Flying with GCA

[Gaz227]

Does anyone have any experience when it comes to flying with newly diagnosed GCA when your steroid meds are still high , has anyone’s Doctor advised against it or been refused travel insurance if flying , i’m Going over to Russia for a week soon and wondered how I stand if my latest ill health bolt on turns out to be GCA which looks very probable .

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I can’t help with higher doses because I was on only 18mg when I flew. However, whatever anyone says, it is your travel insurance provider who may be make or break on this so do ask them.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi

Dont think it’s usually recommended for first six months after diagnosis. But not sure in your case as it’s been about maybdbon and off - you would need to check with Rheumy first. Insurers aren’t usually bothered by GCA - they’ve always asked more about my arthritis!

Personally, I think I would give it a miss this time around - if possible.

[Gaz227 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for that info , if this had happened a month ago it woukdn’t Have been a problem , paid for the trip in full and going with friends so it messes them about also .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Gaz227]

Yes but it’s your health that has to come first - and I’m sure your friends will understand. There will always be another time.

[Gaz227 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes agree 100% will take advice from my consultant

[Gaz227 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks will e-mail my Rhuemy and find out his thoughts . 👍

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaz227]

Exactly what I was going to say!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaz227]

PS I assume you mean DrH, not the local one!!

[Gaz227 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I will always put his advice first now 👍

[EdithWales]

I agree with the others. You need professional advice. I went to Australia on 20mgs five months after I was diagnosed and I was very well. At that time I was also taking Aspirin as it was routinely prescribed.

I have been to Russia three times, I would be disinclined to go there until things were more settled 🥂🥂

[alvertta]

I was diagnosed in mid October 2018. Had planned a one month trans Atlantic cruise in mid November. Doctor said cancel so we did. Had insurance so got most $$ back. Then December 25 went to Jamaica for two weeks. Was good. The sun and swimming were helpful. When I got home had to up Meds from 35 to 40. Still on 40 at the end of January as I am in Costa Rica for two weeks. My doctor says GO. RELAX....better than the 5 feet of snow we have in Ontario now. Getting to and from airport are tiring but when I arrive I relax. Use 1 mg melatonin to aid sleep. So travel can be good. I am sure Russia has some good medical clinics if you need help. Costa Rica has great medical care. Good luck.

[Gaz227 in reply to alvertta]

Did your GP or your consultant produce a letter for you insurance company ? I might get the money for the trip but paid an agency to arrange it all plus a visa company and they was another £500 which I am thinking won’t be able to be refunded if it comes to it , but health comes first . 👍😀

[alvertta in reply to Gaz227]

I called a company that a friend recommended. I was using Manulife. Totally too expensive. This new company is in Quebec and is far less expensive. I used to buy an annual policy. Now I just buy for the number of weeks on vacation. They ask a bunch of questions on the telephone. I signed a return e mail to them swearing all was true. This last trip was around $200 Canadian for two weeks. No letter from doctor.

[Gaz227 in reply to alvertta]

I have annual travel insurance in my bank account and I pay an extra premium for having PMR I haven’t been officially diagnosed with GCA , then come to think of it they have never been 100% I have PMR but have been treated for it for the last 3.5 years . Hopfulky the Rhuemy will put me right this time with the diagnosis and advise yes or no to the trip it’s still a good 7 weeks a way yet fingers crossed , 👍

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaz227]

i was going to say - cross the bridge when you get to it. Your insurance should cover any new developments - GCA would be a new development.

[Gaz227 in reply to PMRpro]

👍 will do

[Mikb in reply to alvertta]

What Quebec company do you use?

[alvertta in reply to Mikb]

TourMed in Trois rivieres

[Mikb in reply to alvertta]

Thanks

[HeronNS in reply to alvertta]

Can you send me the name of your Quebec company? Private message if you prefer. We were booked for an art tour to Glasgow in June but it was cancelled. It was a requirement of our insurance company that we buy the insurance as soon as we booked. it was fairly pricey and for two of us. But the tour was cancelled, it isn't going to happen, and so far the insurance company has refused to refund any part of our premium, although now it's covering something which doesn't exist. Trip cancelled a couple of months ago. Husband still working on getting something back, moving up the chain. As we lost about $18,000 a few years ago for a trip we couldn't go on - I broke my leg - because of misleading promotion by our credit card company (yes, fully refundable... microscopic fine print, up to $1000 per person) we aren't about to let this one go by unchallenged as it's certainly not our fault in any way.

[alvertta in reply to HeronNS]

TourMed in Trois Rivieres.

[HeronNS in reply to alvertta]

Thank you. I shall look them up and bookmark them.

[alvertta]

Ps. I have travel insurance for two weeks. They know about GCA.

[Gaz227 in reply to alvertta]

Thanks for the info 👍