair of velcro closure size 18 flip flop--I barely got them velcroed. When all calmed down, my shoe size was 4 full sizes larger, was then a doc finally x-rayed as could not occur w.o breaking. 2 yrs later-fell off barn and really busted up rt foot, leg--broke back (8th vert I've broken in back + I've broken neck twice playing ball-c6-c7, later c4)----well past any pain meds in any amount I was quite enthused about hyperbaric therapy at first as lon thought pressure played big role (and if helps you--don't stop-whatever works, works) but it is not answer to RSD.
My doc did clinical trial using hyperbaric years ago, moved on. Sadly, unsure the few docs really working on this--do so together---share info. I've had 5 pm docs spec in RSD tell me the SCS was of no value unless mild case or very early on but am aware of those it helps---I did trial yrs ago and helped some until vertical, would make one moreso never want to move--and key is moving. I often overdo it, pay big price----may learn one day!! When beyond all pain meds available, I've not taken an asprin in 15 mos, I only use doc's elec meds-----nothing like a tens unit which does not penetrate first layer of skin--again if helps--use it----i hooked up to 4 once, turned all to max--asked if I had them on? PTS sent nuts as yes all were on--at max-i felt nothing. Docs Vecctor *3rd gen mach out now, extremely high voltage, size of small luggage, computer-it reaches the cns!! and of course, the sympathetic nervous system is part of our central nervous system. Last thing on flying-----in reading all the comments, appears those with RSD in arms have less problem flying than those with it in legs or of course full body.
God's blessings to all.