Flying

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dianne!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jane!

I haven't really kept in touch with my doctor, which I

guess might be strange but I am seeing him Sept. 5. I

have HMO coverage and I only have coverage for two

more visits so I guess I am conserving! My last

surgery was done in St.Louis at -Jewish

Hospital. Great hospital if anyone on the list lives

in that area!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Like others, I too had no problems flying prior to surgery (in fact,

I delayed my surgery by a week because I had a business trip to go

on).

But I have to share my doctor's take on the question. When I asked, a

few weeks after surgery, " can I fly now? " , he took great delight in

saying: " well, could you fly before the surgery? I don't see any

wings on ya! Now, if you want to go in a *plane*, then that's

fine ... " . Apparently he says that to everyone ... must be a favorite

joke among the ENTs.

Dave

> Hello-

>

> I just wanted to know if anyone has flown before their

> scheduled surgery? I have an opportunity to visit St.

> Louis and I really want to but I don't know what

> reaction my ears will have on the flight.

>

> Thanks!

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Everybody's a comedian! When I went in for surgery on my left ear, the ER nurse asked me "We are operating on your left ear, right?" I answered "right" , he said "OH, your RIGHT ear??!!" and the conversation went downhill from there, turning into an Abbott and Costello routine.

Laughter always brightens my day, thanks for sharing!!!

mudgeemailbags wrote:

Like others, I too had no problems flying prior to surgery (in fact, I delayed my surgery by a week because I had a business trip to go on).But I have to share my doctor's take on the question. When I asked, a few weeks after surgery, "can I fly now?", he took great delight in saying: "well, could you fly before the surgery? I don't see any wings on ya! Now, if you want to go in a *plane*, then that's fine ...". Apparently he says that to everyone ... must be a favorite joke among the ENTs.Dave

[Guest guest]

Urgh...how funny. I'm sure you have a sense of humor

to put up with your doctor's!!!

I got a second opinion from a different doctor and he

said it's not a problem. My surgery is now being

delayed till January so I guess I can fly to my

heart's content!!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/11/2003 9:04:54 AM Eastern Standard Time, cholesteatoma writes:

I just had my c-toma surgery and my doctor placed no restrictions on air

travel. I will have to ask her again as I did have plans to fly in 2 weeks.

Curtis

Hi Curtis & everyone else. My current surgeon has the same 6 week rule (waiting 6 weeks post-op before flying) as others have posted. FYI, my 1st surgeon said 3 weeks & I did fly, NY to Alabama ( & back again) 3 weeks post-op. The cholesteatoma ear was fine but my "good" left ear was a real problem. I couldn't do the ear-popping thing due to the surgery & it was pretty painful. FYI #2, I just flew RT Virginia to Orlando the other week, about 2 1/2 mos/10 weeks post-op & had a similar problem but to a lesser degree. I could "pop", but for whatever reason while the bad ear popped just fine the good ear gave me trouble. It never got too bad, just discomfort, but I figured I'd share that post-op flying experience.

[Guest guest]

i also take ashtons favorite whatevers... playdoh, magnadoodle, etchasketch,

cd player with disney songs, slinkie, koosh balls nd pringles.......she would

walk on broken glass over fire for pringles.. lol great positive reinforcement

tool, as much as i hate to use food as an incentive, i will at airports.....

ohhh and something to suck on.... licorice, lollipops, chew tube or a clean

sock... (for those who like socks) if htey suck it helps the pressure in the

ears....

leah

[Guest guest]

We have found great success with flying by using a nice doses- in our case

for our child- 50 mg. of Benadryl - about the time that we arrive at the

gate - usually 45 minutes before flight time. We also ask to board LAST as

that shortens the time on the ground. We also take our son to the bathroom

BEFORE entering a plane to reduce the need to use an inflight bathroom -

sounds are magnified in those stainless steel cocoons.

Good luck for Ariel.

Sara - Choose to make lemonade, not complain about the lemons.

----Original Message Follows----

From: " jaaaj5 " <jaaaj@...>

Reply-

Subject: Flying

Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 00:06:49 -0000

Hi Everyone,

I dont post very often but I do read each and every email...

My daughter Ariel has Mosaic Down Syndrome and PDD-NOS (probably

Aspergers). She has problems with certain tones and frequencies.

Her ears are structurally normal and she has no hearing lose. Ari

will be flying with my mother to Florida in a couple of weeks and I

was wondering if any precations should be taken?

Thanks

_________________________________________________________________

MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*.

