Hello everyone. I just wanted to share with you how I've just had a very successful short break to Italy, and that for those wondering it IS possible to travel on holiday whilst having PMR. I also want to add, that following the advice on this forum, I arranged for airport assistance there and back, and was so glad I did that, it was a godsend! I thought I may have felt a little silly being pushed around in a wheelchair, but couldn't have cared less. So I would definitely recommend it to anyone going on their travels to do this. I also have a question about holidays in high humidity...... We are wondering about going to see our son in Florida but would have to go in July. It will be very hot and humid. Has anyone else experienced high temps while on pred? Would it make the PMR symptoms worse? Any tips or advice greatly appreciated.
Success travelling overseas! : Hello everyone. I... - PMRGCAuk
Success travelling overseas!
Have just got back from the Caribbean, very lucky I know 🌞, the temperature peaked at 30 degrees and I have to say I felt so well it was unbelievable !
Oh that's great!! I'm hoping that's going to be the case if we do decide to go. Hey, the Caribbean, that sounds fantastic! Lucky you. Hope you enjoyed it.
Had an amazing time was husbands 60th so bit special x
I had the good fortune of being able to buy a house on the French side of St. Martin. I always felt better there; had the house for 9 years, but continued to go and rent an apartment after selling the house. All was well until 2014 when the Caribbean (all the islands) had a new epidemic of a tropical, mosquito borne virus. I got bitten by the wrong mosquito; didn't feel the bite. Had acute symptoms for about 5 days. Interestingly, this virus feels very much like PMR (virus causes a high fever in acute stage).
Then proceeded on, as planned ,to France. Felt fine except for lingering hand and finger pain which eventually went away. About 2 years later, diagnosed with PMR. Now more and more scholarly research being done by American and French virologists; seems like the viral symptoms can return in about 2 years after acute phase in people 65+. They are now calling it "chickungunya de novo. " As described, symptoms are virtually same as PMR. And so is the treatment. Prednisone and methotrexate or Azanthopine.
Yes, the Caribbean is wonderful if you like a tropical climate and the slower pace of life there. But, after going for 25+years, I do not go anymore because of the diseases carried by mosquitos and, my own fault, too much sun exposure leaving me with a lot of skin cancers.
If you go back, be sure to use a serious anti-mosquito repellent (DEET)and a lot of sunblock. People say keep body covered, particularly at dusk, but why go to such a beautiful climate if you have to wear a lot of clothing?? And the tiger mosquitos which carry viruses work all day, not just at dusk.
These viruses are becoming more and more prevalent because of much higher rate of traveling and ease of traveling; mosquitos are good at hitching rides in planes and luggage. There are some cases now in southeast US. This virus never appeared in the western hemisphere until 12/2013.
Nontheless, glad you enjoyed your visit there and that you got home safely. I am envious, because I do miss it and the people I met over the years, tourists and locals. And now I have a mild phobia about traveling.
Thanks for that Christophene47. It was interesting to read, just sorry for you re: the mosquito bites. They can be a real nuisance, and in some cases particularly serious. We once bought a really good mosquito repellent the first visit we made to Florida one April, but haven't found it since and can't remember the name. But it kept the little b.....s away!! 🤣
I definitely can't do humidity but never could. It just hits me harder now. I was in florida in july/august a few years ago and it was hot and sticky, but at least everywhere has air conditioning.
I am glad you got airport assistance. I wouldnt travel any other way!👍
Thanks for your reply. Yes you're right, everywhere does have aircon, and yes the airport assistance was so worth it. I'm beginning to think I may be alright going over in July. I do want to see and spend time with my son and daughter in law. I have been looking forward to it but wanted to see how the Italy trip went first before booking it. That was really good, had to build in rest days but managed it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I always think i will rest when i get home properly. You still have the good memory. You have something to look forward to if you book it.🌻
Yes, I agree.
So glad you enjoyed your holiday Lonsdale lass.
I think the issue for me is not so much high temperatures but length of flight and itinerary. For the longer flight a couple of extra mgs on travel days should do the job.
I advise keeping the itinerary flexible so that you can go with the flow allowing rest days or rest hours each day -whatever suits you at the time. Far less stressful. Everything is possible just at a slower pace, but for me a holiday is all about a slower pace anyway.
Hi Marilyn, yes I agree, pacing yourself whilst away is important. I did that when away last week, and I think we all benefited from a rest by the pool one day. I was then ready to tackle Pompei the following day! So pleased I could. I know what you mean about the length of flight, fortunately it was only a short one to Italy, and no problems, but for Florida it's a lot longer especially if you build in change over flights. But, having the airport assistance was a real blessing, and something I won't hesitate to do again. So to be honest at this stage it's not so much the flight that's making me hesitant, more the high temps and humidity once there, sapping energy levels, as I wouldn't want to be sleeping every day and not able to get out and about. PMR does tend to make me tired (DF) just when at home!
