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VESTIBULAR DISORDER - FLYING AND HOLIDAYS

Posted , 7 users are following.

june24146
june24146

Hi just wondering how you cope with going on holidays and flying.  I am little hesitant.  I have been on two flights that only lasted one half hrs - that was ok except for landing and feeling weird once on land.  Any comments

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • kathie37110
    kathie37110 june24146

    Posted

    For me the hardest part of flying is being in the airport with all of the noise and lights and so many other people moving around.  Once I am on the plane I am better.  Good luck with your travel!
    • june24146
      june24146 kathie37110

      Posted

      Hi Kathie Thank you for your response. Yes the airports and moving through them are a problem.  I have this fear of the pressure build up in the head. I am planning for next flight to be longer - 3 hours and then I would like to travel overseas if the next flight goes ok.
  • RikC
    RikC june24146

    Posted

    Hi June,

    I've just got back from a fortnight trip to the US (10hr flight each way). I had 'the dizzies' (aka. vestibular disorder causing vertigo, brain fog, tension headache) until my second week out there.

    On the flight out I didn't feel any more unbalanced than usual and I don't think it affected my ears as such. I made a point of balancing the pressure in my ears on ascent and descent. 

    The only problem I had was a bit of an anxiety attack on the flight out. But that's because I was worried about my dizziness, the upcoming trip itself, plus the fact I was worried I'd get worse while I was out there. Well, I did get worse in the first week I was out there that was incredibly tough especially as I had to give a public talk, etc. but I pushed on through.

    The flight back was perfect. No anxiety, no ear problems.

    So, in summary, for me I think its anxiety that caused my problems and next time I'd take something like Rescue Remedy to settle me beforehand. I wouldn't recommend drinking too much alcohol but a glass of beer/wine before/during the flight helped me on the flight back smile

    Throughout my awful viral vestibular disorder (if that is indeed what I've had, I've still not had a conclusive diagnosis) I made the point of just getting out there and carrying on with life as normal.

    I'm going skiing next week and so I'll be at altitude for the week. I'm also a bit worried in case I have a bit of a relapse with my vertigo but, do you know what? I'm not going to let this get in the way of my life. It's not easy, in fact I've found it really tough, but I'm glad that I did that US trip. I'm proud of myself for that.

    Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

     

    • kathie37110
      kathie37110 RikC

      Posted

      Such a great attitude RikC!  I have also found I have to keep going - it's my only hope of getting better.

      June, make sure you stay hydrated and also make sure when you travel that you factor in some rest time as soon as you land.  Don't just go to the hotel, leave your bags and head back out - check in, maybe relax in a quiet room for a few hours. 

    • RikC
      RikC kathie37110

      Posted

      As Katie says, schedule in some proper downtime where you can just sit in a quiet room. Each day of my first week in the US I took myself off and found somewhere quiet to sit for 1/2 hr. I had a 'Mindfulness' on my phone which I listened to as well which helped. I had to close my eyes - even for just 5 mins - and that seemed to help.
    • june24146
      june24146 RikC

      Posted

      Yes - That would be my plan.  I recently went on a road trip for six days along Great Ocean Road, Victoria. Australia.  I sat in back of car with very little room to move and felt every bump and movement. Not a good experience - so need to plan more carefully in future.
    • june24146
      june24146 RikC

      Posted

      Hi RikC Thank you for your lengthy reply. I can relate to you inconclusive diagnosis.  I have had a few different ones and they cannot tell me why it happened - not a virus or infection. You are right, you cant let this interfere with your life - I have pushed ahead, still working full time even though I could retire. Have a great skiing trip. Cheers June
  • paula59
    paula59 june24146

    Posted

    Hi June - I flew to the caribbean from UK last December.  The airport which is usually really bad for me, wasnt too bad on this occasion, its the lighting that gets me.  Went on a dreamliner which is supposed to be better for you.  Was OK as Im not scared of flying but did start with a migraine half way thru flight.  However it went with ibuprofen eventually.  Was brilliant on holiday and no problems whatsoever coming back.  I think the migraine going was stress cos I was scared about getting on a cruise ship with having claustrophobia.  So flight itself was fine.  No alcohol for me as it makes me more dizzy.
    • june24146
      june24146 paula59

      Posted

      Yes I would have to agree, stress exacerbates all the symptoms. I think I will just have to "bite the bullet" and just go and see what happens
  • Razouski
    Razouski june24146

    Posted

    Hi June,

    i developed vertigo following a virus that gave me sudden and profound hearing loss in one ear, vertigo, tinnitus and hyperacusis. This all happened one day in December 2014. When I was struggling to come to terms with it, my daughter persuaded me to book a holiday to give me something to work towards.

    last Easter we flew from UK to Bali in Indonesia. Like others who have posted in here, the airport light and bustle was a big challenge. I had informed the airline before I flew of my condition, and the cabin crew were really supportive. My doctor gave me cinnarizine for the flight, which I took an hour or so before departure. I was also given buccastem to use if I was feeling nauseous during the flight. 

    The flight out was fine, and I had a lovely holiday with my husband and two girls. 

    On the flight back I had one embarrassing moment when I came out of the loo following a change in cabin pressure and experienced room spinning, and ended up on the floor. The cabin crew were really lovely and helped me back to my seat as well as reassuring other passengers that I was ok . 

    I did wear ear plugs and noise cancelling headphones too, but this was more to help with the tinnitus and hyperacusis.

    good luck 😀

    • june24146
      june24146 Razouski

      Posted

      Thank you Razouski.  Yes I have lost all hearing in left ear, hyperacus and constant pressure in head and problems with eyes.  Do not have vertigo as such,  The issue for me is I would have to travel by myself which is a little daunting.  How did you go with travel insurance and this condition. I will make a note of those medications and discuss with my dr. I amn not sure where all the people in this forum live - but I am in Australia and flights to UK and USA are very long flights hence my concern.
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