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Here are a couple of sites to review.

http://autism.about.com/library/blflight.htm

http://www.bbbautism.com/vol_3_iss_2_disney.htm

What has helped my son but of course this depends on Ariel's age and

what she can do or like.

* Had my son carry his back pack to cut down on running off.

* My son was able to tolerate wearing headphones and this would

block any surrounding sound. In his carry on bag was his CD or tape

player with his favorite Disney read-along-books. Any favorite toys.

When he was younger he use to wear ear plugs, only during take-off

or landing.

* Any favorite coloring books.

* d an easy to drink cup according to his age, using a lid &

straw for his favorite drink. Brought my own drink to avoid anything

without sugar. The fluids helped him swallowed for lift off and

landing so that he could swallow. This helped his ears.

* His favorite stimming toy.

* I would give him a massage and now I know why it has helped.

Actually the best technique would be the joint compression as I've

learned now. The head starts to build up pressure and this helps

calm the nervous system. Prayers that this will not happen.

* Favorite snacks.

* I made sure he wore comfortable clothes, shoes. d extra

clothes, not just because if he had a restroom accident but because

he hates being dirty. Also has to wear his favorite white boxer

briefs. OCD behavior. So if Ariel has any, this is something to

consider.

* The only precaution I would have for my son would be working

around on the waiting in line on ground.

My son does not read but I use pics. My goal is having him

understand simple social stories with pics to discuss visiting the

airport, traveling on an airplane,destination, people visitng,

places, etc. He has become a pro but he still needs his brain to

process the information and visualize.

* A new area I'm going to try is something sort of like a map or

clock with an airplane traveling towards the dots by showing the

time as it gets near the destination and pics of who we will be

meeting.

* One of the areas that I did hate was when traveling with my dh he

would get up alot for anything the restroom, ask the flight

attendant for something, to grab a pillow, blanket, magazine, etc.

this only stirred my son to wanting to get up to follow.

So I hope your daughter is good with her grandma. Especially when

your mom needs to use the restroom and I'm talking about while up in

the air. Unless your daughter understands " wait, will be right

back " . So restroom if possible before and in between flights if any.

* Try to have some pictures taken at the airport and with grandma so

that this would remind her of her adventure traveling with

grandma. : )

My son has been traveling since he was 2 wks. old. Many here are

just wonderful sharing their experiences, so I hope something will

help. : )

May your mom and Ariel have a safe and pleasant flight and may she

enjoy her stay in Fl.

May you also know that she is in good hands while Ariel is away. Of

course I do not know your mom or you but sometimes our kids can

behave like Angels towards others when us parents are not around.

You have a great mom to take these steps.

Irma,14,DS/ASD

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/11/2003 9:43:26 PM Eastern Standard Time,

includeallofus@... writes:

> ohhh and something to suck on.... licorice, lollipops, chew tube or a clean

>

> sock... (for those who like socks) if htey suck it helps the pressure in the

>

> ears....

>

Absolutely. I feed Maddie yogurt during take-offs and landings so I know

she is swallowing. Also bubbles work wonders for us.....AND every other kid

who happens to be in front of us.....;-)

Course, I refuse to be held accountable for the saliva sucked sock that

landed on the woman way up in front.....;-)

Donna

[Guest guest]

those are great sites, I'm gonna save them. . I haven't really thought about the

suggestions that theey had on it

rebecca

Re: Flying

Hi ,

Here are a couple of sites to review.

http://autism.about.com/library/blflight.htm

http://www.bbbautism.com/vol_3_iss_2_disney.htm

What has helped my son but of course this depends on Ariel's age and

what she can do or like.

* Had my son carry his back pack to cut down on running off.

* My son was able to tolerate wearing headphones and this would 

block any surrounding sound. In his carry on bag was his CD or tape

player with his favorite Disney read-along-books. Any favorite toys.

When he was younger he use to wear ear plugs, only during take-off

or landing. 

* Any favorite coloring books.

* d an easy to drink cup according to his age, using a lid &

straw for his favorite drink. Brought my own drink to avoid anything

without sugar. The fluids helped him swallowed for lift off and

landing so that he could swallow. This helped his ears.

* His favorite stimming toy.

* I would give him a massage and now I know why it has helped.

Actually the best technique would be the joint compression as I've

learned now. The head starts to build up pressure and this helps

calm the nervous system. Prayers that this will not happen.

* Favorite snacks.

