Travel Tips for Chiari Patients

Hello,

As the temps plummet to a bitter 30 below here in MN, I dream of traveling to WARMER places and this inspired me to share my "Travel Tips for Chiari Patients”.
Let’s face it, many Chiari patients don’t travel well, however, we still desire to travel to see family or friends, or we need to get to and from doctors or hospitals out of state. These are the things I have done over the years that have allowed me to travel with less pain and more physical comfort

FLYING:

1)Pressure Reducing Ear Plugs called “Heartech Flitemates”. Designed for aircraft passengers; they reduce noise and slowly balance cabin pressure changes that can cause pain and discomfort. They are excellent for us Chiari people who are sensitive to pressure changes. They are very comfortable for long-haul flights and periods of long use, are washable and reusable, and are inexpensive. You can purchase them for $6.99 at amazon.com. Make sure to follow the instructions on the box. I put them in 30 minutes before flight, and don't take them off until I've been up for 30 minutes, then put them back in 30 minutes before landing. I do NOT fly without them:-) A REAL lifesaver!

2) Neck pillow to support your cervical spine: I've heard that the “Komfort Kollar” neck pillows by www.magellans.com are good. They come in a memory foam version for $60.00 or an inflatable version for $28.00. But less expensive cervical pillows can be found on line, at travel stores or at the airport for $7.00.

3) Gel Seat Cushion to reduce lower back pain. “GSeat® Light” is designed with a gentle forward slope for proper lumbar curvature, and a center relieved groove that suspends your tailbone, eliminating direct pressure on the spine. Made of lightweight memory foam, it evenly disperses body weight, enhancing circulation and comfort. Folds in half for packing, and can be found at www.activeforlife.com for $59.00.

4) Guided Meditations by Belleruth Naparstek: Her Relieve Headaches CD is specifically designed to help relax tense muscles in the head and neck; assist with the opening and evening out of blood vessel caliber; reduce pain; promote emotional balance; and clear the mind of cognitive clutter. Go to www.healthjourneys.com to hear numerous samples, i.e.: anxiety, sleep, panic, trauma, healing, etc. Her voice is very relaxing and calm. MP3 files can be purchased and immediately downloaded. Enjoy!

5) Aromatherapy: I carry a small liquid peppermint essential oil in my purse when traveling. Airports, airplanes, big cities, etc, are filled with strong odors such as smoke, cleaning products, colognes and perfumes that can often trigger the Chiari patient who may be chemically sensitive. I simply put a dab of peppermint under my nose, so I’m breathing in the relaxing scent. This has been found to help with headaches pain as well. It really does the trick for me. Remember, when going through airport security, to put it in a zip lock bag, since it’s a liquid.


6) SLEEP MASTER sleep mask: it’s a wonderful adjustable sleep mask with total light elimination and built-in sound muffling. Made of a light-weight, soft, cool satin fabric, that’s very comfortable! It is breathable, flexible, durable, wide, surrounds your head and is easily connected in the back by velcro strips. Can be found at www.amazon.com for $21.00.

7) Divide your Medications: When flying, I divide my medications the following way, that way, if your luggage is lost, or your purse is stolen, you are not without your important medication. I place ½ of my meds in original bottles in my carry on bag with a doctor’s letter, and I pack ½ of my medications in my checked-in luggage also with a copy of my doctor’s letter.

8) Consider taking a Muscle Relaxer: even though I prefer non-drug options to treat chronic pain (i.e. guided imagery, yoga, etc.), I do take a Muscle Relaxer such as Flexeril or Tizanidine (which many Chiari patients are already using) when flying. Even though I do get up and stretch and walk during my flight, I find that when taking a Muscle Relaxer ½ hour before my flight I find it makes a big difference in my body’s overall physical comfort. This is only my experience, and you should discuss this with your doctor first.

9) Remember your Bowel and Bladder Needs: Avoid Caffeine, eat as close to your normal diet before flying, and eat little on the airplane to prevent upset or stimulation to your bowel and bladder.

