Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Beast

Today, Matt finished the second day of his 3-day motionsickness spin program.  And, for a second time, came home feeling fresh and non-nauseated.  He was called "a beast" on the chair and one of the experienced program directors told him she has "never seen anything like him" and believes he could outmaneuver anyone on base in terms of not getting sick on the chair.  He clocked 45 "advanced maneuvers" today, without getting motion sick once.  The typical difficult spin session averages about 22-25.

This was a huge shock and relief to us, as it shines a bright bright light at the end of the tunnel.  Matt's instructor believes his airsickness is due more to nerves and hyperventilation than anything.  Matt's typical stress level is atypically low, however since IFS started, I have never seen him as stressed, so it is not surprising that he brought some of those nerves with him in the air.  The biggest problem seemed to be talking himself through maneuvers (and thus having to take frequent gasping breaths through his oxygen mask in between sentences).  He told me that basically he has been talking nonstop through every flight (verbally going through everything he does and checks in the air), but that that habit has been affecting his oxygenation since it is more difficult to breath when you are flying.  This theory was tested by having him "chair fly" in full gear--and sure enough he was motion sick in minutes.

Matt will take to the skies again on Thursday!  We are very optimistic that his trainer is right and that he can get a real handle on his airsick situation!  :O)

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