Amerge or Frova.

In my previous job, I flew a lot (over 100K miles per year) and flying/airports were my worst nightmare. No where to run. No where to hide.

After trying every single Triptan multiple times, I had the best results with Zomig Nasal Spray - fast and reliable. (Frova never did much for me unless I doubled the dose) If the attack started to come back, I added an Amerge. This is a strictly “off label” use - mixing Triptans - and some people have reported disastrous results doing it - like heart attacks. I was 54 years old at the time and I did it with the blessing of both my Neuro and Cardio docs and never had a problem of any kind. DON'T do it without working with your doctor.

The key is that I was mixing fast/short acting Triptans with long lasting versions, with the doses staggered by 2-3 hours.

As to the second part of your question: No, the “payback” hits were never any worse than without taking these particular drugs. The glaring exception to that for me is Imitrex which makes me pay dearly, later.

I traveled with my O2 regulator which is the CGA-540 type thread that fits both large medical tanks and all welding tanks. With a little bit of legwork (and some greenbacks) you would be amazed at how easy it is to find welding O2 in hotels, garages, etc. while on the road.

Marc

The Starbucks energy drink is a great idea. I am self treating and don't do prescription medications anymore, but there is a Starbucks in every airport!
I reliably get an attack on domestic flights but I have never had one an international flight. They must keep the air quality better on long overseas flights.
I think I will buy 2 energy drinks before the next flight and drink one in the gate area and chug the other one as we get to 10,000'.

Is flying with o2 off limits? Even with a script and doctors letter?

OT: I can't help myself.. Can you imagine a CHer at kip 10 and a terrorist?

Mac_Muz wrote on Dec 30^th, 2009 at 7:51pm:

Ever since a Value Jet's crash in Flordia about 15 years ago was determined to have been caused by a ruptured high pressure gas cylinder it is easier to get a loaded bazooka on board an aircraft than an O2 cylinder. I know airplanes carry O2 cylinders all the time, but they are theirs and they control the hydrostatic testing and filling of them. So theoretically they are safer than ones a passenger would bring on board.

Is flying with o2 off limits? Even with a script and doctors letter?


Mac_Muz: Probably have to check with the airline.

You can request O2 when you buy your ticket and they'll "furnish" it on a flight (I think you have to have a script) for medical reasons. But the way I understand it - it's their O2 (didn't get into the regulators. And for a price.

My headaches are NOT predictible so I just wait for the surprise and then either pop a Red Bull (I carry one with me on the plane - they put them thru security by themselves to make sure there's nothing in the can except Red Bull - go figure that one! and I have to EXPLAIN that they don't want me on the plane without that little can).

I also carry cafergot and pop it when I get hit in an airport or on a plane. I don't have the after effects that you talk about. It usually just kills a CH for me and I'm good to go. I'm just tired and grouchy after the pain subsides.

Don't know about the air quality - but if they let the plane get too warm, I usually get hit. Just can't stand too much heat.

Hugs BD