* I made sure he wore comfortable clothes, shoes. d extra

clothes, not just because if he had a restroom accident but because

he hates being dirty. Also has to wear his favorite white boxer

briefs. OCD behavior. So if Ariel has any, this is something to

consider.

* The only precaution I would have for my son would be working

around on the waiting in line on ground.

My son does not read but I use pics. My goal is having him

understand simple social stories with pics to discuss visiting the

airport, traveling on an airplane,destination, people visitng,

places, etc. He has become a pro but he still needs his brain to

process the information and visualize.

*  A new area I'm going to try is something sort of like a map or

clock with an airplane traveling towards the dots by showing the

time as it gets near the destination and pics of who we will be

meeting.    

* One of the areas that I did hate was when traveling with my dh he

would get up alot for anything the restroom, ask the flight

attendant for something, to grab a pillow, blanket, magazine, etc.

this only stirred my son to wanting to get up to follow.

So I hope your daughter is good with her grandma. Especially when

your mom needs to use the restroom and I'm talking about while up in

the air. Unless your daughter understands " wait, will be right

back " . So restroom if possible before and in between flights if any.

* Try to have some pictures taken at the airport and with grandma so

that this would remind her of her adventure traveling with

grandma. : )

My son has been traveling since he was 2 wks. old. Many here are

just wonderful sharing their experiences, so I hope something will

help. : )

May your mom and Ariel have a safe and pleasant flight and may she

enjoy her stay in Fl.

May you also know that she is in good hands while Ariel is away. Of

course I do not know your mom or you but sometimes our kids can

behave like Angels towards others when us parents are not around.

You have a great mom to take these steps.

Irma,14,DS/ASD

 

[Guest guest]

We were told 4-6 weeks after surgery for flying. We flew 6 months

after Katelyn's surgery and her " good " ear was the one that bothered

her.

Candy

> Has anyone flown after their surgeries? I am planning on flying,

five

> weeks to date after my surgery. My doctor said to wait three

weeks,

> but , for some reason now that surgery is over, i feel a little

> protective over that ear!!! Don't want anything else to go

wrong!!! LOL

>

> THanks

[Guest guest]

BunE, that's exciting! Where are you going? Let us know how things go, ok?

S.

upstate NY

CII 5/01

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

----- Original Message -----

From: " bbunewabbit " <bbunewabbit@...>

> Good morning! I just wanted to post a quick note to say I am

> boarding an airplane today for the first time since my bilateral

> cochlear implant operation.

>

> BunEWabbit

> bilateral Med-El 4-21-03

> hook-up 5-19093

[Guest guest]

Hi It was a piece of cake. I flew to Italy which took 9 hours each way and not

a problem at all. I was able to hear more of the the surroundings

Enjoy your trip

in Florida

Bilateral 5/03

Nucleus 24

[Guest guest]

Wonderful, BunE. We have so many firsts after being

implanted. Have a great trip and be sure to tell us

all about it when you get back.

Alice

--- bbunewabbit <bbunewabbit@...> wrote:

> Good morning! I just wanted to post a quick note to

> say I am

> boarding an airplane today for the first time since

> my bilateral

> cochlear implant operation.

>

[Guest guest]

Both flights went smoothly & I did not experience any severe head

pain during take off or landing. It was pretty neat being able to

understand a lot of what was said over the P.A. system. The pilot of

the plane going to ville played a harmonica before take off.

He then told everyone not to confuse his harmonica playing ability

with his flight skills. Giggle!

> Good morning! I just wanted to post a quick note to say I am

> boarding an airplane today for the first time since my bilateral

> cochlear implant operation.

>

> BunEWabbit

> bilateral Med-El 4-21-03

> hook-up 5-19093

[Guest guest]

You are usually advised not to fly for six weeks following ear surgery. Flying is a problem at other times whenever your eardrum is intact and the Eustachian tube isn't working properly. It's always worse on descent where the ear pressure is less than the surrounding cabin pressure. It's useful to have a few methods that can help to open the E tubes. There are some proper exercises (like the ones scuba divers use) but regularly opening your mouth wide or sucking sweets can help. ENT will often recommend using a nasal spray which needs to be applied about half an hour before take-off and landing. Some kinds of balance problems are also affeced by altitiude.

Phil

flying

Thanks for the responses to my previous questions and in advance for this one!My husband and I are making plans to go to Italy in June. Meanwhile, I have had a chronic infection since September, and I'm supposed to go and see a specialist in NY city in the next week or so. We have to book a flight and a tour, which may mean losing lots of money if we can't go. Of course I will talk to the doctors about these questions, but I'm wondering what those here can tell me about (1) flying with an ear infection (should that happen), and (2) if, worst-case scenario, I need surgery again, how long would I have to wait to fly?Thanks, K.

