Vacation, first plane trip since getting E diagnosis

[dfwtexas]

Tomorrow I am going on vacation. It will be the first vacation I have taken since my accident in 2006. I am going to pacific northwest, which is a real treat to get away from the Texas heat. Plus I will be visiting with some friends I haven't seen in years.
I am nervous/anxious about the plane flight. It is a 4 hour straight ride from Dallas to Seattle. I am probably most nervous about my arm, my arm was "rebuilt" after a traumatic accident, I have a permanent plate and rod in it. But I know I have read some posts on here about different experiences people have had with E when flying.
I am planning on taking my pain meds for my arm and seizure meds just before I get on the plane. My Keppra makes me sleepy, so maybe I will just sleep on the flight. I will have my medic alert ankle bracelet on. Any suggestions on anything else I should do or any information from anyone about their experience with flying would be appreicated.
My friends I am staying with know all my medical problems and 2 of the 3 are nurses. So I feel comfortable, I am hoping my seizures meds are at a good level. The last simple partial I had was the beginning of March and the last complex partial I had was in October. Although in the past I would go 4-6 months between.
I am just hoping and praying that I can have some stress-free fun!

 

[sandi]

Enjoy

Try not to worry, I did when traveling on Amtrak 2 years ago (although I was with my parents who were 80) tell the steward - so if anything happened what they should /should not do .
I let them know so they could get my mom and dad if needed(I am 51)and have them make any decisions.
I tried to explain that by the time they would stop the train and summon an ambulance it would be done and I'd take meds and sleep.I was grateful it was uneventful.
Have a nice trip!

 

[huskymom]

Don't worry. Have fun and enjoy spending time with your friends!!

 

[Nakamova]

Do your best to relax, and make sure you get plenty of water. And if you can, wake up as you are flying over the Cascades (I assume you are going near that part of the world). Mt. Rainier -- beautiful!

 

[Endless]

Vacation - what fun!

You'll be fine on the plane. I flew about 5 hours a few months ago, and had a simple partial, but no one but me knows I'm having one of those. So no problem.

Have a good time!

 

[RobinN]

I am guessing that you are going to have an awesome time. Seattle is such a wonder place to visit. I predict that the weather will be wonderful. Certainly travelling on an airplane through airports, can be trying, even for those without medical concerns. Leave plenty of time so as not to rush, and put on a happy face, and enjoy the "process". You never know the great people you will meet along the way.

I look forward to your stories when you return. Have fun!

 

[epileric]

I agree with everyone else, relax & if you find it hard to relax go to your breath and inhale long & slow, hold it for a few seconds then exhale.

Also, if you spend much time in Seattle check out Pike Place Market if you've never been there.

 

[Endless]

Be sure to take a ferry ride over to Bremerton and back, too. Buy some fish and chips to go at the Ivars Clam Bar to take along. And remember to take a really warm coat on the boat!

 

[epileric]

Also bring something wool to wear, it works better than cotton if it's a damp cold in the air.

 

[dfwtexas]

Thanks for all the encouragement...I am trying to be positive that all the trip will be is fun!

 

[RobinN]

....oh, and the flowers down in the Market are spectacular.

 

[Ann T.]

dfwtexas:
Hello! I flew from Illinois to Seoul, South Korea earlier this year (a 14 hour flight). Like you, I worried about how my body world respond to the flight & how to take my medications. My neurologist and I discussed this & he said, "Adjust your watch to Korea time and take your medication at the time you take it when you're at home." So, due to the time zone change (Central to Pacific), adjust your watch to Seattle time & take your meds as if you were in Dallas. You may be a bit sleepier, but don't obsess, because that just causes stress, which may lead to a seizure. And, like everyone else who has posted a response, have tons of fun. OH! And while this is up to you, let us know how your trip to Seattle turns out. Take care, dallasfortworth/dfw! :~)