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PMR, Pred and Travel

Posted , 8 users are following.

MaggiGrace
MaggiGrace

I'm fairly newly diagnosed with PMR.  I'm currently managing on 6MG of pred after receiving a couple of high dose injections a few weeks ago.  

Im scheduled to go on a vacation to Hawaii in May for 2 weeks.  It is two flights, the first about 2.5 and the next about 5 hours.  There is a 3 hour time difference (earlier going there) and I'm wondering if anyone has advice about traveling this far and about a time change.  

Should I adjust my meds to the new time zone or try to stay with my home time?  Will the long flight be difficult?  I feel worse after being still for long periods.  

Aopreciate any any helpful feedback.  

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • judy50581
    judy50581 MaggiGrace

    Posted

    Now it bother me if I set for long period of time, but I'm only on 5mg pred. I don't know about the time change if that will affect you. I also take extra strength Tylenol and that help. Safe travels. Enjoy!
  • shawn99
    shawn99 MaggiGrace

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I have traveled quite a bit since getting PMR 2 years ago.

    The long flights on an airplane can be difficult and uncomfortable. I try to get up and move around as much as possible to avoid stiffness and pain.

    On the longer flights of more than 10 hours, I take a 50% increase (15mg) of prednisone over my 10mg that I have been on. It definitely helps! After the flight I then go straight back to my regular dose of 10 mg, with no side effects.

    Dealing with time zone changes, such as the 3 to 5 hour ones you mentioned are not difficult. It depends whether you are gaining or losing time. For me, the adjustment came while I as sleeping, which turned out easy and painless. I certainly wouldn't worry about it. If you have to take a slightly higher dose for a day, then that is what you have to do.

    Cheers,

    Shawn

  • judytal
    judytal MaggiGrace

    Posted

    I probably would continue with what you're doing at home until you see how you feel after being there for a day or two.    I think the long trip might be difficult... Try to get up and move around as best you can.  Enjoy!
  • EileenH
    EileenH MaggiGrace

    Posted

    I have travelled longhaul several times (8-12 hour flights).

    Depending on which way I'm going I take a slightly higher dose on the day that will be "long" and the normal dose on the "short" day. Then I take my pred at the normal time for me at local time. This has always worked for me but I do only have PMR. I make sure I have nothing planned that I can't get out of on the first day or two and sleep/rest all I can. 

    Get up and walk a bit when you have the chance - and I find having an aisle seat helps since you don't have to excuse yourself to others to do that. Just standing up and stretching a bit helps a lot and you can't do that every half hour from a window seat.

  • pam41628
    pam41628 MaggiGrace

    Posted

    Hi MaggiGrace,

    Cool name!

    I probably have PMR - but my symptoms (except for my SORE arms that make me feel like screaming!) are milder than many I've read online. My other real problem is I go to sleep OK but I wake up every hour or 2...and have for 60 days. i think my body and arms become more painful and stiff without mov't so when I move in my sleep the pain must wake me up. I've had the tests - all normal - so, my Dr. hasnit prescribed pred. and I'm managing with an anti inflammatory diet and Ibuprofen ( and a couple supplements from my naturopath - which, to be honest, haven't made any difference in the last 6 weeks that I've been taking them. 

    I had some symptoms in Dec, and then went on 2 week vacation to Costa Rica during which my symtpms became worse - so, I googled 'sore arms and shoulders and stiff and sore hips' and up came the whole PMR thing.

    On the flight do get up and walk about and stretch at least every hour (as well as sitting stretches) I think that might help you. Drink water, herbal tea - no coffee or alcohol - at least on the flight.

    How are you feeling generally? Aches, pains? I wouldn't worry about time change too much - but go by hours between doses and gradually alter to suit new time.

    And enjoy the sun!!

    • MaggiGrace
      MaggiGrace pam41628

      Posted

      Hi Pam!  Thanks for the cool name comment.  I picked it out myself.  I always detested my given name.  I figured I was born with it, but I didn't need to have it on my tombstone.  :-).  So on my 53rd birthday I had a legal name change to Maggi (the nickname I'd always gone by) and added Grace as my middle name.  I like it too!!!

      how am I feeling generally?  A little wiped out at times. Like you, my blood work was almost normal.  I had an elevated send rate of 37 but all my symptoms were 100% PMR.  Pred resolving the symptoms is one of the apparent "signs" that it is likely PMR.  

      I work full-time in a very high stress job.  I think that doesn't help.  Because I am terrified of the side effects of a high dose pred, I'm managing on a fairly low dose (6MG) and still have some discomfort, but nothing like when I was at a full blown flare episode.  

      I I definitely get worse symptoms when I am sitting still for too long.  Sleep is evasive.  I'm getting 3-4 hours of very disrupted "sleep" each night.  I find that melatonin helps get me to sleep but doesn't keep me there.  

      Thanks is for all the suggestions.  I'll keep everyone posted about the trip and will continue to pray and hope for relief for everyone suffering with this awful disorder.  

      MaggiGrace

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