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Traveling with pain

I have been flying for years, starting at about 5 years old flying two to four times a year to visit my dad. When I got older, I started getting pains and pinches in my legs when the pressure changes while flying. I have learned my legs have nerve damage, which causes them to be very restless and pain to shoot up them. I have yet to find something that helps every time while flying; compression socks help for a short time, but for me becomes uncomfortable. I have an ankle brace I can put ice packs in, and that helps for some. "Leg cramp" pills and cream are another thing I have found that helps with the swelling and cramping. ​​​​

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Bring a bag that if needed you can ask the stewards for some ice in it

Book help in Advance

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Although there are specialist teams at every airport, you should book airport assistance in advance. This is just so there are enough wheelchairs and people on hand to help. If you need a little more help doing things, you can go and ask for a Sunflower Lanyard. This will allow you (and the people you’re travelling with) to skip the queues and board first. As well as having any extra time or assistance on the plane or in the airport. 

Packing

Keep your pain in mind when packing your carry- on, bring things that can help you on a longer flight. Things that I have found useful 

  • A reusable ice pack​​ or bag (to get ice on the plane) 

  • Pain relief medication 

  • Compression socks 

  • Blow up elevation pillow 

  • Blow up lumbar pillow 

  • Long-haul (leg and ankle) circulation pills 

  • All clear Nausea Relief Inhaler

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