SFN and dealing with a 14 hour flight, Anyone have experience?

Posted by SteveSH @steveny9, Jan 18, 2023

I have SFN in my toes, foot, 6" above the ankle and finger tips. I don''t have pain just numbness and stiffness. I taken short airplane flights without too much problems. In August, I must travel on a non-stop 14 hour flight and then a lay-over of 2 hours with another 6 hour flight. I will be in economy due to the current finances. I am a bit worried. Has anyone experienced long flights? How did it go?
I thought I might practice sitting in a chair for 14 hours with occasional walks done the "aisle".
Any comments are appreciated.
Thank you

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@1died2x

I have a similar problem and stopped making the flight unless I can get the premium economy - it is more expensive than coach but a lot less than business. If you are not stuck with a certain airline shop around. The seat is wider and more leg room. I also ask for an aisle seat so it is easy to get up and walk around. Also I CAN walk and even if a wheel chair I bring a cane. People are more helpful if they can see you are handicapped, but I get a wheel chair now and spend at least 2 hours less at each end off my feet plus easier doing the lines, usually to the front of all lines. Passport control etc usually their own window. Because I have many metal parts and am old every advantage helps. No one gives you extra credit for suffering bravely so get every advantage you can.

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I decide I can do it if I buy premium class middle aisle so I can get up and walk around and if I need to take a sleeping pill (34 hour flight) I can do so with people going on the other side.

Do they allow 65 and over emergency rows?

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@steveny9

I decide I can do it if I buy premium class middle aisle so I can get up and walk around and if I need to take a sleeping pill (34 hour flight) I can do so with people going on the other side.

Do they allow 65 and over emergency rows?

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I used to get them often. When I started arriving with a cane and later a wheel chair, even though I walked onto the plane they stopped letting me. I know they expect the people in that aisle to help get people out the door so I assume no. but ask. I assume most good travel agents know the answer to that

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@steveny9

what are ankle pumps?

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You lift your heel off the ground, bend your ankle, pointing toes to your chin, then stretch foot out, pointing toes like a “ballerina”, then back and forth for a count of 20. Do a few sets every half hour or so.
By the end of the day, my neuropathy leg ankle is swollen a bit, so I do them in my Lazy-Boy during the commercials. Learned them at PT

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When I fly to Los Angeles, CA twice a year, l always ask for and sit in bulk head seating. Bulkhead seating has extra leg room and lets me put my feet up on my backpack so that they are elevated. I also get up every 1/2 hr and walk down the aisle to the back of the plane and back twice to keep the blood flowing. This helps me get through my flight. I also wear compression socks to keep my legs from swelling.

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I advise some stretching exercises but you really don't have room. Maybe use a bathroom stop for that too.

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