New York

[Janann25]

I returned on Sunday from a week in New York and just wanted to say I had a wonderful time, even though I'm on 14mg Pred!! I took the advice from "our club" and made sure I took extra Pred to cover the change in time plus I organised airport assistance at both departures and at arrivals. We rented a lovely apartment on the Hudson in Jersey City with wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline - extra magical with the Empire State Building lit in red, blue and white for their Memorial Day. I'd never been to New York before so was determined to go, in spite of PMR - and we had the most wonderful time. OK, I couldn't rush around like I would have done last year but I was amazed - and oh so pleased - at how much I achieved so I want to say to all of you who hesitate to do something different from your usual activities, just give it a try!! I "listened to my body" and was very pleased with what I heard 😊 Obviously there is no way in which anyone could explore all of New York in a week but I managed much more than I expected. And, even better, I've not really experienced the dreaded jet lag - could this be due to the wonders of extra Pred I ask myself? 😉 I've taken it extra easy since getting back - how can unpacking a suitcase cause so much mess!!! - and plan on doing this for a few more days. So, to anyone considering an adventure, just prepare well in advance and then go for it 😉

One last thing, if your own adventure is to New York, please find time to visit the 9/11 Tribute Museum. So moving - just wonderful...............

Jan

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Wish I could have come with you! OH says "I've been - no need to go again." But it happened to be a meeting I DIDN'T get to go to...

[HeronNS]

I love New York. Haven't been for many years, though. We were there two months after 9/11 and it was apparent the entire city was in shock.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Well done. So pleased everything went well.

[Hidden]

Well Done Janann

It can be done with careful planning, just take your time.

Glad it was every thing you hoped for, I never open cases when l get back, l hide them in the laundry room! 😂

We went to Ground Zero & 9/11 Memorial & Museum, very moving.

Relax now & relive your memories!

Mrs N 💅🏼

[GOOD_GRIEF]

So glad you had a wonderful time in our town. It's pretty easy to get around even if you do have some limitations.

[Janann25 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Just realised from your reply that New York is your home town - and what a wonderful town!! I went with a friend of mine - sadly my husband passed away a couple of years ago - and we were often still out and about very late but we always felt safe. Whenever we got lost - which happened quite regularly😉 - we found the New Yorkers really friendly and helpful. So, thank you - It all added to the enjoyment of our holiday.

Jan

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Janann25]

I'm really glad you had a great time. New York is one of the safest big cities in the world, much different than what it was 30-40 years ago. Tourist districts are especially safe, except for pick-pocketing (just like every other tourist district in the world). It can also be pretty expensive, but on the other hand many of the best attractions are either free or next to free.

Please come back and bring your friends. And next time you're coming, let me know. I'll help you find the great Ex-Pat pubs and restaurants where a good time is had by all. There's nothing like finding a bit of home when you're away.

[Janann25 in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Thank you. I'll be back just as soon as the budget allows ✈️😉

[Telian]

Hi Janann25

Pleased you made it there and back relatively in one piece - well planned and enjoyed by the sounds of it. I've been once for 4 nights and it isn't enough time to see everything - I loved it and would certainly go back again for as you say what a magical place - especially at night. I too didn't have jet lag!

Did you go to Central Park? we went in November and that was truly amazing watching the ice skaters at night - my photo of them looks similar to a Lowry painting of his matchstick men - the snow white ice and the lights throwing shadows of the skaters on it....what a memory.

We also went to the 9/11 memorial ground, they were still building it then but the 'waterfall pool' was finished - what a strong emotional feeling all around you when there, you have to experience it to know that feeling...

[Janann25 in reply to Telian]

We had planned to go to Central Park n our last day there but the temperatures suddenly soured to 30C plus so we had a lazy, leisurely day and sat by the pool at our apartments drinking prosecco🍾🍸

Yes, I also felt the emotion of the 9/11 memorial, even the "youngsters" there were quiet and subdued. Now that the pools are finished, with the names engraved in marble around the edges of them, people are leaving beautiful flowers by the name of their loved one. Again, so moving. Once I get round to sorting put photos, I'll try and post a couple of the pools.

