Flying

[Rose1bud]

Is it alright to fly if one is on steriods I am on 10mg

[SnazzyD]

Don't know how long you're flying for but I've just done 2.5 hours on 18 mg with no problem. I think others have done long haul quite happily. My travel insurance underwriters were not moved by my taking Pred, so I guess they didn't see it as a big risk and insurance companies are obsessed with risk. I'd say we all should take all precautions against DVT whoever we are. The point being illustrated by my next door neighbour's son who died of a DVT at the age of 22, 48 hours after a flight from New Zealand. He was fit and well.

[Rose1bud in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank u for your response

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As I said elsewhere - lots of us do! I've flown to the USA/Canada several times, China, South Korea and Malta since being on pred. In fact I was first given pred to help manage a trip to the USA - that's when I decided that, yes, it was PMR when I could move normally just 6 hours after taking 15mg pred.

I'd suggest anyone just diagnosed with GCA and on really high doses should reconsider a long haul trip. Otherwise - if your doctor is happy that's fine. PMR doses really aren't a problem.

[Janann25 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm booked to fly to Florida at the end of October, to stay with friends for three weeks. I have never been to America and am very excited, especially as they're treating me to Business Class!! However, I'm currently on 30mg which is keeping both PMR and GCA under control and, in view of your comments, I'm concerned as to whether I should do this trip. I'm due to start at 29mg tomorrow and, if all goes well, hope to be down to 25mg by the end of October. Your advice would be so appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Janann25]

I meant when you were diagnosed with GCA with visual symptoms just a couple of weeks ago and are on 50mg or more. The best person to ask is your own doctor - and obviously speak to your insurance company.

I'm sure there are people n the forum who've travelled at 30mg - perhaps start a new thread and ask because not everyone will see this.

[Janann25 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you - will do Jan

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Janann25]

Don't know where you're headed for in Florida, but in the wake of hurricane Irma, dstribution of all kinds of supplies and resources is very disrupted throughout the state. And there's another major storm (Marie) traveling along Irma's previous path.

I'd bring a backup supply of Pred and any other medications just in case.

I'd also not pack anything valuable in checked luggage, including medications. Some airlines/airports are still struggling with having sufficient ground staff. Tens of thousands of Floridians are still not back home or back to work, and won't be for quite some time.

It will be months before anything like "normal" returns in a lot of areas.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I think the "take a big reserve of pred" applies anyway! And never packed in checked luggage...

[Janann25 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

My friends live about half an hour's drive out of Orlando and their property is ok. They were in Chicago when the hurricane struck - and still are - but are flying home this Wednesday so they will be able to tell me what airport conditions are like. And yes, I totally agree about valuable/medication not going into the hold - even when I'm just flying in Europe, I carry everything of importance in my handbag. And I always take enough medication to see me through a siege!! I'm definitely a "belts and braces" gal - just keep your fingers crossed that I'm allowed to fly 👍👍

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Janann25]

I just wasn't sure how much news traveled across the pond about how bad this storm was for Florida, and wanted you to be prepared for any contingencies, especially with another storm coming down what looks to be a similar path. I see you are way ahead of me.

Orlando was spared, but there are only two major highways up and down the entire peninsula, so moving the masses of supplies needed in many areas is proving to be a bit of a challenge. Still millions without electricity, so gas pumps don't work, making getting gas along the way difficult.

Hopefully Marie will stay at sea and Florida will get a better chance at a quicker recovery.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I haven't heard any mention of Marie on UK news yet - but I am attempting to avoid it!

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to PMRpro]

nytimes.com/2017/09/16/worl...

[Janann25 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I really appreciated you giving me your update on the situation. I spoke with my friends on Skype earlier this afternoon and they are actually flying back to Orlando tomorrow so I'm hoping all will be ok.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Janann25]

Best wishes to them for minimal damage, and to you for a good trip.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Rose1bud,

No problem. I flew to NZ when I was on 6mg.

You just need to do a bit of forward planning especially if you're going on a long haul flight, particularly in relation to when to take your tablets.

Request Special Assistance at airport, can be done through travel agent or contact airline if you've booked it yourself on line. You might think it's not necessary, but it is, airports and flying are stressful. Just go to SA when you get to airport.

Take your medication and copy of prescription in hand luggage, and a few extra Pred just in case you need them.

Insurance company seemed more concerned about my arthritis than GCA, but as SnazzyD says think about DVT if long haul.

Most of all - relax and enjoy.

[Rose1bud in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank u I am flying to Tenerife which it about a 4 hr flight do u think it is ok to fly

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rose1bud]

No problem. I've flown to Spain - 3 hours flight - for the last 4 years on varying levels of Pred without any problems. On my own, I meet the family out there.

As I said just do a bit of forward planning, and if you need an extra mg or two on the day then take them. It's a change of routine, so just be aware, but don't get stressed about changes, and don't try to do too much, if others with you are more energetic than you, then let them be!

Sit and relax and rest! It's meant to be a holiday, after all!

[whitefishbay]

Yes. I have flown lots since I got on pmr and never had a problem. Ever.

[sweiss72]

I am in 10 and just flew from US to Poland. Had to take it easy & pace for a couple of days but am ok.

[CT-5012]

I went to Aus on 15mg with PMR/GCA a bit of extra pred (time difference) no problems but take it easy for a day or two and do ask for assistance at the airport it really helps. Have a good trip. 😊

[York54]

I flew to Oz then onto NZ on 10 mg. My consultant gave me a carrying letter. I was absolutely fine. I had had pneumonitis , but by then my lung function was ok.

[Sandy1947]

Listen to Dorset Lady! My first trip on 25 mg Pred was easy because I got lots of help. At first I felt like an old lady but got over it quickly! Conserve your strength and rest on the flight.

[HELLSmouth]

Yes if ypu areup to it do it.iwas on 40mg and flew to cuba .just make sute you get good insurance