10) Move, Stretch, and Walk: On long flights, get up and walk the isle, stretch while sitting in your seat, and remember to move your joints even if it’s just a little. “In flight Yoga.” CD by Carol Dickman can also be purchased at www.healthjourneys.com.

11) Travel Handicap Assist: Forget your pride, and travel with assistance! Don’t lug heavy baggage around, and don’t overdo it running around an airport. If you have a physical disability, then request wheelchair assistance when you make your flight arrangements (whether you use it or not): 1) this prevents you from having to stand in long lines (which can be physically difficult; 2) you will be brought directly to your gate, 3) you will be given more time to board, and 4) you will be picked up and brought to the baggage claim area when you arrive at your destination. At large airports like LAX or JFK this is very helpful. In smaller airports, sometimes I will put my luggage in the wheelchair and push it myself if I can, as it allows me to walk a little, or ride if I need to.

TRAVELING BY CAR:

Having hip, low back, and skull-base issues, traveling in the car I came across a number of products at Relax the Back Store and on-line that have made a world of a difference in my ability to travel by car:

1) Travel Mate Comfort Pillow: Ergonomically designed to prevent your head from rolling from side to side, the pillow helps you maintain correct posture. A strap holds the pillow in alignment allowing you to attach it to your car seat. It offers wonderful support for your skull base, relieving neck aches and stiffness. $30.00 or less.
2) ObusForme Backrest Support: This Backrest Support assists in the prevention and relief of back pain. The S-shaped frame promotes proper posture and correct spinal alignment -- this turns any chair into an ergonomic seating system. Use anywhere you sit. Includes removable lumbar pad. Comes in a Lowback or Highback version. This system holds my body in place while driving! Can be found at www.healthyback.com $60.00
3) Seat Cushion: Gel Seat Cushion to reduce lower back pain. “GSeat® Light”, or various other lumbar seat cushions (www.relaxtheback.com, or www.healthyback.com).
4) Seatbelt Extensions: Seatbelt extensions help one to avoid twisting, turning and placing undue strain on one’s spine. Seatbelt extensions can typically be purchased at your local car dealership for around $25.00. Some dealerships will give them for free.
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5) Panoramic Rearview Mirror: This extra-wide rear view mirror 17 = increases your rear field of vision up to 300% instantly. It eliminates blind spots on both sides of your vehicle, so you can safely make lane changes, merge onto freeways or back-up without straining your neck. It takes seconds to clips on to your existing rear view mirror. Great for those who have had a cervical fusion, or must wear an Aspen Cervical Collar! Only $10.00 at www.seenontvproducts.net/panoramic/ or at www.mileskimball.com 12 1/4" long x 3" wide. or a variety at www.amazon.com.

6) Extra Medication: I pack a travel pill case filled with a variety of my medications. I
leave this in my car in case I leave the house in a hurry and forget my purse (which is where
I keep my meds). It has happened

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Medical Alert Bracelets: There is no agreed upon standard guideline amongst Chiari experts as to whether one needs a Medical Alert Bracelet. However, for those who do choose to have one, helpful instructions may include: Chiari I Malformation or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Caution: do not hyperextend neck, shunts implanted, craniocervical fusion to C5 in place, presence of a syrinx or significant degenerative disc disease, etc.
(http://www.medicalert.org, www.americanmedical-id.com and others.)

EDS Awareness Wallet Card: for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be found at www.ednf.org. Click on shop to find cards, the cost is $4.00. This includes important information helpful for Emergency Room and Hospital Staff, pertinent to the care of EDS patients.

Letter from a Doctor: I carry with me a current letter from my neurologist or PCP that lists my diagnosis, and current medication regime. I carry two copies of this when I travel, one on my body (purse or pocket), and a second packed along with my meds.

Summary of Medical History: I have typed up a Medical Summary that lists my diagnosis, medications, allergies, surgeries, treatments, and doctors. I have found this especially helpful when I’ve been in ER’s situations, or while having to see a doctor, while I’m traveling out of state. When you are in a great deal of pain, and/or are drugged up, it’s great to have it in writing.

Well that’s it folks! Travel safe, enjoy life, and be well.

Sincerely,

Connie M. Moeller