Hi everyone,

I just wondered whether anyone has flown in an aeroplane with RSD and if so, how did you react?

My mum has booked for us all to go to Las Vegas on the 1st March for 5 days and whilst I am really looking forward to the break, I am also a bit worried about whether the flying could potentially make my RSD worse.

I have flown in an aeroplane with RSD before but it was only for 2 hours and the flight to Vegas is nearly 11 hours. I didn't react too bad to the 2 hour flight however it did make my pain worse with the turbulance and the swelling became worse also.

Just wondered whether anyone had ever flown with RSD and if so, how did you react and is there anything that I should use/try to make the flight more comfortable and to prevent flares? I am REALLY looking forward to the trip to Vegas with my mum and dad as I need a break after everything i've been through but the last thing I want is to end up in a major flare so that I can't enjoy our time there!!

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Hi Ali,

Did your mum make a non-stop flight, or do you have a layover?

My sister in law used to be a flight attendant. I would meet her at the airport, she was very tired she flew international flights.

It is like 6x harder for even a healthy person to walk on the plane.

Make sure your ears are clear. A flight attendant isn't even supposed to work when having ear problems. I saw a prior post about your ears troubleing you some.

Las Vegas is alot of fun.

Much Love, Roz xoxo

Thank you for your help - I really appreciate it!

I will definitely make sure I get my ears sorted because we go on vacation - my mum is trying to book me into the doctors at the moment.

We don't stop over - we just have a flight straight into Vegas. They don't seem to do stop over flights that much from the uk and if they do, they tend to cost a lot of money.

Thanks again for your help!!

Dear Ali,

I do hope these lines find your pain levels down.

I live in California, about an hours drive from San Diego. Las Vegas is alot different than CALIF. Their is alot to do for young adults in Vegas.

Have you been to the States before?

My mum was English and my father American. I have flown back and forth alot myself.

My family are in Reading.

The weather in Vegas is lovely. You will barely need a cardigan, if that even.

If I had to pick a favorite airport, it would be Vegas. It's small also nice and clean.

Hugs, Roz

Thanks again Roz for your kind words and help - I really appreciate it!

We have been to the States before. We used to go to Florida a lot when I was a baby and I absolutely loved it ... it is so cool and there is so much to do and see there!! We have been to Vegas once before and really enjoyed it - we have always said that we would like to go back again but never got the chance because of my RSD and my parents work.

We are hoping to try and go to the Grand Canyon this time. My mum wanted to go when we went the first time but my dad didn't want to go. I'm not sure if i'll be able to tolerate the helicopter though so that is a bit of a concern as I don't want to end up in a flare and not being able to do anything!! We are also hoping to try and see a few shows whilst we are there - I have heard that there's lots of good things to go and see and we are spoilt for choice!!

I'm glad that the weather is nice in Vegas. The weather was a concern for me also - my leg doesn't tolerate the cold very well at all so i'm very glad to hear that it will probably be warm whilst we are there!!

I hope you're doing OK and thanks again for all your help!

Hi Ali,
Yes, I flew from New Mexico to visit family in Yorkshire. When we chose a flight we tried to pick one with the least time of layovers. Still, it was a 23 hour day. That was way long for me! We also chose an overnight flight so I could sleep the majority of the hours. Not being able to move about the plane was very difficult for me. My body hurts extremely bad when in one position too long. I did tell my doctor and was given sleeping aid to help with the flight. Lay overs and customs were trying to say the least. Sleep as much as you can, and move about, because limited space and lack of movement have an effect circulation. Try to keep a positive attitude, because stress also has an effect. You are young and I'm sure you will do well, with the proper planning. Which you have already begun! Vegas will be so much fun for you. Take plenty of Pictures, and enjoy sweetie! Love Di

Hi Ali,

I just noticed this thread.

My sons are 12 and 14 and I have been thinking about a trip to Vegas with them. You know that you can't go into the gambling portions of the casinos, right ? I asked what there was to do in Vegas for teens in a poker forum that I belong to. There are some good responses in this thread although there are some stupid responses like "get them a hooker" too, so please forgive the fresh responses
[ URL removed]

I hope that you have a great time !

Hey Vegas Lady, I give you the first hand info--if I was at work I might be the one taking you there. most flight do not go direct to las vegas but i could be wrong--usually a connection in chicago dallas los ang or new york. Needless to say it's long but if there is a break it helps.
not k nowing where your rsd i give you the general idea and you can ask me anything other.
Window seats on international do not give you more leg room and if you say you have a disability they will not give it to you anyway.--the bulkhead also does not offer anymore room and the armrest normally do not raise either. this is important to have--if you are seated in a row with your family and get uncomfortable you can raise the armrest and and try and get more comfortableand maybe get lucky with an open seat next to one of you. as anyone you will swell--but more--do not intake anything with salt--even drinks-it is my experiece that alot of uk residents like tomato juice--don't do it--plus there is alot of sodium in airplane food--bring your own--drink alot of water--by the biggest bottle after you pass security(you cannot bring any liquids through). most crews are not allowed to refill your bottle for sanitary reason and due to the fact that fresh water supply is limited. werar shoes that are expandable and extremely comfortable(in las vegas it is quite a long distance to baggage claim--call ahead and ask for a wheel chair--trust me you want one--just make sure when you check in at THE GATE that it is on your iteniary).keep any effected areas elevated as much as possible--lets be seriuos all airlines have cut out all extra space to put in more. stick your feet in the seat back. hate to say it but they tell passengers to walk around but it drives the flight attendants crazy and they might get testy with you up and about (just being honest) if you are making a stop in another location before you get to las vegas you will be walking(are riding in a wheelchair) a long way. forgive me if some of this is out of sequence just trying to remember everything to make sure your comfortable for your trip.
most hotels have wheelchairs that they allow you to use to get to your room or whilde you gamble in /their hotel--ooops forgot--this is me--approx 45 min before landing a cool air comes into the aircraft--that is usually when you will feel more pain. when leaving Las vegas--=WHEELCHAIR--but arrive EARLY--sometimes they will only allow the wheelchair person ahead of the security linme. in las vegas that line can be over an hour long.
I hope this helps--anything else just let me know--wish I was going--but im still off work because of an accident a passenger caused--so be nice to the crew--they will treat you well

cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

flyaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do not miss going to the Grand Canyon. Stay over night if you can. Was in Vegas this past June with my wife and we went to the Grand Canyon from there. About the flight we had a stop over and I had no problems on the flights. I can imagine this will be an issue for you. If I were you I would think about taking something that would help you sleep while in flight.

Anyway best of luck and enjoy your stay.

I could use some advice please. My daughter has had RSD for the past 7 years. Trying to find a physician who treats this disease with some understanding is almost impossible. Can someone make a suggestion of a great RSD physician in the Syracuse or Rochester NY area. We are desperate. Please help. Thanks