Hi,
For those who don't know me a quick background. Following several years of sciatica I underwent a discectomy at the end of February this year. My recovery has been as expected and I am doing well, still get sciatica after long periods sitting, but getting better as days go on ( my job as community nurse means I don't always have control over the length of time I sit). I'm religiously doing my physio and swimming at least 3 times a week.
My husband works in china and we are due to visit in 3 weeks, this is something I couldn't imagine ever doing six months ago but even though excited at the prospect I'm as equally frightened at the thought of a 14 hour journey. I would be grateful for any advice people may have.
My thoughts so far are to take my togi cushion ( I find this invaluable at work ) and making sure I walk regularly up and down the plane. Anyone have any other suggestions which may help?
Thanks
Em
Opt for an aisle seat, so that you don't need to disturb anyone when you get up for frequent walks
In the 'open space' by the servery, do some standing yoga poses (I used to fly a lot and watched people doing this quite regularly).
When you are at the servery, make the most of the water dispenser.
If you can't get out of your seat, do some isometric exercises - gripping buttocks, tensing thighs etc.
Alternate arm stretches to the front and upwards (just don't press the call button too often - by mistake - I know how stewards treat trouble makers!!!!)
Do you know anyone who could go through EFT with you? To help ease the feelings of anxiety and lose the 'frightened' word?
China? How fantastic. So envious!
Thanks for the quick reply.
Maybe the use of the word frightened not the best choice , I'm more concerned than scared. I guess I'm not keen on the take off landing part of flying to start with ( think this goes back to ear infections as a child) and am worried the tension will effect my back more than normal.
Isometric exercises great idea, now I'm thinking about it that's what I've found useful when stuck in traffic recently so guess its just the same principle just in the air!!
Must just remember that water is going to be far kinder to my back than wine:).
If you have probs with air pressure changes during take off & landing, invest in a pair of Ear Planes - Boots have them. You may look a bit like Uhuru from Star Trek, but they really work - when your ears have acclimatised once the flight is at altitude, you can take them out.
Hi there
I went on a 9 hour long haul flight about 12 weeks after my discectomy, 7 years ago. I just made sure I kept getting up to stretch my legs and my back, at the back of the plane every so often.
I'm a nervous flier as it is, so I was scared that the added tension might make me sore, but it didn't in hindsight.
Just make sure you stay mobile, and don't focus on any negative things.
Enjoy your holiday 🙂