Trip to Australia

[Koalajane]

In 5 weeks time we will be flying from UK to Sydney. I am really looking forward to seeing our daughter who is working there for 4 years.

I am a bit concerned about the time change and taking my prednisolone. We fly at 1220 so I will have had that day's dose before we go. We arrive at 2020 (their time) the next day. I think that would be about lunch time (uk time). I think I will take my Prednisolone that day before we leave Hong Kong, which would be about 0300 uk time.

Any tips as to when to take the next dose and there on. I am on 7 mg tapering to 6.5 mg.

Many thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Jane,

When I went to NZ via Singapore when still on Pred I took 3 doses rather than 2 within the 24hour period. Just spaced them out - so when I got the other end I continued to take them in the morning.

As the flight to HK is about 11-12 hours I would take a dose with the last meal on that one, then another one (or part, although whole dose won’t hurt) on the flight from HK to Sydney, then get back to normal morning time next day.

If you take a dose on the outward trip to HK rather than before you get there it will help with airport transfer hassle. Speaking of which hope you’ve arranged Special Assistance for trip!

Most of all, enjoy!

[Koalajane in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks and yes special assistance is arranged. Wouldn't do without it especially as we have only 2 hours at HK.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

Eeek! We had a 3+ hr transfer at Chicago which was why I used assistance the first time - what a wonder! It turned out we didn't have to change terminals but we were through with an hour and a half to spare! Plenty of time for a drink...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I do much the same as DL, taking either a second full dose or a part dose about 20-22 hours after the last at home to carry me over to the next time I would take my pills at the local time the same as the UK.

Some doctors will say to continue to take medication at the time you would in the UK but that doesn't work with pred, it messes up your natural rhythm too much. You have to shuffle it to get the normal dose time in the early morning (I assume for you). I use Lodotra which must be taken at night.

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

I usually have my pred with my breakfast at 0730. I realised I would have to have it about the same time when in Sydney. Thanks very much for your help.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

So what you need on the way is enough to bridge that gap.

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

Hi, should I give up on my taper whilst i am away?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

Depends - most of us do. Even if you think your "on holiday" it can actually be very strenuous - and stressful while travelling in particular. Stress and PMR don't mix well!

[Hidden in reply to Koalajane]

And take lots of extra pred just in case. I take an extra weeks worth plus extra 5mg a day (I have enough to do that). No way am I risking running out or not having enough for a flare. Stick a copy of your prescription in your bag.

Most of all....enjoy your trip!!🌍✈️

[Koalajane in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that and yes I will take extra pred with me and will keep the copy of my prescription with my medication.

[Mgt1234]

Hi Koalajane, so pleased you will get to see your daughter again. My brother lives on the Sunshine Coast so I have made the trip a few times. Personally I wouldn’t try to taper whilst away. Please do declare your steroids on the custom declaration card and if you have a blue badge you can use it in Australia. Happy and healthy holiday.

Margaret x

[Koalajane in reply to Mgt1234]

Thanks for that, I didn't realise you have to declare the prednisolone

Jane

[Mgt1234 in reply to Koalajane]

Yes, they ask you to declare it if you are carrying steroids with you. It’s only a tick box from memory.

[HeronNS in reply to Mgt1234]

Do you think it's because anabolic steroids can be used for nefarious purposes? Can't imagine why they'd need to know about glucocorticoids. Have I been missing something?

[Mgt1234 in reply to HeronNS]

Yes I think it is but they don’t distinguish between anabolic and glucocorticoids on the customs declaration card, they simply use the term steroids.

[Telian]

Hi Koalajane,

Sounds wonderful and I wouldn't continue with the reduction, enjoy the trip first and resume when you get back!

Start out with normal UK time and gradually adjust as you go i.e. at mealtimes so final adjustments during the first 24/36 hours getting there, same as DL says basically. Give yourself time to rest that first day especially, and pace yourself whilst there. You will in effect have taken slightly higher dose because you are trying to adjust to different time zone quite quickly, which will help with the travel stress but won't be conducive to reducing - it wouldn't for me anyway - and why spoil the trip!

It's their winter so should be lovely during the day cooler in the mornings and evenings for good sleeping, perfect.

My son lives on sunshine coast and I am jealous you are going...have a great trip - enjoy! Is this your first time out there?

[Koalajane in reply to Telian]

Yes, it is our first time. Our daughter went last July so we are really looking forward to seeing her and the area.

Thanks and yes I will stop the taper just before we go and take the extra dose before we arrive in Hong Kong.

[Estellemac]

I am going in September but this question has answered a few of my worries. Thanks KJ.

[Koalajane in reply to Estellemac]

Enjoy your trip Estellemac. It is the flight I am not looking forward to but seeing our daughter when we get there will make it all worth while.

[Telian in reply to Koalajane]

It absolutely will, sorry to but in KJ - hope you can sleep on the plane, take an eye mask and earplugs, they're a godsend

[Koalajane in reply to Telian]

Trouble is I can't always sleep when I am excited!

[Telian]

G & T is then...that's what I do as I can't sleep either

[Telian]

should have said 'it is then'.....drunk again!

[Telian]

PS love your pseudonym - I can feel your excitement...

[Koalajane]

As long as it is slimline tonic!

So very excited