Tim I would think that would depend on how is your breathing normally. As an example I have moderate breathing problems that some extra mestinon helps. In October I took a series of flights commercially and as long as I was proactive with the mestinon I was fine.

Remember though if you are worn out by just the exertion of traveling that can make teh breathong problems worse than normal. I would highly recommend that you ask for wheelchair service to be waiting at each gate and use the little shuttles that run around the airport so you do not have to walk. There is no cost for these services and all it takes is a phone call to your airlines before your day of travel to setup the wheelchair.

I was almost embarassed to request this the first time this past October, but thanks to the advice here, it was one of the best things I could do and certainly taking care of my health is nothing to be embarrassed by. It was a new experience for me and one I will certainly do again with any future travel. You do not need any docors notes or anything like that. You can also ask at checkin, but its a lot easier to call a day or so ahead of time, but be sure to confirm your request when you check in at each gate or ask the flight attendant just to make sure the message gets passed along.

I think with a bit of planning you should be able to travel ok

Joe

Tim , great question , and Joe once again thank you for the answer. We are taking a plane to CA in March and I was wondering the same thing. Charlie

My bride and I spent most of November in San Jose, Ca, from Florida. My generalized MG was about as bad as it's been, but even though I was extremely irritable, with a lot of symptoms because of my refusal to give in to Service Wheelchairs, I made it out and back. Took a couple of days recovery, but managed the flight just fine. In retrospect, the Service Wheelchairs would have helped. They asked many times, but I wanted to keep trying as long as I can.....

I did talk it over with my Neurologist, and Cardiologist first. If my MG was effecting my breathing, eating or talking other precautions might have been necessary. I also made sure my medical information in my wallet was up to date, had my medical bracelet on, knew where I'd go in case of emergency, and made my meds travelling with me in my carry on, and not in my suitcase!

I took a trip last year to California. Every thing went fine but I went to my sons.
My concern with travel is I get so tired just leaving home. I am sure to take sleeping pills since that keeps me rested.
I always use wheel chair service to avoid getting over tired.
If you want to travel great. Just remember they wo'nt take risks so if you have concerns I wouldn't tell the airlines because once I had severe anxiety and they wouldn't let me on the plane because they fear they will have to do an emergency landing.

I agree that requesting a wheel chair is helpful, especially between connections where gates are far apart. At first I didn t think I needed one, but I realized it can do no harm and will help reserve my energy. I don't take mestinon,as it doesn t help. I do have IVIG every 8 weeks and try to plan it 2 weeks before I travel. I always have hand sanitizer and try to avoid airline food if possible. I carry on snacks, sandwiches etc. And lots of water to stay hydrated. I've found flying thru lots of time zones is tiring and I try to allow a day on both ends just to rest. People are really helpful with bags etc. if you ask. Like Joe said, it really depends how controlled your mg is at the time. I've never had a bad experience, but I've also never flown when my symptoms are exacerbated

Good luck!

Judith.

Thank you, Joe, Charlie, WGreen, Ann, and Judith for your suggestions, experiences and comments, Tim

Great advice. I would add wearing a mask in the airport and especially on the plane if you are immune suppressed (even if you aren't) we can't afford catching others ills.
- sherry

I had a busy August/ Sept traveling between three several states and back again...Ca to Oregon to Arizona to NY and Vermont then Colorado to Oregon. I used wheelchairs and those travel shuttles Joe spoke of. I found it easier to go through security that way as well as the attendant helps with luggage/computers.

One of the things I did was try to get early boarding and when possible sit near the front of the plane. That means less waiting and not so far to walk. You can arrange with airlines for wheelchair attendants. It would not have worked for me any other way.

When staying at a hotel I ask for a room near the elevator and closer to the main desk. Again long hall ways are not my friends.

I normally have some desaturation problems when the plane makes a big jump in altitude but it is transitory as the cabin pressure recovers fairly quickly. I am not sure what that relates to but it does happen. Hydration is very important.

I did have problems with altitude in Colorado and ended up spending most of my time in the hospital. My pulmonologist will write me an Rx for oxygen ahead of time next trip and I plan to also spend 3 days minimum acclimatizing before doing anything at all active. For me even walking in an outdoor mall was too much those first days.

I would not hesitate to fly again. I just always will make sure I have wheelchair attendants and early boarding. I also try to organize all my trip papers in clear plastic sleeves in my purse and have water and meds with me.

I would say have all your meds with you so you can take your prn ones when needed and don't walk when you can ride.

Marie