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Traveling to Greece from the US. Suggestions on dosage?

Posted , 8 users are following.

pam7653
pam7653

I leave in a week for Greece from Indiana. This involves two 2-3 hr flights then a 10 hour overnight flight. I've been on prednisone for over 4 years. I currently take 9 mg, coming off of a flare in May. Trying to get down to 5mg where I've stayed for years. I've had numerous flares the last two years and had to bump to 20mg. I'm expecting to have a flare when I arrrive so I'm prepared to take all my different dosages with me of course.  It's the 10 hr flight that I dread. I practiced with Dramamine here at home, as I struggle to sleep on flights. Knocked me out good, so I'll be using it on the overnight flight. Traveling with my daughter so this helps. Any other suggestions?  I do not let this PMR rule my life. I'm 64 and want to travel while I still can. 

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH pam7653

    Posted

    I book airport assistance and take a proportionally higher dose of pred on the long day - for you that will be going home. On the short day I just take the normal dose. 

    I don't worry about not sleeping on the flight - I take my Kindle to read and just try to relax. I would be very reluctant to take something that knocked me out that effectively for all sorts of reasons - what would happen if the plane had to make an unexpected stop for some reason or the effect hadn't worn off by arrival? I just make sure I have nothing I must do the day I arrive - and go to bed and sleep until I wake naturally. I've used that technique for several long flights and it has always worked for me.

    If you have had numerous flares - have they all been at a similar dose?

    • pam7653
      pam7653 EileenH

      Posted

      The last 2 years of my 4 years on prednisone I've had flares spring and fall. My feet, hips, shoulder etc. I've had to go from 5mg to 20 then taper. I'm at 9 mg now and am coming  down from an April flare after a 2 day car ride south. I've had to go up and down with the prednisone but as I said I'm at 9mg now hoping to drop to 5mg again. I will not drop on vacation. I've been able to self medicate from my Rhumy so that's good. He trusts me and I know my body better than he does. I was just recently diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine and osteopenia in my hips so the steroids are taking its toll. I had a Prolia shot in March and another in Oct. it kind of runs in my family but I'm sure the prednisone helped to bring it on too and I had to stop running 5 years ago. Back then I was at the top of the charts as far as healthy bones. Kind of sad. What I would give to have this PMR go away. ??

    • sandy65909
      sandy65909 pam7653

      Posted

      My Dr. will not give me Prolio because I'm on Prednisone. I had the shots last year with good results but now I will go back to Reclast. Enjoy your trip!

       

  • whitefishbay
    whitefishbay pam7653

    Posted

    Hi Pam

    I have travelled back and forth to the states (and the EU) and never had a flair.  Last week I was on an indirect flight from Denver arriving back in the UK after no sleep and I still did not have a flare.  Just try not to stress and try to eat and drink tons of water.  I have to say I had assistance as I have a broken bone in my foot (which sure helped me whiz thru JFK customs which is like a circle of hell).  If you are taking a low dose one day and a higher one the next maybe take the higher.  There are many wiser people than me who will give you the best advice but I think if you are flaring regularly you have not found your dose for stability.  

    Anyway it will be great once you get there!

  • pam7653
    pam7653

    Posted

    Thanks for the info. I need to say taking the Dramamine is my last resort. I was totally able to function when I tried it at home, I just need something to help me relax as I'm a light sleeper. So no worries there. I just have a hard time sitting still for 10 hrs straight on a flight and hope to sleep. I'll let you know how it goes! 

    • Michdonn
      Michdonn pam7653

      Posted

      pam7653, when I traveled a lot I would take Melatonin, it was a help on long flights. Here is some info on Melatonin. People with circadian rhythm sleep disorders may use oral melatonin to help entrain (biologically synchronize in the correct phase) to the environmental light-dark cycle. Melatonin reduces sleep onset latency to a greater extent in people with delayed sleep phase disorder than in people with insomnia.
  • Guest
    Guest pam7653

    Posted

    Don't get upset about not beeing able to sleep. That will keep you awake. Most of the people are feeling weary after a long flight. 

    Watch a calming move, put a drop of lavender essential oil on a tissue close to your neck, then close your eyes and dream about the fabulous vacation you will have.

    I stay at the same Pred dose I take every morning, but take it then at the local time, what means a few hours earlier. Usually I am little bit more achy the first day after a long flight, but it's getting better. 

    Have a good trip!

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga pam7653

    Posted

    If you can avoid the medication, all to the good.  I buy a "jet lag" potion from our local aromatherapy place.  I know it works because I and another woman (whom I'd not met before the trip and who travelled 3000 miles further than we had) tested it on our unwitting husbands!  We met in Istanbul when I asked my husband if he'd been managing jet lag better than usual and he said he had.  I then told him I'd sprinkled jet lag essential oil on his head rest on the plane, and the pillow in our hotel room.  My new acquaintance started laughing and said she'd done the same thing, with the same result.  They were from Vancouver, we had flown from Toronto.  

    What I do to make the trip pass in some form of somnolence is wear good quality sound cancelling headphones and tune into the most relaxing music available.  I never try to watch movies on a flight, and it's best to avoid a meal served at a time which is not your normal supper time.  Keep well hydrated, however; always accept water when offered by the flight attendant.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga

      Posted

      Should add that we seem to have to cross the Atlantic, West to East, overnight, so I do like to get as much sleep as I can during our much truncated night.  Returning the other way is usually a daytime flight so the need for sleep not as pressing, but I often find I'm so exhausted from the trip I doze most of the way home anyway!

  • Flutterbie57
    Flutterbie57 pam7653

    Posted

    I survived my first long flights, since getting PMR by taking Homeopathic rescue remedy. I went from NZ to India last year(many hours). I was 66, I love travelling, but I was so nervous about how I would cope. I hate long haul travel in cattle class, but I felt better after both flights than I have for years. Someone recommended it to me on this site. It was the best advice ever. I had a wonderful, nearly 4 week holiday. The same person also recommended I learn to ask for help with carrying bags. In India getting help was never an issue, but I do realise carrying my own bags nowadays would hinder my aches and pains.

    ​Have a wonderful time in Greece

  • whitefishbay
    whitefishbay pam7653

    Posted

    Yes I would love to know the name of the jet lag aromatherapy remedy please.  Bon voyage.  
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