Posted , 14 users are following.
IM down to 7mg prednisolone at present but have had several flare ups in the past & had to go back up to 8mg. We were thinking of going abroad for a hol but my husband is really worried about me flying. I've also had a hip replacement. What do the group think? Are there dangers of flying with this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Stay strong friends.
0 likes, 25 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
Anhaga marian56227
Posted
I think you are asking about flying whilst on pred, really? I flew across the Pond before diagnosis but well into the PMR journey. My first day I spent on foot, lugging a heavy backpack around as I did not want to leave my electronic devices, camera, etc., in the hotel, as well as all the usual stuff, water bottle, etc. Thought I would be a mess the next day. In fact I was fine and I was fine the entire week of my holiday, better than I'd been for some time and better than I would be again for about eight months when I was finally diagnosed.
Now, however, having been considerably weakened by pred, I couldn't perform the same way. I'd have to make sure I was able to rest and relax and not spend eight hours jetlagged doing things like walking to the British Museum along Oxford Street, etc. So I say, if your holiday will be relatively relaxed, not too much walking - no more than you need to do for health - by all means go!
Anhaga
Posted
marian56227 Anhaga
Posted
Tks Anhaga. You've spurred me on.
EileenH marian56227
Posted
If there are - I haven't met any!
Since I have had PMR I have flown from Europe to the Caribbean, Australia, South Korea, Japan, China, the east coast of the USA and the west coast of the USA (Vancouver twice this summer alone). The shortest flight was 7 hours, the longest 13 hours. I don't fly within Europe - we drive everywhere.
This summer for the first time I requested airport assistance - we had a potentially short transfer at Chicago O'Hare and I wasn't sure I could cope with long queues at immigration plus rushing if they were too long. I was picked up at the plane, went through immigration with the crew, picked up the luggage and taken to the check-in for the continuing flight and then on to the gate. Magic! It takes away a lot of the discomfort and you don't have to worry about things. If it is a short walk I don't bother but if it is an unknown quantity or I know it will be rushed I would ALWAYS do it again in future. You arrive feeling far less "run over by a bus"! I also think the "priority boarding" is a decided bonus - no fighting for hand luggage space. And you wait until everyone else has got off - so then you get off in peace. You still overtake the rest...
On the plane I don't have too many problems even with economy - I'm 5'1" in my socks and OH is skinny. He takes the aisle seat - I like the aisle seat if I have the chance, you can get up so much more easily but if it is only him to poke it doesn't matter. The window seat is a pain! If you can afford it the premium economy class (whatever the airline calls it) may be helpful with the stiffness but I don't think it is generally worth the quite considerable amount extra (some are pathetic, others better). Going out to the USA in June I was miffed to discover it wasn't a Lufthansa plane but United (Star Alliance) - but was delighted to discover their seats are designed for Americans! Almost the same size as Lufthansa premium economy! No extra charge! Worth considering for long haul - internally in the US they are probably not because there the planes are far smaller. But for a couple of hours it doesn't really matter I suppose.
I wear flight socks - stops puffy feet. I arrive at the airport the day before if it is an early flight and I don't plan anything for the first couple of days after I get there if it is a long flight. And when we come back - it is MUCH better to get a hotel not far from the airport if you have a long drive home, especially if you will need to drive as I do.
So he'll have to look for another excuse not to take you away!
EileenH
Posted
PS - having read Anhaga's post: I did a 14 day tour in China last year and a week's tour in a bus in the Canadian Rockies this - both times we arrived at the starting place for the tour a night in advance. I was far more ready for the tour in China than anyone else who had taken the usual option of arriving in time for the tour to start! We had tours that lasted all day, starting at one hotel and finishing at the next. But you don't HAVE to do all the excursions, you can find a cafe/bar and sit and watch whatever country you are in. We had a kindred spirit on the tour - the 3 of us were always the first to find the beer! I managed some of the Wall - but again, you can bail out if you need. It was the same this year in the Rockies. If I had known what the China tour involved I wouldn't have chosen to go on it - I'm so glad I didn't know, I would have missed so much.
