Wednesday, July 23, 2008

I was the canary in the coal mine!

Our flight home on Eurofly was interesting.

Let me begin by saying I didn't feel terrific even before I got on the plane. I had had a bunch of tests in the days before leaving NY, including a CAT scan with IV contrast which I did not properly flush out of my system (meaning I didn't drink tons of water while I was running around doing last minute shopping and packing). My neck was stiff and my left hand seemed a bit swollen. I thought I had sprained it while carrying shopping bags, one on each finger.

In any case, we had a great meal at Pio's brother's house before he took us to the airport. The check-in line was long, but moving and we boarded the airplane on time. We DID sit waiting in line for take-off for about 40 minutes, but since JFK had a few "near misses" recently, I was OK with that.

The food served wasn't good, but we weren't hungry so it wasn't a problem. Then the lights were dimmed and we all tried to get some sleep (it was late). Only problem was, I couldn't get comfortable. I was in a middle seat in the middle section. The person behind me had their reading light on and it was shining in my face. My son's heavy head was in my lap. The person in front of me had their chair all the way back. I think my claustrophobia was kicking in. I felt so hot! I started to feel queasy. I got up and walked up and down the aisle a few times because I suspected my swelling was getting worse (right hand was joining in). Finally, I decided to get up again because I felt nauseous, so I headed for the bathroom.

Well, the nausea subsided, and I decided to walk back to the seat to try and get comfortable again. Suddenly everything spun. The next thing I knew a man was leaning down over me from his aisle seat asking if I was OK and a stewardess had my head in her hands, asking me questions (what happened, was I on any medication). I had fainted!

Well, last time I fainted was in Junior High when they showed a film about the circulatory system that showed a beating heart. Let's just say that was quite a while ago.

I rested in the back of the plane and by the time I ventured back to my seat the A/C air circulation system was on full force. What a difference! Someone said that they had turned it way down to save fuel. All I know is that on that packed plane it was stuffy and HOT. And that contributed to my feeling sick.

Now that I've been home I've also not been that well. I've had swelling in my hands, ankles and knees, in addition to a stiff neck. I've been drinking water like crazy and eating melons and finally I'm beginning to feel better. I've already lost four pounds--of water I'm sure. The mystery of course is why I've been retaining water (and the irony is in NY I saw lots of doctors for lots of exams and was told just about every part of me from head to toe was FINE!).

In any case, I'm settling back in, entertained friends from NY last night, and will be getting back into routines. Oh, and it's downright CHILLY outside (58 degrees, low humidity at 7 a.m.).

5 comments:

Gil said...

Sorry to hear that you had such a hard time on your way home. If you flew EuroFly I agree with you about the food and there being no room at all. There is hardly enough room to get in and out of the middle seats when all of the seats are in the upright postion!

I hope that you return to normal by the time you read this.

Romerican said...

You poor thing! I feel your pain, I often fly Eurofly (cheap, direct flights to JFK!) but it's like a cattle car.

Diane said...

The funny thing is that the flight over to NY from Rome on Eurofly wasn't bad...the food was edible, I enjoyed watching a movie or two, we had room to spread out (lots of empty rows behind us). Perhaps that is the key. I am seriously considering only travelling locally next summer, the thought of another long flight on an economy airline totally turns me off. Is any other airline better? I might be willing to pay the higher price for more room and air.

Anonymous said...

Diane, sorry to hear your challenges with your flight, hope you can figure out what's going on.

Glad to have you back posting.

I had friends return from Italy on Lufthansa and said the plane was roomier, free beverage bar (including alcohol) that was located downstairs, bigger seats, etc. They were flying coach. They;re raved about it and would fly them again.

Diane said...

Ice Tea, that's good to know. I will keep it in mind. I wouldn't mind a stop in Germany if overall the ride was more comfortable.