Jan

[Telian in reply to Janann25]

Another time then, we would go back there's so much to see - loved it.

I did see the names and have got some photos must find them out..love to see yours too.

Terri

[Peggles]

I'm accompanying an elderly aunt home to New York next week as she has memory problems, staying a week, and then travelling home.

Can you tell me how you did manage your pred? And the plane flights? Can I take Valium does anyone know?

(I'm not coping with this vile disease very well, have spent a couple of months trying to keep to 10mgs and eating paracetemol like sweeties but gave up yesterday and had an additional 5mg pred at around 4pm and yippee! Woke this morning without the terrible shoulder girdle pain)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Peggles]

That extra bit of pred is far less dangerous than eating paracetamol like sweeties - there is a very small difference between therapeutic dose and overdose. And paracetamol rarely does much for PMR pain. Now try splitting the 10mg to see if that is enough to work for the 24 hours...

[Peggles in reply to PMRpro]

As ever thank you PMRpro. The paracetemol, and/cocodamol are my gp's recommended drugs.

How would you recommend I proceed? This morning I took my 10 and am ok. I've come in for a little rest from some very gentle weeding, and plan on trying 5 mg again at 4pm?

Many thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Peggles]

When does the pain reappear?

The usual suggestion for splitting is about 2/3 in the morning and the rest about an hour or two before the pain would reappear. But a bit of experimentation may find a better split/timing.

Morning pain of course is absolutely normal in PMR and the recommended time to take ordinary pred to avoid the morning problem is about 2am - then the blood level is at its peak at 4am-ish to stop the inflammation ever taking hold. It has less to do and works much quicker.

I wonder why GPs are oblivious of the nature of paracetamol? A lady on another forum was told by her GP that the returning pain at about 4mg wasn't PMR, it was arthritis and she should use paracetamol, it was perfectly safe to take 4 x 1g per day. About a month or so later she had blood tests - with liver values so high the GP panicked and got an emergency ultrasound scan done. Which was normal. She stopped the paracetamol and the liver values went straight back to normal. And co-codamol causes constipation and can be addictive and a sod to get off.

[Janann25 in reply to Peggles]

I see PMRpro has replied to you - and she’s far more knowledgeable - so I will just tell you how I coped with Pred timings. I take mine at 10pm - works for me but everyone’s different - so I took it as normal on the evening we flew to NY then took an extra 2mg when we landed to cover the ”extra” five hours. Coming home, I took it at 10pm NY time then just took my usual 14mg in the evening when we got home. It meant I had a bit extra within 24 hours but I felt it helped. But of course, you must do what’s best for you. Whatever you do, try not to stress and enjoy the adventure!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Janann25]

I didn't deal with the flight question though - she asked you!

[Janann25 in reply to PMRpro]

I just hope that my reply about flights is of help but it depends so much on flight times. Hopefully she will ask again if more info is needed.

[York54]

Well done, so glad you enjoyed your trip and felt well throughout. We went to NY for my 60 th , four years ago, it was wonderful. I agree the 9/11 museum was very moving.

[JENNYJJ38]

Thank you. I am now inspired and looking forward to my break away later on in the year.

[Hartmare]

I too just got back from one week vacation in New York city with a one day side trip to Washington. We stayed in Newport, New Jersey at an Airbnb home. I had some minor foot aches but managed to keep up with all of our activities.

We got home for one day and now we are enjoying our last week of vacation in Toronto for 4 days. Still having some minor foot aches.

[Janann25 in reply to Hartmare]

So pleased you coped well - it’s quite liberating to do something different - and to enjoy it!

[Hartmare]

Yes I concur!

[SheffieldJane]

That’s wonderful and very encouraging to hear Janann. You sound on top of the world!