Hello everyone. I have a question. I am going on a trip to Missouri in two weeks. I’m getting a little worried about flying because I’m not sure how I’m going to react to the cabin pressure. My doctor assures me that it’s OK for me to fly but I’m still scared. I have really bad panic attacks and I am afraid that I’m going to get one on the plane thinking about what’s going to happen while I’m flying. Has anyone ever flown with Chiari? I haven’t had any type of surgery, I missed on pain meds. Any help would be in very valuable. Thank you.
Jennifer, this has definitely come up before ... try the search facility at the top right of your screen. Have a great trip :-) Kindest, JulesG
I've flown multiple times, all before my diagnosis last year even. I've never had any problems other than my ears popping a bit, so I chew gum to help with that. I know that everyone is different, but if your doctor is assuring you that you'll be fine, I'd try not to stress about it too much. Maybe take a neck pillow and something to read/watch/listen to, to help avoid the anxiety and keep your mind busy. I just know that it works for me, I hope this helps! Good luck!!
Thank you so much. I’m going to try and find those flight mate ear plugs around before I leave. My daughter is going with me so I will have someone on the plane to talk to and hopefully keep my mind occupied. I get the anxiety attacks because my head starts to hurt and that starts to worry me so hopefully with her being with me I’ll be fine.
Hi Jennifer,
Diagnosed 1999, CM Type 2 and Frontal Lobe tumor.
I've flown approx. 22 times since 1999 and never had any issues. Shortest flight, about 2 hours, longest flight, about 11 hours.
As a precaution, i take the following items with me in a carry on:
Crack Pack type ice packs
Salon Pas pain patches (200 mg each)
A soft collar neck brace
a Neck pillow (U-Shaped, memory foam type)
I've not needed them every time, but when i have needed any of the above i was glad to have them. Saves wear/tear and leaves me ready to go when i get off the plane.
I have more trouble with the standing/waiting in the TSA lines than i do with the actual flying.
Take care and ENJOY!
Alicia, just reading your comments about standing/waiting in the TSA lines. If you have problems standing or queuing you could look into booking mobility assistance for the airports. I had to do this last year and booked in advance with the airline, it took all the stress and worry out of travelling. It's not intrusive in terms of wanting any medical details so don't worry about that. As it happens on the day I was actually ok and could probably have managed the walking with my cane but it meant that my energy was saved for my holiday and not all used up by the travelling.