Good evening all,

I wanted to get some feedback on how to manage pain when flying. I flew for a total of 8 hrs today and Sometimes my feet felt that they were going to explode! So swollen, shooting, aching, burning pain. I try to sit in the isle seat, get up a few times to walk, wear compression socks but I'm still in pain. I travel a lot so this is something I need to conquer!

Any tricks would be helpful! Thanks in advance!

For me...it is all about knowing what my triggers are and trying to avoid those when travelling. I am very sensitive to cold, touch, and air movements.

I personally choose to book a window seat. It is the safest place for me because I won't be bumped into by anyone walking down the aisles.

I always go up to the desk when I get to the gate and request pre-boarding due to my RSD. That way I am less likely to be bumped into or anything while boarding. Then I wait at the end of the flight and am always the last person off the plane for the same reason.

When I go to the airport I make sure I wear clothes that have me completely covered up (regardless of the time of year). Normally I prefer ballet flat shoes...but because I have to take my shoes off going through security I make sure I wear socks so UGG boots are usually my footwear of choice. This is also important for the plane ride because it always feels so cold on the airplane and I need to make sure my RSD foot is protected from the cold.

I also make sure I wear a scarf and lots of layers so that I stay warm on the plane (have RSD in my upper body too). And I travel with my own blanket for the same reason.

Packed in my carry on are heating patches that I put on once I get through security at the airport. When I used to use Lidoderm patches I also put these on after I went through security.

I also have a playlist on my iPod that I use during flare ups that seems to help me with my sensitivity to vibrations and certain sounds (like the sound the plane makes)...so I make sure I have that with me to help.

As a personal choice...when travelling alone...I also never check my luggage. Too much chance of me hurting myself and causing a flare up if I were to try and get it from baggage claim on my own.

I also use a walker (the kind with 4 wheels and a seat). This is key anytime I am out in crowds. It reduces the risk of people bumping into me, makes sure I have a place to sit whenever I need to, and I put my luggage on the walker so that I don't have any additional risks trying to handle that. I know some people are very resistant to using assistive devices...but it allows me to be very independent without causing myself more problems than I already have.

Don't get me wrong...travelling is always rough on me...but these things make it possible and when I get to my destination I am not a wreck and can still function well without going into a full blown flare up. All it takes is for one person to bang me with a suitcase and it doesn't matter what sort of prep I do...I will be in a major flare up...but so far that has only happened once.

Hope at least some of that helps. I know everyone's different with different triggers and different things that help...so you really just have to know what those things are and work around them.

8 hours is a lot of flying time. Flying direct is always important, unless you can manage to break up a long trip and recover for at least a few days. I find travel by boat much, much easier. Consider your options next time.

Like Catra I do most of the things she suggested, but I do check luggage because it's too difficult for me to manage. You can always find a porter if you're travelling alone to help. I've been known to box up items and mail them home to avoid heavy luggage on the return trip. You can also learn to travel much lighter than you might expect.

If you respond well to steroids, consider starting a pack a few days before flying, it can make the difference of needing a few days of recovery as opposed to a week or more. The last few times I flew I also picked up the flu, and would recommend extra vitamin C and perhaps echinicea and golden seal if you react well to them--we do have compromised immune systems.

I try and swim within a day of landing, it really does help.

If you respond well to massage, you might want to undergo one before and/or after landing.

In all honesty, travel used to be very important to me. At some point, it stopped being so.

If you're needing to travel for medical care, you might want to really explore closer options, different treatment, or consider relocating.

I expect my choice to not check bags is my stubbornness and determination to be independent...which I know is not always best from a health standpoint...but I suspect we all have our little things like that. Another option along those lines for some would be the option to get wheelchair assistance at the airport even if it's not something that you would normally need and/or want. This would make pre-boarding and maneuvering though the airport and on the plane easier...so might be something to consider especially if you travel a lot.

I have upper extremity issues and my back and neck don't need much to start a flare, so that's why I must check my bag.

Your stubbornness has served you well.