I'm excited 😮

[JEM95]

I'm off on holiday next Saturday. I'm going to the Algarve - coming back on Thursday. I'm excited but a little nervous too. It will be lovely to have some warmth and sunshine.

I haven't flown anywhere since Mr RA came into my life.

I haven't left my young dog before either. Molly will be staying with her doggy day care lady - she does dog boarding and Molly knows her very well. She'll be fine - but I still can't help but worry a bit!!

A few weeks ago I moved my MXT injection day from Sunday to Saturday night - I'll do it next Friday night so I don't have to take my Metoject with me.

Does anyone have any tips for me - in particular about potential problems transporting my many drugs! I'm also a bit wary as I can't stand for more than about 10 minutes before I hurt - I can walk miles but can't stand still, how silly is that.

I split with my partner in October - we never really went anywhere or did anything (I ended up holidaying on my own in this country), so I'm even more excited about travelling further afield again.

Any holiday tips gratefully received!

Jem xx

[kalel]

Hey try not to worry about the dog if you trust the person she is staying with that is all that matters. I always have someone stay home with my dog and prep her meals in advance but that is just me.

In regards to going away I always used to keep meds in a sep little bag cause you will need to put them through security and they will prob check the bag , well unless you are lucky. I would also carry a prescription in the bag with me. Even though I never did this I know some people carry a letter from the dr with them.

In regards to standing I know this is hard to do but if you can build up your muscle by seeing a physio or a trainer it is really important to do that. Best way to stop your muscles getting damaged is to keep them strong. Even though it was to late to save my dodgy knee I know try and spend as much of my day standing up but it takes time to build up the muscle the strength. Even if you have to sit down and do some morning stretches that will also help you out. Enjoy your hols.

[JEM95 in reply to kalel]

Thank you Kalel for the good advice x

I need to 'man up' about my dog - she'll be fine!

We're taking hand luggage only, but I'll pop my mess in a separate bag ready for inspection. I don't ever hold any prescriptions as my pharmacist dies it all for me. I will pack my shared care card with the Rheumy team details on. I have a phone appointment with my GP on Tuesday as my LFTs are elevated again 😮 I'll ask her for advice. I hadn't thought about a letter / prescription so thanks.

I am happy to report I am working with a fab physio to build my muscles again (plus going to Pilates), so it's better than it was.

Thanks again - it's appreciated 😀X

[JEM95 in reply to JEM95]

Ooops damn spill chocker - of course I won't put my mess in a bag for inspection (I'll get arrested!) It will, of course, be my meds in the bag!

[kalel in reply to JEM95]

ha ha I get what you are trying to say. Good luck with everything. If you are that worried about the dog make sure you tell the person to call you if there are any probs and see if a family or friend will let you give the dog sitter their phone number. Have a fab holiday.

[JEM95 in reply to kalel]

Thank you 😀

[Eiram50 in reply to JEM95]

Got to be honest- my meds have always been in my hand luggAge , never needed to he declared . Don't think it's luck but just process?

You enjoy anyway x

[JEM95 in reply to Eiram50]

Thank you x

[Eiram50]

Hi Jem95

Since my diagnosis, I've been to Spain twice and in a few domestic flights and whilst I've always had a gp letter, just in case, I've never been asked about my drugs. Like you, ive always managed my biologic injections to avoid taking them but I've taken tramadol, arcoxia, diazepam, omeprazole and paracetamol - quite a significant Amount!

If I were you, I'd get a letter to feel safer about it all but I don't think you actually need it when travelling in Europe.

You and your pooch will be excited to see each other after your break and I'm sure they'll manage fine.

Enjoy yourself -

Sounds like you deserve it.

I've just booked a week in Budapest

And so looking forward to it!

Marie

[JEM95 in reply to Eiram50]

Thank you Marie - good advice about the letter, I'll look into that.

Molly will be fine - imy last dog she loved her holidays too - she was a bit sulky for a day or two after coming home!!

Budapest! Great. It's on my 'to do' list - have a wonderful time.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated x

[Ali_H]

Hi,

Have fun!!

Get hold of the airport mobility/access team and you should go through security as an assisted passenger so no long queues etc. I use the service in Doncaster airport in December as I had started a flare 3 days before flying. I explained this to the desk and they were lovely - I wasn't walking with a stick or anything but they took my fatigue and aches seriously and made all the difference to my experience. I didn't need the service on my return flight as the flare had been knocked back with a short course of prednisone and a week of sunny relaxation.

Ali

[JEM95 in reply to Ali_H]

Great advice - thanks.

I might do that - my problem is I'm so stubborn and independent and not good at asking for help!

[sylvi]

Contact your airline and tell them your problems and they will get you sorted out. I know once i came back from spain and i was met at the door and we was put on a buggy and we was escorted all the way through customs and they didn't even check our passports. So tell them to expect you and what time and they will make arrangements for you darling and have a lovely time.xxxx

[JEM95 in reply to sylvi]

Thank you Sylvi. I'm looking forward to some warmth and relaxation 😀 xx

[AgedCrone]

Keep all your meds with you DO NOT pack them in your suitcase...EVER!

I fly all over the place on my own......& the only problem i find is stopping people wanting to chat.......so off you go to Portugal & enjoy.

But do take something warm to wear.....it can get very chilly in the evenings at this time of year!

[JEM95 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you AgedCrone - good advice. I'll make sure I have something warm to wear x

[Jacey15]

I've taken my meds in my hand luggage loads of times and never been asked about them.

Have a great holiday 😀🌞🛫✈

[JEM95 in reply to Jacey15]

That's reassuring - thanks for replying.

I am sooooo looking forward to it 😀 x

[GemsfromWarks]

I fly all over the place with drugs and injections. Ask phamasist to print a prescription. Mine always includes one in my bag when delivered. The hospital give me a standard letter to cover all drugs and injections. I just contact rheumy department secretary. My GP is always unhelpful so I find this works well. I always use assisted help at the airport. The distance for me to walk and long queues ruin my holiday. You also board separately so it stops all the nasty remarks when I am very slow if I have to climb a staircase. I often get a lift on and of the plane especially if there are other assisted passengers who are a lot more disabled than I am. My husband usually stays with me so gets through the airport easily as well. I keep my mess in a plastic bag in hand luggage. No one has ever asked about them. Injections don't go through the scanner so I hand them over separately in a small cold bag.

Have a great holiday. I wish I was getting some sun this year as Feb is always my "down" time.

[JEM95 in reply to GemsfromWarks]

Thanks for the advice Gillian.

Sat here on a rainy miserable day makes a bit of sunshine even more appealing!

[cathie]

Have a lovely time and suck up that sunshine! My only advice would be to take things easy, dont overdo it especially on the outward journey.

[JEM95 in reply to cathie]

Thank you Cathie x

[Carol41]

Hi Jem Good for you, enjoy your holiday and don't be afraid to ask for and accept help. Wishing you well Carol xxx

[JEM95 in reply to Carol41]

Thanks very much xx

[Carol41 in reply to JEM95]

Just relax and enjoy your holiday. I look forward to hearing all about it when you return. Best wishes Carol xxx