1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Flying with PMR.

Posted , 14 users are following.

marian56227
marian56227

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

25 Replies

Prev
  • amkoffee
    amkoffee marian56227

    Posted

    I just want to say one thing, If your hip is bothering you and you feel that you need to use the wheelchair in the airplane and they act unwilling, DO NOT LETTHEM TALK YOU OUT OF IT. My brother-in-law has polio syndrome and has problems walking so in the airplane he asked the flight attendent for the wheelchair to go to the bathroom. Well she just couldn't be bothered with it and Joe just didn't want to make an issue of it. Well he fell and got injured and the plane ended up having to make an emergency landing in Colorado for him to go to the hospital. Oh and BTW this trip was on the way to his mothers funeral. Not good. The airline tried to make nice by giving them some free miles but the damage had been done.

    All I can say is be careful.

  • snapperblue
    snapperblue marian56227

    Posted

    Go for it, Marian!  

    From my experience, I'd be prepared for some effect of the change in schedule- the stress more than anything. You might even increase to 10 mg for 2 days to help with that. Or just bring some extra prednisone in case you have to do a short-term increase.

    When I first had PMR and was at a high dose (it took 25 mg for me to stabilize), I had to increase the dose (from 20 back to 25 mg) when I traveled across time zones.  This past year (second year of PMR), two trips to Europe from the US had no effect on the PMR.  

    Bon voyage!

    • EileenH
      EileenH snapperblue

      Posted

      "Or just bring some extra prednisone in case you have to do a short-term increase"

      ALWAYS take extra pred with you - just in case! It isn't always possible to get the same medication as you get at home. You cannot get prednisolone or prednisone from a pharmacy here in Italy for example - and you may not have time to wait for your insurance to source and deliver replacement/extra tablets.

      Put it in HAND luggage, never the checked baggage - and preferably persuade your travelling companion to carry some. And if you are as paranoid as me - keep a pack in your pocket! Even hand luggage can go astray...

    • marian56227
      marian56227 snapperblue

      Posted

      Tks. Snapperblue you have also helped reassure me like all the other wonderful people who have replied. Tks guys. You are great. X
  • Flutterbie57
    Flutterbie57 marian56227

    Posted

    Hi Marian, I am on a similar dose to you, and a little up and down like you. I have just done my first 2 big flights since the PMR journey began. I was anxious about 15hr flights, but they both went really well. I did take Homeopathic rescue remedy for sleep purposes, which must have worked  as I had no jet lag what so ever (maybe it was the pred). I did make sure I had a days rest on arrival in India, before any sightseeing. I had a wonderful, relaxed holiday. It was so good to get my mind away from regular daily life. Mentally it was great. At home I am always reminded about what I can no longer achieve. Go have fun
  • Flutterbie57
    Flutterbie57 marian56227

    Posted

    PS And don't be afraid to ask for help with luggage etc if you need it. Someone on here gave me that advice. Fortunately I did not need to (it was India). I have made a mental note tho for the future.

     

    • marian56227
      marian56227 Flutterbie57

      Posted

      Tks Flutterbie, your words are very reassuring. Glad you had a lovely holiday. I plan to have the same. X
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

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.