Hi,

I have severe full body RSD/CRPS, have had it for 16 years. I've tried everything to get it under control, but no luck. (Yes, even ketamine coma...)

I have a trip coming up where I'll be flying 20+ hours each way and am really concerned about the toll it's going to take on my body. I can't afford to fly 1rst or business class, so lying down is out of the question (on international flights, 1rst and business class seats turn into beds).

I'll be taking my wheelchair with me and using it. I have plenty of meds from my Dr., and will be traveling in comfy (as much as possible) clothes. I plan to bring some instant heat packs (no ice for me, ouch!!) along, but I'm still looking for ideas or tips that will help me to travel comfortably with as little pain and flares as possible.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!! Also, if there is anything I should bring with me from home to make my stay overseas more comfy (not necessarily for the plane ride) please feel free to include them.

Thanks!

I always bring a down pillow to cushion my hand since I'm so sensitive to vibrations. I start a steroid pack a day or two beforehand. I use Lidoderm patches and all my regular pain meds.

That's a VERY long flight. If you haven't booked yet, and if it's not a direct flight, I'd book 2 flights and stay a night at an airport hotel... If you respond well to sympathetic blocks, I would undergo one--the last time I flew internationally I did not have a block--it was miserable. The time before that, I had a block that helped tremendously.

Also take extra Vit C and maybe zinc, if you're not already, to help your immune system. Hot patches if you like the feel of them. Slipper socks. Layers if you have temp regulation issues.

Get to the airport EARLY. The least expensive way to upgrade is to do it right before the flight. It is quieter, you have more room, and the seats are much more comfortable.

Good luck.

Thanks so much for your reply Lit Love, I really appreciate it! Please feel free to add any other ideas or thoughts, I want to be as prepared as possible to prevent a major (or more major that usual) flare.

Make sure you bring headphones and an iPod with tranquil music, as well. Books on tape, especially ones on meditation, are useful.

If you use Lidoderm patches, have 4 or 5 out of the wrappers, ready to go. I cut notches in mine to make them adhere better, and use light medical tape as needed. A high quality neck pillow might be worthwhile as well. Bring your own wrap or light blanket--both for hygiene and comfort, don't use the airlines.

If you have a side that is more sensitive, make sure you get a window seat on that side, to minimize contact.

Check with your doc for additional prescriptions and ideas. A sleeping pill might be a good idea--just not Ambien, under ANY circumstances.

Pack healthy snacks. Depending on the airline, they might feed you very well, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Make sure you pack a few days ahead of time, since it can be a project and elevate your pain.

If your final destination is going to require more ground travel, stay near the airport for a day to rest. I can't stress how much this has helped me. I've learned the hard way that recovery time from a flight (and getting to and from the airport, can take me 4 or 5 days, with travel time in the 5-6 hour range.)

Hope this helps... Some of it might be redundant and/or obvious.