I've had PMR for 12 years, been on pred for over 7. But I know my limits and I stick to them. I wouldn't go on a safari or up the jungle I don't think - there are always taxis in civilised places. But one friend with PMR had had a safari planned for her partner's 60th and PMR was really playing her up, mainly trochanteric bursitis we suspect. They postponed the holiday, all covered by insurance, and went last year. In the meantime her PMR had gone away - and came back just before! This time they went. The bursitis wasn't there, her rheumy said 10mg and stay there until you are home. They had a wonderful time, did everything. She was tired but nicely so.
If you do city tours - there are ways of doing tours that don't involve trudging miles on pavements. We have a campervan - we pitch on a site, on a lake or with a lovely view across Tuscany or wherever and do not a lot in the sun. We "did" the cities 40 years ago, they haven't changed much! We tried Venice for the day 2 years ago - hadn't changed except it was SOOOO much more expensive and full of Chinese and Japanese with selfie-sticks.
You choose the type of holiday to fit with something similar to what you can do at home - if you can't do it at home, you probably won't manage it there. I wouldn't stay anywhere without a lift unless it was only the first floor or just for 1 night (we have done, I survived!).
marian56227 EileenH
Posted
Lindylulu marian56227
Posted
HI marian,
I have been on Preds for over 6 years for GCA & PMR. I am currently on 6mg and although I have tried to reduce lots of times I get the aches and pains back at 51/2mg. During the past six years my husband & I have travelled extensively, holidaying 3-4 times a year, These include cruising, european flights and long haul flights. Never had any problems before or after flying, but I do take things easy whilst on holiday. I have always enjoyed travelling and seeing new and interesting places and I will NOT be beaten into staying at home because of this condition. So go for it gal and enjoy!
marian56227 Lindylulu
Posted
Certainly going to go for it & enjoy some sun!
crash1949 marian56227
Posted
I've gone from 20mg to 7mg currently. I've flown to Miami and back recently with no effects at all. I don't see any problem with flying whilst on Pred nor does my GP. If we are not careful we'll be scared of doing anything normal. Hope that helps.
marian56227 crash1949
Posted
Yes tks Crash have to bite the bullet & go for it!
andrea93419 marian56227
Posted
Hi Marian!
if anyone out there was paranoid about flying abroad on prednisolone, it was me!! I've had PMR for almost 2 years, diagnosed at 50 years old, and the first year I put my life on hold. I thought I'd be recovered in that time, wrong!! Unfortunately you can't wait for your 'old life' to return, this is 'life' now and we must live it. Back in July my husband, Son and myself flew to Los Angeles from London, then travelled 3,000 on a coach tour around California, Arizona and Nevada!, I also walked approx 45 miles while I was out there!!,, we had a great time, I was on 5mg of pred at that time! So please please don't curtail any holiday in case you'll be better next year, because I feel I could be worse next year and won't be able to go!
all the very best
Andrea xx
marian56227 andrea93419
Posted
Tks Andrea - that's just what I wanted too hear. Glad you enjoyed yours, I intend to do the same. Xx
ptolemy marian56227
Posted
Oregonjohn-UK marian56227
Posted
Marian - I can only agree with comments already made. I'm at this very moment sat in the reception of a hotel in Cyprus enjoying the warmer weather and have been able to do quite a lot of walking. As far as the flight is concerned no problem - the stress is the airports - I sailed thru' both Gatwick and even easier at Larnaka - so go for it and enjoy.
John in Paphos.
pauline36422 marian56227
Posted
hen jetting the world how do u copetaking your meds, we are going to the carribean at xmas which is a 6 hour time zone. i take my pred at 8 am. does this mean i will have to take it at 2am. to stay within the 24 hour doseage time. or can i still take it at 8 am tho it will be 6 hours over
EileenH pauline36422
Posted
I take a bit extra on the long day, i.e. going west, usually as a part dose 12 hours after taking the last dose. That takes me over to the next day and then I take a normal dose every day as usual. It has always worked for me. Coming back, the short day, I just take it in the morning even though it isn't the full 24 hours. That little bit extra doesn't matter - helps with the travelling and jet lag.
I don't know what others do.
pauline36422 EileenH
Posted
as it did wonders for my knees. will let the forum know how i get on xx
EileenH pauline36422
Posted