I went on a long plane ride for the
first time since being hit with fibromyalgia. I had no idea how well
I would tolerate it. What would changes in altitude do? How would I
handle the cramped space?
Flying is difficult under the best of
circumstances, and I found it a bit more difficult than I thought it
would be. Sitting for long periods of time on a cramped plane is
uncomfortable, but unless you are on an aisle seat, getting up to
stretch every so often can be difficult. I would have preferred a
window seat, since it gives me something to lean against, allowing me
to change position every so often. I was in the aisle, so I was stuck
in the same position the whole time. I did get up every so often just
to stretch a little, but the problem was I was hurting, so getting up
was painful and slow. I also had to get up several times to let the
other two people out, something I found painful. Overall, I still
think I would rather have a window seat, but I have not actually
tired that yet. I may be wrong.
Another suggestion I saw was to check
as much as possible. Considering how much they charge per bag, that
is fine, along with the suggestion that flying first class would also
be more comfortable. Many of us with fibro have a more limited
budget, though. There is a much better solution.
After flying for six hours, I did not
even know if I would be able to walk. What would I do then? My wife
chose the best answer. She dropped me off with the skycap. As per
prior arrangements that my wife made, the skycap called for a
wheelchair, and I was wheeled to the front of the long security line.
Standing is uncomfortable for me, and that long line with all my
luggage would have put me in a world of hurt. We breezed through,
and I was dropped off at the gate.
Not only did this help reduce pain, but
lots of noise and busy environments can make me confused. With this,
I did not have to worry about figuring out how to get to my
destination. Yes, it was strange being wheeled about. Absolutely I
would have preferred to go on my own two feet. Was it the smarter
course of action? Yes. I avoided a whole host of potential problems.
I was moving pretty slow, and being pre-boarded avoided my having to
slow down other passengers behind me. It might seem a little selfish
to have all this done for you, but it actually makes it easier for
everyone in the long run. The horror stories of severe pain and
missed flights I read about online came from people who tired to do
it themselves. You have to ask for help.
When my wife called about the
wheelchair, the person she spoke with had a relative with
fibromyalgia so she understood the situation. They took good care of
me. The truth is, while I do not want a handicapped placard for the
car since I do not drive when I am in that rough shape, there are
times when I am handicapped. Denial is not an answer. Admitting that
I have limitations was the smart thing to do.
For luggage, I had a bag with wheels
and an expanding handle. That was great, as I could put my computer
bag on top and wheel it easily about. It all fit easily on the plane.
I did not seem to have any problems
with the changes in pressure, nor did I find many others online
complaining about problems with that. I was flying from one side of
the country to the other, so there was a three hour time difference.
I had no problem with this, but I never have had either. Just as
before, I always synched up almost automatically to the time zone I
was in. Those who have been bothered by Jet Lag in the past should
follow the usual recommendation for dealing with it, as it could be
worse with fibro.
Overall, while I was dreading it ahead
of time, I am glad that I made the trip. It was more difficult than
in the past, but not so much so that there is any real excuse not to
fly and deny myself the new experiences and adventures that come with
travel.
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