If you were in my shoes what would you do? -

You have to take one day at a time. Try and relieve as much stress from your life as possible. Stress is a huge part of meneire's so worrying about having a vertigo attack on the plane is not helpful. So how do you do this? For me getting plenty of sleep,exercise and eating sensibly are important to my daily routine. Being prepared in case you do have an attack. Let the people who travel with you know that an attack could happen and how you react to one. Take good care of yourself over the next 3 weeks and get on that plane. Do not let the what if control your life.

 

I do my best to not let this horrible thing stop me from living life. If it was me, I would have a backup plan (what to do "if") and then move forward as if nothing will happen. If you have an attack on the plane, try to get your dr to give you ativan to place under the tongue (stops my spinning within an hour or so) and just have puke bags with you. Middle of the walk - just let everyone know and have your backup plan. If you were to have an attack while walking, I have no doubt that someone in your family could call a taxi to get you back to hotel.

Worrying or stressing will only bring on an attack. Have a backup plan and then forget it.
Not optimum to have an attack on a plane or out walking with others - but if you have a plan to deal with it, no worries. After having to be driven home from work several times puking in a bag while room spinning - I have gotten beyond worrying about the embarrassment of having people see me like that. And you find out that people can be more caring and understanding than you ever thought.

Last, even at my worst, when on vacation my symptoms improved.

 

I would do.what you ARE doing. Trying the less invasive anti-virals and if that doesn't' t work go to the more invasive approach. That is all.we.can.do. Try one thing at a time. That IS what I am.doing. I hole you experience some.relief.

 

I agree with nicmgr there's nothing like having the confidence that the small pill dissolving under your top lip between your lip and gum. At my worst in 2008 I got so much comfort and confidence from stemetil brand name buccastem. The great thing for you is that they sell buccastem over the counter at boots in England. I'm from the UK and I bought buccastem about a month ago just to have in the house. You could ask the family in the UK to get some for you before you arrive. Buccastem does the same job as ativan. Like nicmgr says you should get the ativan now from the USA as it will take the stress of a possible attack away.

 

I expect that ativan is like buccastem as it stops an attack just as it starts or is in mid course so it's not a preventative. If you're looking for something that will probably prevent an attack I would suggest serc/ beta his tine. It worked well for me. Best of luck

 

You can do it, JenW.

I just got back from a quick trip, 2 hour flight each way, to help deal with a stressful, emotional family situation. I had to go by myself. Just knowing I had ativan with me to stop an attack makes things less stressful. Less stress means less chance of the vertigo happening.

What's the worse that can happen?

Nicmger and jaypr have given you really good advice, JenW.

Enjoy your trip!

Maggie

 

Ditto

You'll take one day at a time, with back-up plans, and you'll still enjoy every moment you have.
Take it easy until then, as much as you can.
The card is a wonderful idea. It made me think of getting a medical bracelet.

 

Jen, that is my all time favorite line by John Lennon, its so true!
Not sure I can add anything more to the great advice given by jaypr nicmger, imback, Maggie and redwing.

But one thing comes to mind is to try some meditation and deep breathing exercises on a daily basis to keep your system calm and relaxed and definitely increase the Valtrex, and make sure you have a list of all the meds you take and take them with you, you don't want to run out while away.

I would also recommend using a saline nasal spray every day to keep allergens (which can bring on an attack) and germs out.

Have a great trip and family reunion!

 

Jen
Have a great time in England!!! Send us a postcard

 

I think at moments of worry and doubt like this, it's important to remember that most of the time (hopefully!) we are still able to function in a world that is not spinning. Even if we spin sixteen hours a week that's still only 10% of our time - the other 90% of the time we are able to function for the most part. Sadly, for most of us I suspect, that 90% of good or better days is spent wasted in anxiety and fear, laying in wait for the dreaded 10% days.

I don't know about anyone else, but for me this fear and waiting for the next bad attack is harder for me to handle and deal with than the actual attack itself. When it comes we just deal with it - we have to. It doesn't kill us, it's just a kind of alternate reality - a weird crappy dimension we sometimes visit but know we will return from.
It would be incredibly sad if 90% of the time we just stopped living our lives and doing the things we want to do just because we were so fearful of the bad days.
I think we have to push ourselves to actually 'live' our lives or we might as well just give up and throw the towel in. I'm sure for all of us it's hard to do this at times but we are stronger than we think - just look at what we have had to learn to deal with!

I think you should just go for it Jen. Do all the things others have suggested then try to relax and hope for the best - but in the full knowledge that if the worst does happen you will just deal with it because you know you can 8)

 

That card is great. I think being prepared really helps.

I would take the maximum dose of Valtrex (3gm/day) all through the trip, and whatever else has worked for your in the past.

I would bring an empty water bottle and then fill it after you pass security, so you have plenty of water.

If you have any issues with ear sensitivity, I would get ear plugs that slow the pressure change--both for noise and pressure. I love these: https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/earplugs/flyfit/

I'd also would bring other things that I know help me relax--maybe some chamomile tea.

Enjoy your trip!!

 

Rest as MUCH AS POSSIBLE before you go. Get some valium or ativan . Watch your sodium intake. Maybe even look into getting a Decadron shot ( work WONDERS for me) - only two attacks in the last year..... whatever you do -- GO. I too have had to be carried out of my office puking into a bag and driven home puking the whole way and carried into my house and put to bed - puking the whole way..... it is what it is.... Most people don't see me as a freak - they feel so bad for me and wish they could help.... Sure you might look like you are hammered if you have an attack - lol - carry the card with you and go live your life. Good Luck!!

 

I love your card idea! Go and have a wonderful time!

 

Jen I'm so happy for you that you're going to be seeing your family and friends very soon and in England at that!

If you're prone to motion induced nausea, try bringing some organic crystallized ginger with you. I order mine online from nuts.com and always carry a few pieces with me in a little Ziploc bag in my purse. It's great for relieving that queasy feeling from too much motion. Taking 25 mgs of Meclizine (Dramamine) prior to your flight may help stave off a vertigo attack or dizziness.

I have a friend with MM who actually feels better in the air than she does on the ground. Something about the plane being pressurized makes her feel better. I sincerely hope the same will be true for you and that you'll have no problems during your time in England.

Have a wonderful time with all of those people who love you. Best wishes to you for a fantastic journey!

 

I'm so happy you're getting to take this trip!

I can't add any advice since you've been given advice from the beat people.

Just a thought. I remember hearing that chewing gum helps.

 

I'm guessing you'll be leaving for England today/tomorrow so just wanted to wish you the best of luck. Have a wonderful time!
As a bonus it looks like we're going to get some lovely weather here this week so chuck the umbrella and flippers out of your suitcase - the universe is bringing you sunshine