flare up

[Caramia1964]

Hi peeps, I am currently stranded in malaga unable to get a rescue flight home. What scares me is that I am in middle of a flare. My skin rash on my back has returned , first time in 3 years since taking hydroxychloroquine. I am scared I won't be able to get my medication when it runs out. I take venlafaxine and pregabalin and both give me awful withdrawal symptoms if I don't take them . I am now on 6 th day of enforced self isolation. It's so worrying what will happen if flare gets worse and can't get meds, could be stuck here for long haul !

[Caramia1964]

Oh and I forgot to say the hot flushes at night are dreadful, feel washed out!

[Ieuann133]

Oh you poor thing.. that is my nightmare. Could you ring your GP surgery and ask for a prescription to be sent to your nearest pharmacy and if that can’t happen, you need to get in touch with the consulate.

Thankfully you are in Malaga which is inhabited by many brits.

Thinking of you...

[Poppyfields65]

Hi, I'm in spain too with family and have decided to stay. I got my prescriptions this week by just giving the printed copies of my prescriptions to a pharmacist. (u know the printed copies you get when u pick medications up from the pharmacist in uk.)

With regard to getting on a flight, unless you are in self isolation due to symptoms you will be permitted to leave despite the enforced lockdown.

FCO have obviously ordered British tourists home. Be aware that if you make your own decision to ignore that advice then your travel insurance will most likely be invalid.

I made the decision this week. Not easy.

Good luck. I'm in Huelva by the way, the province on the border with Portugal.

[Hidden in reply to Poppyfields65]

Best of luck to you there. We are praying for everyone world wide. 🙏

[Caramia1964 in reply to Poppyfields65]

Thank you , it's not good knowing what is best to do. I went to chemist today but most of my meds like venlafaxine, nortriptyline, pregabalin, and hydroxychloroquine I need a prescription for . My repeat slip is st home with chemist. I showed them my bubble pack with list of meds in it attached but said I would need to see a doctor. I don't have travel insurance, first time ever as couldn't afford it . Hoping the ehic card is enough ! I will have to wait and see is flight on 31 st is still going or cancelled but may need to look for doctor just in case. It's a nightmare. Thinking of you and others , glad you have family there. At least I also have my mum and husband with me x

[Poppyfields65 in reply to Caramia1964]

You can see a Spanish nhs doctor at a centro de salud with your ehic card. You'll have to pay for the meds - can be expensive depending on each med.

But if you are going back to UK you may not need them anyway. You should be able to change your flight to an earlier one as airlines have been repatriating Brits since the FCO advice for British tourists to return as of last week. Hotels in spain are all closing on 26th.

My cousins friend managed to get on a flight yesterday from Málaga.

If I were you I would get out ASAP before flights are possibly grounded

. Bit different for me as I've previously lived here for 16 years and am at my Spanish home although I spend most of my time last few years in uk.

Good luck

[Caramia1964]

We have tried to get a rescue flight but not been able to , no response from easyJet at all . No flights or are full, probably rightly so are those in hotels. We have an apartment here so not as bad ! Yeah regarding medication , will look for an NHS one if I can do and will just pay whatever meds cost. I expect some will be expensive as on loads of things ,! Take care up in Huelva xx

[tree_shadow]

You could just drive? Or are the road borders closed?

[Caramia1964]

Think we could drive but no hotels or places to stay on route. No roadside cafes to get rest rooms or refreshments etc. 3000 miles roughly to North of Scotland from southern Spain is a 3 day drive realistically . Virtually impossible , not even counting numerous border and other blocks on route !