Don't wear any type of patch until you get through security as Catra said. I've had the TSA insist on swabbing me and not allow me to remove it, so they're essentially lightly rubbing the most sensitive area of your body.

Hopefully your connecting flight won't be too tight? Otherwise you absolutely want to be the last off.

If you get to the airport early, you might want to check the cost of upgrading to first class. It's a fraction of the cost by doing it that way and the seats provide much better cushioning from vibration.

You're not supposed to use medical tape on Lidoderm patches, but if you do it lightly it's helpful to keep them in place.

Re; the lidoderm patches stay on much better if you use a little rubbing alcohol or tea tree antiseptic cleanser on the area first. I just put some in a spray bottle so that I don't have to rub it on and then let it air dry for a minute before applying the patch.

The compounded cream can also be formulated with Ketamine so you may also want to ask about that formula. Personally I have found that the effectiveness of either the compounded cream and the lidoderm works better with continued use so hopefully you can get some at least a few days before your flight.

Are you traveling into the US? If you are then I would also suggest going through looking for the line that handles persons with disabilities, it will require you to have additional screening but, at least in my experience, it is much easier than being pulled aside for same. Bonus.. that it usually has a much smaller line. It has also been my experience to have an easier time coming into the states (if that is your destination) than it is leaving.

Wishing you the best!

Thank you so much everyone! Your suggestions are fantastic. You have given me several items to add to my shopping list.

To clarify, the only prescription meds I have are tramadol and pregabalin. I don't have any patches.

Yes, I am flying into the US from the UK. I will have to collect my bags and go through customs between the two flights. The airline have been alerted that I will need assistance but I will confirm this when I check in. I will also ask if I can pre-board and will alert the cabin crew to my situation. I will also confirm my seat reservations and explain why these are essential.

I really appreciate all of the advice. This is the first time I will be travelling since developing CRPS. Getting all of your tips has put my mind at rest because now I know I will be as prepared as I can be.

You guys are the best!

A lot of sufferers have no problem with the pressurisation. I really hope you are one of them. Have a good time.

I hope so too, Kev. Of course, if I do have a problem with it I'm just going to be stuck. I wish I had the chance to try a shorter flight first but I just haven't. I am going to by the matron of honour in my sister's wedding and it would be awful to miss that. So I suppose I will just have to take a chance.

I have about 10 days between the flight and the wedding. Hopefully that will give me enough time to recover.

Only found this site today & shocked to find so many like me

I'm planning a trip with a 13 hr flight & did a 'test run' a few weeks ago with a 2 hour flight. I survived, but only just. I wish I had found this site earlier- but so thankful to have found it now

I have PTCRPS of my cranial & facial nerves from a serious accident a few years ago. I have been in too much pain to do anything other than just trying to get thru each day. But I have now started to improve & trying to use my time to find ways to help myself, as no one cares as much as our selves.

The points given are fantastic & the 1 I would like to add is with the help of your Dr, increase your meds for a few days before, then taper off. I used ear buds & noise cancelling headphones as well. But I used them before my accident & I swear by them as they really do make a difference on the long haul flights- but make sure they are good ones.