We went in August, friends screamed are you mad, but we were fine. Google frio cooling products which you might find useful. Good luck.
Ah thanks CT-5012, that's reassuring. Will take a look.
Hi Lonsdalelass, We went to our son and DIL in Orlando last November to meet new grandson for Thanksgiving... I was on 10mg pred.... Took extra in case of flare, but didn't need it.... I challenged myself to walk to boarding gate as part of daily walking regime (thankfully I was having a good day, probably excitement) .. Same on disembarking... It wasn't too bad but did rest on following day... Stepping out of the airport was like being wrapped in cling film... I lived in Southern Africa for 30 years but that was a dry heat... I just become pathetic in humidity, brain goes awol🙄.... Pred weight didn't help either! Only myself to blame there! We spent 2 weeks and it was humid for most of it... I think if you've done Pompei, you will enjoy Florida with a bit of rest time planned into your itenerary... Worth it having time with family though... We've been invited again in November.... Can't wait to give grandson a big squishy hug🤗 Let us know your plans.... Lena X 😎
Hi Lena, thanks for the reply. We have been before, but just not in July, and I wasn't ill with PMR either. So this is why I'm wondering if I'll cope. Having read the replies so far, I'm beginning to think I may by OK. We haven't booked yet.
Yes I am sure you'll be fine as long as you pace and rest.... I think warm weather helps positivity dealing with PMR.... Go and enjoy😎. ATB x
In my middle years I was competitive runner. We found that humidity seemed to affect women more than men in performance. Conclusion was that this is because, no matter how lean you are, women have more body fat then men.
Hi that’s wonderful to hear.
I have travelled the world, well almost !! since having PMR. In the early days ( 3 years now) I did struggle at first but as the holidays progress I felt fine. With me I over think things but now I find as long as I pace myself it’s ok.
I’ve done Australia and New Zealand, recently, a couple of cruise ships to Caribbean and Asia. Fly drive to USA . Trip to Brazil.
I think maybe I’m fine with travel. In fact I always feel great when I go away. OH carries the bags though xx
So I would say to anyone to who want to travel to go ahead, we all are different and know our limitations so plan accordingly.
Bon voyage
Carole
Good on you Carole for doing all that! Glad to hear the PMR doesn't get in your way. Bravo!
Glad your trip was such a success Lonsdalelass. I escape the Canadian winter and spend 6 months a year at our home in Panama, Central America. I can honestly say that the heat and humidity doesn't bother me any more than a hot summer day in Canada. I don't believe it affects my PMR to any great extent, positively or negatively. However, the heat and humidity does get rid of a lot of the other aches and pains of aging.
Thanks a lot nuigini for such reassurance. I am maybe over thinking this and should perhaps just book it!
Normally I don't like dampness at any temperature but a few years ago we went to China in July - hot and humid isn't the word! Occasionally I struggled on the tour which was all day every day outdoors and in the sun but the final week we were at a meeting in Wuhan. You felt the humid heat hit like a brick wall as you went outside - but I was fine there and even climbed the 7 storey Yellow Crane Tower!
Blimey! I'm impressed! What a climb that must have been. I'd have got the lift! 🤣
It was only on offer for the over 70s (not even there yet now) or the one-legged ...
I'd have told a porky and said I look young for an over 70!!🤣
In Chinese?????????????????????
😁😁😁😁 Ha ha!
Your trip sounds wonderful! So glad you pre-planned and it resulted in an enjoyable vacation.
We went to Florida this past Feb, and I was thrilled to discover I could still travel and enjoy vacations while having PMR and being on pred. I got a knee injection the day before we left (waiting for replacement surgery), and I took an extra mg of pred on the days we flew. All worked perfectly and it was the first time in a year that I actually “forgot” I had PMR and knee issues (until it was time to take my pills). This holiday did me wonders, so I’m looking forward to another trip in late Sept.
As far as hot, humid weather, I experienced this last summer here in Southern Ontario, and had no ill effects. Now I am a sun lover, but will say the heat makes me feel better than the cold. We are fortunate to have a pool and AC in the house if I need to cool down. To be honest, I am more annoyed by the sweats I experience at night/early am in bed than being outside in humid weather.
You may not know until you try. If you don’t try, you may never know. These days I am trying to live life to the fullest, and family is a key part of that, so I’d be booking my flight.
Yes, you speak a lot of sense PMRCanada, and think this is what we will do. Our son has a pool now, and AC, so will be able to cook off as and when. Do you know, thinking about our time in Italy, I didn't have many sweats at all, then come home and sweats start again!! I also slept so much better while away, yet it was hotter and the hotel hadn't got the aircon on as it wasn't hot enough by their standards, so holidays are definitely good for us I say! You have convinced me we should go for it!
Ha ha, just realised I meant to say "cool" off!!! 🤣 🤣 🤣
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