Has anyone experienced a flare up or any type of reaction after flying? I took a flight to Florida last week and for the next two days that I was there I experienced rashes on my ankles and the most painful cramping in my hands, legs and feet that I have ever had. It was such a crippling pain. I don't know if it was the flight, change in climate, or the stress I was experiencing that brought on that flare up. Can anyone relate?
nyoung
What is your resting oxygen level? Could your oxygen have dropping significantly in air flight. Whe know that the cabin pressure in airplanes is pressurized at 8000 feet and in people with significant lung disease, they can have dramatic reductions in their oxygen level while in flight.
Check an ABG with your MD and they can calculate your predicted oxygen level while in flight.
It could be barometric pressure changes. The body does respond to pressure changes. Sometimes people with chronic pain feel the effects of barometric pressure changes. I can relate to body pain with flight, climate change and stress.
Well- I don't know about flight risks, but I do know about sun exposure! Your reaction is typically due to increased vitamin D production, and a sun rash that may be cutaneous sarcoidosis on a microscopic scale. A lot of LUPUS patients have to stay out of the sun forever. Lots of info on web about it. There is speculation that sarc falres are triggered by vitamin D and the sun encourages production of it in the body (tons of it because of the surface of the skin is the largest organ in the body, lots of surface area). Find a dermotologist that specializes in treating LUPUS lesions. They will be able to help you. Beware of the average dermotologist because they will biopsy every bump imaginable even if you tell tehm you have sarciodsis. A specialist will only do what is necessary.
Oh also- Sun exposure is much more intense as you go further towards the equator. So you only need very little time in the sun and it does go through your clothes. A white t shirt is only 7spf. Sun screen only keeps out the Rays but you will still produce vitamin D. So even if a little bit of skin was showing it can still have a profound effect. Sun on your hands, Knees ect. Your symptoms sound suspect to my assessment it's almost like where the sun hit was where you ached. Judging by your reaction you had an intense flare up that came on very quick, and could be due to a rapid increased prouction of vitamin D in the areas where the sun shown directly on your skin.
Hey Guys,
Thanks for your comments. Good point with the cabin pressure and the sun. I did go to a wedding on the beach. I am normally never outside in the sun.
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