How can I stop pain when flying especially if I had mononucleosis?

2 years ago I had severe mononucleosis to the point where my lymph nodes in my neck were the size of small tennis balls. My tonsils were also very badly swollen. I was put on steroids and it reduced the swelling A LOT. I took steroids twice since then and although it has been 2 years my lymph nodes are still swollen. They aren't huge but they make me look like I have a double chin. I don't necessarily feel pain in them but I do feel discomfort and pressure. My doctor said that this could last up to 5 years.

Now, I have always had pain when planes landed since I was little due to large tonsils. My parents planned a trip to Europe in August and I am excited about going. However, I went on a train the other day and my ears popped from the pressure. The pain was horrible. It was unbearable for a minute or so but I was fine after a few hours. Now if it's this bad on a train I'm sure it'll be worse on the plane. Should I cancel my trip? I know gum or anything won't work.

I have a good tolerance for pain so I know how much I can handle. Is there anything I can do now to reduce the pain later on? I'm actually scared to go because I know it will hurt very, very badly. Please don't tell me to talk to my doctor because I will, but for the time being I would like other people's opinions and suggestions thanks!

The only suggestion I can make comes from your mention of your ears popping on the train. If differing pressures contribute to your pain, chewing gum on the plane might help. That's what people are told to do to prevent discomfort and ear popping on planes, even if they don't have your health history. You say that you "know" it won't help--is that fear that it won't or have you tried it before?


I hope your doctor will be able to help--maybe taking steroids in advance of taking the trip would help.
I hope you have a good time.