[Guest guest]

It all depends on your experience, your child's experience, and who your

child is, AND also who you are. My child is an experienced traveller.

She is often given the tickets and told to deal with check-in. She

knows about seats, the need for money for earphones to watch the movie

on a trans-con flight, etc. She's also pretty good at finding an

unchecked in cart for baggage.

Jan has travelled alone a number of times, one of them without a parent

at the far end. We haven't had her treated as a child, but the airline

staff was certainly aware. Part of inclusion is being able to travel

with the peer population.

Much of this has to go with " letting go " and also with one's tolerance

for things that might go wrong. Our approach has to allow Jan the MAX

independence and sometimes pick up the pieces afterwards. In airline

travel, we haven't had problems.

Yes, there was the time when she got picked out as a potential terrorist

and had her very full packpack inspected at the gate. It took so long

that she and her Mom almost didn't make the fight. I fault the security

people for that one.

Your approach to these things might be very different. We (us and Jan)

have won some things with our adventurous attitude, and we've also had

things that were problems. In the net, I don't have a lot of regrets.

Life is uncertain. We haven't always taken the low risk path. All of

us are different and your tolerance for risk might be much different

than ours. I've my own physical handicaps, but not ones that bother my

fairly active life. Sometimes it helps balance Jan and myself.

Rick .... dad to 31 year old Jan

Hopefully I'll get her to California with me this summer. My job's

moved, but she hasn't yet.

[Guest guest]

My doctor told me he has heard of people setting off the metal detector

alarms at the airport because of their bands, particularly with the larger ones.

He advised carrying the identification card--showing you've had a lapband

placed; however, I'm sure that more than showing a card would be expected should

I

set off an alarm. I'd rather be frisked/patted down than have to pull up my

shirt and show my big belly to the world.

makenzie

[Guest guest]

See post # 1313. Sandy RN

>

>

> Please let me know if any alarms go off with this. This way I can

be

> prepared next year as I travel for my Bowling Tournament.

[Guest guest]

There is a product developed, supposedly, by a school teacher, called Airborne

Formula. Has all kinds of good stuff in it, recommended for flying and crowded

places. Available in drugstores.

[Guest guest]

More info at http://www.airbornehealth.com/ .... List of ingredients available

at the site.... Echinacea may be of some concern, but probably well worth it

on an occasional basis to avoid getting sick.... Good info, since I'll be

flying to Europe in a few weeks... Thanks.... Regards,

Walter V.

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 10:03:37 -0500

From: jb50192@...

Subject: Re: Flying

There is a product developed, supposedly, by a school teacher, called Airborne

Formula. Has all kinds of good stuff in it, recommended for flying and crowded

places. Available in drugstores.

[Guest guest]

Check with your Doc to be sure, I had no problems

flying following my CWD....

tom hansen

--- yankeesfan1013 <BSORules@...> wrote:

> Hi, Everyone,

>

> I was wondering...has anyone had any problems flying

> following CWU and

> CWD? My CWD was in Dec.,'05. If you have had

> problems, were there any

> things you could you do to help? Thanks!

>

> Sincerely,

> Kathy

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

About three months after having my surgery (Sorry - I don't get the

acronyms), my surgery was through the back of my ear, not through my

ear canal, I flew to London, England - with absolutely no trouble. I

fly a lot for my current position (I have flown on 8 flights his year

since January) and I have no trouble flying, but it's been 4 years.

As a matter of fact, before I had a c-toma, I used to have a lot of

trouble with my ears - it would be so painful I would be in tears.

Now, the pressurization does not bother me at all.

>

> Hi, Everyone,

>

> I was wondering...has anyone had any problems flying following CWU

and

> CWD? My CWD was in Dec.,'05. If you have had problems, were there any

> things you could you do to help? Thanks!

>

> Sincerely,

> Kathy

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you for answering my question about flying. My doctor

says it should be fine but I wanted to hear it from those of you who

have experienced it. Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Kathy

> >

> > Hi, Everyone,

> >

> > I was wondering...has anyone had any problems flying following CWU

> and

> > CWD? My CWD was in Dec.,'05. If you have had problems, were there any

> > things you could you do to help? Thanks!

> >

> > Sincerely,

> > Kathy

> >

>