[Waste of Kaitlyn]

Hey guys

I may be going to Bulgaria for a week or two this summer but I'm kind of wondering how well I'd be able to deal with the airplane pressure.

I've been on a few flights a couple years ago and my ears popped with gum, and stuff - and I was completely fine with flying

But I've still got the headaches, dizziness, anxiety and nausea that would probably be exacerbated by the flight/pressure right?

How have you guys felt with flying, have your symptoms gotten worse on flights? How have you dealt with it?

My best to you all, Katie

[Mark in Idaho]

Plan a whole day of rest and quiet after your flight. You will also need this to acclimate to the time change. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the flight. Dehydration can contribute to you discomfort.

The pressure/ear issue should resolve itself over time. Take some chewing gum to help you ears.

What will you be doing in Bulgaria?

[Waste of Kaitlyn]

Thanks Mark and apparently I completely missed the "Air Travel" thread started in May before I posted this.

Do you think that Gravol or other OTCs would help with any nausea? they haven't helped with the daily nausea that I have but since it would be caused by the flight / over stimulation maybe it would help more? I dunno..

I'll be going to Bulgaria to visit my uncle and aunt, then we might spend some time in Switzerland while my aunt finishes her training to become a highscool teacher. I may even be able to spend a few days by myself in Germany before I fly home.

I'm really excited for this but there'd be alot of flying and crowds. It'd suck if I'd have to spend most of my trip 'resting' or just out of it.. but I guess that's the way it is now.

I'm worried about becoming light headed, anxious and confused when I'll be in a different country - even though I'll be with my family I'd like to be able to explore independently. I realize that this probably won't happen though - boo hoo.

[Mark in Idaho]

I would highly recommend that you not venture off by yourself. You need someone to watch your back, so to speak.

I can't speak to nausea drugs. Motion sickness drugs (dimenhydrinate) may help but they are designed to work with the inner ear and nerves.

The crowds and chaos may prove to be too much for you. If so, rest, rest, and more rest.

If you venture off by yourself and become overwhelmed or confused, you put yourself at risk. Bulgaria is not a good country to be in and become confused. See http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pa...g.asp?id=42000 for the listing of "high degree of caution" in Bulgaria.

I've been to Rome. I would not even travel to Rome if I was experiencing PCS symptoms. The crowds can be maddening.

So, stay close to you family unless you are in an extremely safe environment. Have a cell phone with you so you can contact family for help. I understand you can rent them for short periods since most North American cell phones do not work in Europe.

Be careful.

My best to you.

[Wanttobesurfing]

I am 14 mths PCS. I have flown alot since my injury. I now feel quite sick for every flight no matter what. Never did before. I always take gravel and am not sure it really does much but doesn't hurt. None of the drugs I took as I've gone through the PCS have helped with my nausea - which I had every day for close to a year. It just took time more than anything. I always have vision problems for the rest of the day I travel.

I suggest you don't read, watch movies or that type of thing on the flight. Drink lots of water and don't eat greasy or bad food. Have something to nibble on like crackers.

Mark has good advice re: taking it easy the next day.