PCS and flying.
 

Hello,

I have had PCS for 2.5 years now. I've never enjoyed flying, in fact it stresses me out and makes me nervous. I would do it but never enjoy it. I have not flown at all since having PCS. I have been very nervous about feeling even more dizzy while up in the air and so have just avoided it altogether. A year ago or so, I had a panic attack on a train. I felt claustrophobic and panicked. A psychologist told me that this was a symptom of stress caused by PCS. I therefore didn't want this to happen on a plane for obvious reasons. Although I feel less stressed and more in control of my syndrome, I know I can't avoid flying any longer. I would like to start flying again soon but if truth be told, I'm very anxious and unwilling. :confused:


Would love to hear your comments on this.

I have not noticed a difference when flying since I have had PCS. I really don't enjoy flying either but I have not noticed more dizziness, etc.. while in the air. Talk to your doctor and see if they have any medication that can calm your nerves... something to lessen the likelihood that you will have a panic attack.

Gerbil, Any thing that makes you extremely nervous will make you vulnerable. My son has flown a few times and was fine. The panic attack, more than the flying will be your problem. If you want to try it now, I think that is a good sign that you think you may be more in control of the panic attacks. If there is a will, I think you can do it. Even though it has been 2.5 years, I think you will continue to get better. Improving your quality of life and trying to get back to things that you want to do, will help your recovery. Stay motivated and keep being an advocate of your own recovery, that is an awesome thing.
Nancy F

Hi Gerbil, I have not been on a plane since getting PCS, but I was very anxious about riding in cars for a while. It seemed like everything was coming at me and moving too fast around me. I'm doing much better now and went on a three day trip a couple of weeks ago, spending a lot of time in a car as a passenger and only needing some headache med.

I would suggest that you don't read and don't watch movies on a plane, since you still have dizziness. Try to listen to your favorite music or find some nice people to talk to, do whatever you can to take your mind off yourself. Also, don't trink anything with caffeine in it. Just think - what is the worst thing that can happen - you can deal with it. We can not control everything, only how we react to it. Just do it and have a great time.

I have never had any problems with flying. But now with my accident and the PCS Im extremely apprehensive. I feel like Ill bring the plane down just by being on it, just because it wouldnt suprise me because of my string of luck.

I do not feel right about flying either.
You are the one who can decide whether you are ready for this or not.

Hi, I had a concussion 3 years ago and suffer from TBI.....I flew the first of November for the first time since the concussion. I flew from Atlanta Georgia to Southern California...a long flight. I was very nervous about flying.

I went to my vestibular doctor who recommended the following:

Earplanes - ear plugs for flying....they really work!!! I didn't have any problems with pain in my ears while wearing them....You can get them at your local drug store or Walmart. They were less that $5.00 a pair.

Seabands - wrist bands - I didn't buy these, didn't need them, though I understand they really work. They are wrist bands that have a little ball when you feel Nauseated, press the ball to your wrist and helps with Nausea. You can also pick these up at your local drug store. Most airports also sell them for double, triple the price of the drug store though.

Valium - I took 1/2 of a 5 mg the night before my flight (I have a really low tolerance to meds) my doctor recommended one 5 mg night before, day of and day after flying...the 1/2 of 5 mg worked for me and I didn't have to take anymore.

I did fly with someone, which helped me be able for maneuver through the crowds etc at the airport....

I was really proud of myself, I did OK - not great but I did OK and I DID IT!!!

Of course, talk with your doctor.

I also have "On the Level" quarterly newsletter for Vetibular Disorders Association, Winter 2008 Vol. 25, No. 1. It's a newsletter that gives a lot of useful information and ths issue is for Travel and Vestibular Disorders.

I don't know if you can get it on line, but if you are interested, I can scan it and email it to you.

Melek

PS (from Melek)

I went on line and found the link to the newsletter. I was incorrect on the name of the Association. The correct name is Balance the Sixth Sense VEDA. The newsletter link is:

www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders

I had many light-headedness and dizzy issues with my PCS. This has gradually gotten better with rest, time, and as little stress as possible. I was also on anti-depressants (Effexor) for anxiety attacks and PTSD from the PCS. I do believe this helped get me over the worst of it.

I like the ear plug recommendation - I still use ear plugs any time I'm feeling overwhelmed. And I've learned to meditate - not super intense, ultra focussed meditating. Just enough on a bus, for example, to calm myself down and take a few deep breaths. I got off caffeine too. I drink de caff now and feel a little more calm.

Flying (which I was worried about) did not bother me. It's tiring, so you have to watch your fatigue, but the actual flying was fine - better than driving.

Hang in there - it does get better.

MargN