My wife and I booked a 14 day break in our happy place in Limassol Cyprus ages ago. I am still up for it despite all my new problems. We aren’t ones for dashing around and exploring and usually stick to nice hotels. I am quite happy loafing in the sun but realise that will probably not be possible given my gca and pra plus steroids. I will be fine in the shade people watching. I will also use the hot tub and steam room in the hotel if ok with that. Also the food at our hotel is a dream with loads of fresh cooked vegetables available 3 times a day. I’m looking forward to cauliflower roasted with fresh carrots. I’m one of those that doesn’t line up for endless servings of bacon and chips. I got stared at quite a lot last year before gca and pmr diagnosis. I was the only one in the salad bar queue at times.
So a healthy and happy holiday on June 1st. Anything I need to avoid or be aware of? EHIC is not a problem as we have bank insurance and we have to sort that new conditions next week.
Who do you fly with and where from? If it is a big airport request airport assistance - if it is a Ryanair-sized airport it probably isn't worth it!! For example, at Munich I do, Treviso or Marco Polo I don't. OTOH, if it is busy, having airport assistance means you have a seat!!!!
Do you travel far to the airport or is it an early flight? If so, consider an extra night close to the airport so you don't risk a rush. We have 3-4 hour drives to any of our regular airports - we stay close to the airport even for lunchtime flights.
Make sure you have at least 4 weeks worth of medication, preferably more for GCA flares, and don't risk you will be able to get some locally in Cyprus. Pack it in your hand luggage and have half actually on you if possible - even hand luggage can disappear. Carry a prescription in case of jobsworths (never been a problem for me but you never know). I put my medication in the same sort of ziploc bag you use for liquids and put them both separately in a tray at security (a requirement at some airports, not others).
Other than that I can't think of anything - just enjoy.
Thank you Exeter Airport which is near us and we will be arriving the night before for a hotel stay. I've never been one to cope with lateness and the stress of it! We have pre booked seats. The hotel is fantastic and every need is catered for so I'll be OK just getting some peace, quiet and warmth.
Good idea on meds and last year we went on a cruise and I used clingfilm for dose boxes of which I took 3 weeks worth. Seemed a bit much but I actually slept well.
I think do them all in my carry on backpack with a spare week to my wife.
I will check with my friend who lives in Cyprus on pharmacies and medical staff. Thanks for that one! Get GCA translated.
My point is there may not be the direct equivalent of your version of steroid. For example, here in the part of Italy where I live they don't have prednisolone - and enteric coated prednisolone isn't available anywhere in the world besides the UK! Here they generally use Medrol and the form of prednisone I use is also not generally available in Europe. Switching between them isn't simple!
Don't ask me about sun - I always seek out the shade!!!
I'm pleased this conversation has come up. I'm off to Italy next week. For a short stay of five days. Never been before so looking forward to it. Now you've mentioned the pred I will defo make sure I carry plenty. Have already stocked up this week by getting more Img coated, just in case.
Hello David. I have had PMR for 6 years and am still taking prednisolone. We go to Cyprus frequently and always take an extra week's supply of meds and copies of prescriptions; this has never caused a problem. Last year I had a relapse whilst in Cyprus for a month and my rheumatologist recommended increasing prednisolone by 1mg but I didn't have quite enough. In Cyprus, prednisolone is not available in 1mg, only in 5mg. You can, however, buy it from any pharmacy for about €5. I had to get some 1mg tablets sent from the UK, which wasn't ideal.
Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate that and will doubtless take 2 x 2 week supply now. One in my bag and one in wifee bag. David
Hey. I lived in downtown San Francisco for a few years then out to the Oakland area for 8 years and then Charlotte NC for 5 years. I even have a Medicare card now! Not much use over here but hey I will be covered when we go visit. If I can manage all the noise.....
Just to reinforce the option PMRpro has mentioned that you can book assistance at the airport. This was invaluable since I was travelling via Heathrow and our boarding gate was miles away! Had I have had to walk I would have been extremely stressed and the distance, let alone the timeframe in which to walk there, would have killed me off given my mobility 'stiffness' at the time. We requested transport by buggy otherwise hubby would have had to push me in a wheelchair all the way, causing him additional stress. Well worth calling ahead to pre arrange.
Exeter is our local Airport too so don’t forget your brolly!! We went to Majorca in September and whilst I don’t have GCA the sun caused me no problems and I was outside on the beach for 7 or 8 hours every day, we too have bank insurance and PMR is on the list of non notifiable conditions,
Well I never! Sod the brolly though ha ha. Our temperature is usually around 30 c so I won't be laying around in the sun. I spent most of the time from my early teens til lately doing that and will be happy just to be somewhere warm. Lots of stargazing methinks. D
Can't really add any more as it's all been said but to reiterate don't forget the prescription, I also take a copy of my Patient Information, it's on the GP system and has all your meds plus what you take them for. Reception will run it off for you and doesn't cost to get it. Enjoy the break - can feel the lovely warm weather just thinking about it.
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Exeter Airport which is near us and we will be arriving the night before for a hotel stay. I've never been one to cope with lateness and the stress of it! We have pre booked seats. The hotel is fantastic and every need is catered for so I'll be OK just getting some peace, quiet and warmth. 
Holidaying and new beds!
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