Hi All,

Thought I'd write a brief summary of how this trip has gone for me so far to give some of you who might be feeling terrified of flying (or thinking you'll never fly again) something to be happy about.

I left Sydney last Wednesday feeling ok-ish and went through the longest flight of my life. It was extremely long because the airline went via Hong Kong and then Anchorage, Alaska. All up 21,000 km and 24 solid hours in a jet. What I found was that at each airport stopover my head felt a little worse every time. This never happened before presumably because I was not in a relapse before flying. By the time I hit Anchorage and got off the plane I was feeling quite anxious - but only when I got OFF the plane and walked on solid ground. The last hour approaching Toronto was the toughest. Non-stop low-level panic (manageable) but I seriously could not have handled even one more hour I don't think. Grabbed my stuff in Toronto and was thoroughly whacked, surreal and zoned out for 24 hours.

So here I am a week later and the jet-lag has finally gone - yet another vetibular stirrer. Then there was the excitement of seeing family and an old girlfriend. Just amazing how all of this taxes the vestibularly challenged. Today I am feeling pretty good again - just a foggy head.

But the take home message I wanted to convey is that it IS all doable - even mega-long flights.. Not always comfortable that's for sure but if you can do your best to never fear the head monster you can surprise yourself and get away with more than you think. I've been careful to get rest whenever possible, avoid major trigger foods (definitely no alcohol), and not be too crazy. Otherwise OK.

Best all ... Scott :cool:

Nice!!

24 hours of flight time.... that's a LONG time! I can barely stand 10 hours, and not just because of the dizzy/anxiety stuff. Sitting in a plane that long is just miserable. Well, for me anyway, lol. Unfortunately most of my family is in Europe and there's only one way of getting there. Or one reasonable way...not sure how long a boat would take from here. :D

I always wanted to go to Aus, heard it was an awesome place to live too. But just the time it takes to get there has turned me off so far.

Enjoy your time with your family and the old girlfriend. Have lots of fun!!

Hi Scott

Sorry it was not more pleasant---but u did/made it!!!!!


:cool:

:D congrats on making it!!! sorry you weren't feeling so well, but it must be nice to be there and see everyone! keep on truckin' and you are so awesome to post this to let us know that it is possible!:angel: have a great rest of your trip and don't get too crazy haha:bouncing:

Great job Scott - that was a HUGE accomplishment, seriously. If you can get through THAT, you can get through anything!

Have a great vacation!

Hi Scott,

Just saw this post when I came on to ask Adam a few questions. I guess it answers my question to you earlier. I can't believe your flight was so long. I think that would wipe any normal person out (not that you are not technically normal (lol)). I remember taking a 7 hour flight to Aruba years ago and felt a wreck so I couldn't image 24 hours. I wouldn't imagine you have gotten any good sleep either.

Hope you feel better and enjoy the rest of your days in Toronto.

Best,
Gloria

Great Job Scott:

I have not been on in months as I am trying to enjoy my family and been realy busy at work. I was given a promotion at work so I am pretty busy there. I went 8 straight months at 100% . Recently a minor blip of nausea and dizziness. Doctor said that the change of seasons in the fall is a huge Migraine trigger

Hope you are doing ok Zoloft free now 7 months

Hey Scott
Welcome to the eastern time zone! I can't believe you would come here at this time of year though...I find this is such an in-between season, too cold to do lots outside but not cold enough to ski or play in the snow (but then TO tends to be on the lower receiving end of the white stuff).
Congrats on making the trip, my inlaws are over in Brisbane right now getting fried by the sun! They made the trip with two small kids, yuck.
Enjoy your holiday
FC

Thanks all for the replies. It's been *extremely* hard to stay on a migraine-free diet while visiting friends. The other night I saw an old highschool friend and out came the pizza and beer. In the end, I took the risk knowing I'd likely pay so opted for a 0.05% beer and ate a few slices of pizza with pepperoni (I peeled most of it off). I was starving so caved in. I paid heavily the next day but have since mostly recovered. No more of those events coming up luckily.

Howie - sorry to hear about this recent blip. How are you now? Still in it? Really hope it goes quickly for you and you don't have to go near Zoloft again. BTW, I'm presently on 3/4 of Cipramil. Not ideal but it keeps my head above water. I'm keen to try Topamax when I get back to Sydney. My brother's wife uses it and says it's fine apart from a metallic taste in her mouth. It's killed most of her migraines too.

FC - the weather in Toronto has been great so far. Still quite warm so no complaints. I'm loving the leaves changing colour and the fresh cool air.

Best ... Scott