any difficulties flying with PMR?GCA?

[polly58cardiff]

Are there any problems experienced travelling by air with GCA/PMR, in regards to air pressure on a long flight?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It has never bothered me and I have been to Australia, Japan, Korea, China, USA and Canada. All with PMR, sometimes with pred as well. I just have PMR officially.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I flew to UK/NZ three years ago when I was on 7mg (GCA) - no problem. In the middle of doing it again - now off Pred!

As CT-5012 says book special assistance at airport, makes life so much easier for everyone, and get your tablets organised so you don’t miss a dose.

[Hidden]

Hi. Polly. On a lighter note! I flew like a bird on 40mg. & never left the ground. The Aunties have done this real time though! ATB with your flight.

[CT-5012]

Have PMR / GCA no problems flying but book airport assistance makes it much less stressful, have a good flight.

[9lives]

I have flown to Far East and cruise plus South America, Brazil, skiing holidays over the past couple of years and been ok on all flights. Just remember to pack extra pills in different holdalls and hand luggage, just in case. ( no pun intended).

Good luck x

Carole

[York54]

I have flown to NZ, Australia, Canada and US, absolutely fine. The last Oz flight was a killer though, we didn't do a stop over , never again!!! Hubby's idea, he never heard the last of it!!! Lol😆😆😆😆😆

[Maryis80 in reply to York54]

We have been to Oz and NZ more than 20 times (daughter lives in Oz) We never stop over, if we are going to Oz, we are going to Oz. If you can afford it, try Business class. Our view if that if our kids live abroad we spend their inheritance visiting them!

[York54 in reply to Maryis80]

We have always stopped over in the past. 22 hours out of 24 in the air is awful!! Can't run to business class I'm afraid, bank of mum and dad has helped two sons get on the ladder!! Lol

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Maryis80]

My thoughts exactly! If I’m going half way round the world I’m going in comfort! Even if it means not going quite so often.

[Sandy1947]

Travel is the best to get us out of our funk! Pack light, board first (got a letter from my Dr.), special assistance, walk and stretch on the flight to avoid turning to stone! Most important....enjoy the journey! Where are you headed?

[Janann25]

I made my first ever transatlantic flight in October whilst on 40mg Pred and was absolutely fine. As others have said, I booked airport assistance and I also made sure that I was covered by my travel insurance. Of course, the time difference meant I had to adjust when I took my Pred and so I took a part dose during the flights and was then able to take my normal dose Pred at my usual,times. So yes, go for it and enjoy it!!

[daworm]

I just went 1500 miles with no new problem...I was worried about that too...

[daworm in reply to daworm]

My biggest fear was losing my med's..

[Hidden in reply to daworm]

Even when I travel in my car for few days away I have 2 or 3 stages of pills and injections in different bags.

For me travel on public transport is too stressful at the moment. Mainly because I fell twice on trains last time i went to Netherlands and had full blown hypo in Lisbon airport when my meter measured bloods 0.7. I had to buy loads of chocolate and then looked like I had got out of the shower my clothes were actually wet. Was so gaga I couldn't ask for help. Came round an hour later fortunately in time for the flight. Was stuck in middle seat for flight and next day had lost ability to lift left arm. I will never travel alone again after that. It was very scary and now I am on insulin even more nervous. Moral is pack peanut butter sandwich and fruit everywhere when away from.home.

[altywhite]

Not as far as I know. I went to South Africa last year on 8mg pred and accompanying meds and no problem. I have GCA not PMR.

[Mgt1234]

Hi,

I too have PMR and GCA and travelled from UK to Australia and Egypt on several occasions. Things to remember, move as you can to avoid problems like dvt. Plan your medication to accommodate different time zones. And get a letter from your GP to confirm your medication. Australia requires you to confirm if you take steroids into the country on landing paperwork. Tramadol is illegal in Egypt so if it’s part of your meds again you will need proof from your GP. Hope this helps.

Margaret x

[yogabonnie]

PMR or not WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS!!!! IT is my biggest bugaboo.!! Everyone should wear compression socks on short or long flights. Not wearing them is like not wearing your seat belt in a car. ! They can save you from a blood clot. ! (which definitely could wreck a trip)