Airplane!!!

Question for anyone!! I am past my one year for my first surgery, it will be one year next month for my second surgery. I am doing well! Better than 2 months ago! Better than a year ago!! Feeling like I am getting my life back in track from this CM nonesense! So I decided to take a trip home. I am getting on a plain for the first time since surgery. Is there anything i need to be worried about? I know silly question . I asked my so called CM NL and he said I will be fine. Which I know I will be. But the first time I went swimming after my surgery I was terrified to go under water, ya know the pressure thing. What do you all think? Has anyone traveled by plane after surgery? How long after surgery did you wait? What can I do to be comfortable on a 2 hour flight!

Hope everyone is well!

hugs
Maleena

[jvilletina2]

I flew from Austin, Tx to Hawaii (8 hrs flying)  7 mths post surgery and didn't feel any Chiari symptoms. My neck was sore from all the sitting but it's always sore. Take lots of little pillows if they might help you.
I also flew to New Zealand 13 months post surgery and again had no ill effects from the Chiari.

I have a great pillow called a "dog bone pillow" that I bought from Amazon. It's not inflatable, but has a wrist handle for easy carrying. I find it much more comfortable than the U-shaped travel ones. I use it every day when sitting in a chair and love it when travelling. About $20.

[LisaM46]

Great question!  I haven't had my surgery yet - but my family lives in Minnesota, and I hope to travel there next summer.  I'm very happy to hear it was not an issue for you jvilletina2!  Thank you for sharing.

And, Maleena, I am so happy to hear you are feeling so well.  It is very encouraging.

Lisa

[selmaS]

HI Maleena....glad u r getting to go home....I haven't been on a plane post op, but was on one prior...and no issues on my ride there, but coming home I was having sinus issues and teh landings were brutal.....

I am sure u will be fine...enjoy seeing ur family : )

"selma"

[LisaM46]

I was worried about flying in August this year, because it felt like there was "something" in my left ear canal.  I was scared it might burst and then everyone would just be stuck with me on the plane having my head implode or something.  

My NS recommended something called Ear-planes.  They're soft rubber earplugs you can buy at Walgreens (or any drug store, I imagine) specifically for flying  Anyway, I tried them and they really helped.  They somehow help ease the pressure change.  

Funny thing... I think flying actually "fixed" my left ear.  I still get the itchy feeling inside sometimes, but the "thing" that I used to feel deeper inside seems to be gone for now!  (Darn ringing is still there though!)

Lisa

[Sweetpea32]

Thanks everyone! I am sure it will be fine! I will have to invest in a small pillow for my head/neck. and take some aleve before I go, that might help the ackeyness from sitting on the plane for that long. I have a massage appt right after I get there so that will help also!

Thanks! :)

[selmaS]

Have a grand time Maleena!!!

"slema"

[n40066]

did a 5 hr flight to san juan...it was no problem with the chiari....bit of a problem with my neck, though.  but that's unrelated!  no worries!  you'll be fine!!