I'm so glad to hear you had a wonderful time! I can't believe the timing of your article for me. I was just packing (early) for a trip to Europe and thinking I need my head examined by more than a neurologist for planning something so ambitious when I get headaches from traveling. We're taking a cruise in the middle of our trip and I'm organizing private day excusions with some of the passengers. I let them know up front that I get migraines and can't tolerate smoke. But that's only one of many triggers. So, I'm feeling nervous about what I'm getting myself into.

That MAPP article was very helpful. I found a bag (small suitcase, actually) and put everything in it I use for headache relief. Great idea because I can't think when my head hurts. I won't be able to take everything with me, unfortunately. I'm wondering if you took anything with you on your trip besides medication? I plan to take my neti pot, salt, hot water bottle, small Brita water filter and four nalgene bottles so I'll stay hydrated, magnesium. Anything else you can suggest?

The last time I flew internationally I had one of the worst migraines of my life. I stood in the back of the plane in the long restroom line holding a barf bag with tears running down my face. I felt like a complete fool. I hate scenes. The medication made me nauseated and it didn't help the headache. Menstrual migraine. They were horrible. I think I'm past that now and I'm armed with a lot more prevention information, so I'm hoping this trip will go better. And my husband will be with me. That can either make things better or worse...

I frequently get migraines after returning from traveling. Almost always. Stress combined with fatigue (and jet lag) gets me every time. I'm really impressed that you managed your trip and migraines so well. That's a wonderful accomplishment and it's an encouragement to me! Thank you for sharing your success story!

Jane

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

7/30/08 12:55pm

Your trip sounds exciting, I hope the information is helpful. 

 

Some Migraineurs take Frova when flying long distances. Click HERE for information on that. Changes in air cabin pressure can be a problem for some people too. Our Migraine Trigger page may provide you some ideas for your trip.

 

Have fun and let us know how you make out.

Jane

7/30/08 1:05pm

Thank you, Nancy. I'll check out the Frova.

Jane

Jane

12/ 4/08 12:20pm

Hi Nancy, My husband and I took a 23-day trip around Italy and the Mediterranean in October. We hiked for a week in Cinque Terre, Italy where the exercise, fresh air, and sunshine helped me get over jetlag and stress. then we took a cruise for our anniversary. I didn't get a migraine until 48 hours after our 1000-mile drive home. I'm seeing a pattern that after driving long distances, either as passenger or driver, I can expect a migraine if I don't pay attention and deal with it immediately. While in the states, I don't eat out very often (I carry a cooler with "safe" food/snacks in the car) and try to be careful what I order (usually going to the same restaurants, ordering the same food) because certain food additives are triggers for me. Low blood sugar is also a major trigger for me, so on our trip to Europe, I carried instant oatmeal packets and canned tuna (with no additives! from Wild Oats) making my suitcases much heavier but it was worth it not having to search for food early in the mornings. I need to eat immediately upon awakening and I need protein. For lunch, I avoided the salami and cheeses which are so tempting and packed roasted chicken and fresh fruit every day in my backpack. I also drank lots of water. I felt great. On the cruise ship, I avoided the soups and anything else I was suspicious might have MSG. Ate lots of salads and fresh fruit instead. Went to bed early every night. So, I did well until I arrived home, crashed and burned, but that's ok. I'm very happy to have managed the trip when I have migraine disease. Yea!! Jane

since im homeless and shelters will not go scent free

most dont allow people in the day no matter how ill ..

ive learned some car survival with migraines and more 

 i notice that it helps to make sure to wear the uvb/uva sunglasses when you can 

and be prepared along your route as you amy have to go somewhere and sit  sit sit fro hours  before the vison and pain subsides and its safe to drive again.

also good to know where All emergency rooms are near where you are driving.

as inconvenient as that is its better than harming yourself or others.

and dont forget  you can lose your license for being too disabeld and/or not responsible to drive safely.

so always add fudge factor and alternate timelines to driving trips ( or living in your car) with migraine.

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

8/ 1/08 3:41pm

Thanks for the tips MAC. I try to remember my sunglasses wherever I go. And good point about the ER rooms.

 

  

Nancy, like the previous reply, I would like to say that it is wonderful that you were in Ireland. Ofcourse, getting there wasn't exactly on the itinerary. I congratulate you for taking on the challenge. What you did, going really far away from home, is just scary thinking about it.

Did you get to see the Statue of Liberty when you came back?

Gosh a world traveler now. 

Welcome home by the way. 

Marlene   

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

8/11/08 10:09am

Hey there,

 

We were so tired and had another three hours to drive to get to my sisters house we didn't do any sight seeing in NYC.  The next day my daughter and I drove four hours to our house. So all in all in was a really long trip!! But one I would do again in a heartbeat. 

what a wonderful opportunity this was for you! how exciting. glad you had a good time. you give me hope about my vacation coming up. thanks for sharing.

jj

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

8/11/08 10:17am

"Proper pre-planning prevents poor performance"  my father-in-law always says. So with proper planning and a lot of praying I made it through my trip.

 

I'm sure your vacation will be great jj. Take along your tool box and anything else YOU need to be comfortable. Oh yes, and have fun.