PMR, Prednisolone and Poland

I have just returned from a long weekend in Krakow, Poland!

What a great city! I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a “city break,” and/or would like to experience a fabulous Christmas Market!

Although beware, the temperature hovered around -3 C or 26 F, with snow, on the morning we flew home. So a bit chilly!

I was pretty sure I’d suffer at least some mild PMR/GCA symptoms, primarily because of the stress of traveling, change in routine, all the walking (one day over 12,000 steps!) the food (not to mention the DRINK)... but all in all I did really well!

We got out early, did our thing and then back to hotel by 3:00ish to relax, read, take a nap…. And then, up and out by 6:30 for a bit more walking, before a nice hearty dinner. I was in bed before 11:00 each night!

In retrospect, my reluctance to travel was silly, but I guess you never know till you try, huh?

[HeronNS]

My experience travelling. Sounds like you had a super time and great that you felt well and energetic!

[JanboC]

Glad you had a lovely time. It looked a great place to visit. Travelling doesn't seem to bother me, we are cruising over Christmas and New year, and really looking forward to it. Of course I have got my meds sorted, along with extra Pred and an emergency supply of antibiotics, just in case, lol.

Well done for the 12000 steps, I don't know how you managed that.

[Hollyseden]

12000 steps. Magnificent! Glad you have accomplished all that and had a great time in spite of GCA , PMR and knee op to mention a few of your ailments. You are an inspiration to us all 🤩😗

[Marijo1951]

My dad was Polish from a small town in the Krakow region. We visited in 1965 when I was 14 and the Cold War was very cold indeed. The city was beautiful then and the people very welcoming despite all the tensions. I hope to go back some time to experience the city now that it is free and prosperous. Like you, I'm reluctant to travel but maybe you'll inspire me to give it a try.

[Highlandtiger in reply to Marijo1951]

I hope you make it back there particularly with your Dad's connections to the area. I went a few years ago after a hiking holiday in the Tatras Mountains (pre PMR) and loved it. They had a heatwave though (37C) so pick your time of year well.

On the wider point of travel, I always used to go on active holidays, mainly walking or scuba diving, and often long haul but have had to change to short breaks instead. I have had two short city breaks this year, one to Seville/Córdoba and one to New York. On both occasions I was a bit concerned about travel etc, but on each I walked much more than I generally do at home and also felt much better than I do at home so I’d urge you to give it a go. I found it useful to pick a hotel in the centre of town so you can return for a lie down/sleep after sightseeing before heading out again later.

[Marijo1951 in reply to Highlandtiger]

The time we went it was August and uncharacteristically cool and damp. People were saying we'd brought the English weather with us. We went to the Lake Morskie Oko and there was a heavy mist over it which locals were saying must be our English fog. I was surprised that our weather had such a reputation so far away.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marijo1951]

The whole world thinks the UK is permanently under a bank of fog or raining ...

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Haha ... not that would be Melbourne!

[Rimmy]

Sounds fab - good on you - 'fun' is always the BEST 'medicine' XX

[SheffieldJane]

Sounds like an amazing Christmassy experience. So glad it worked well for you. I imagine that the market was fascinating.🎄🎄🎄

[PMRCanada]

So glad you enjoyed Poland! 12,000 steps....your knee must be better.

I too was hesitant to travel, however a 10 trip to Miami last Feb was a real turning point for me. It was the first time I actually forgot I had PMR, and found myself sometimes taking my dose late. I found myself soaking up the sun, doing loads of walking, swimming and eating great food (not to mention the return of some sizzling intimacy with hubby). Yep.....Leslie (as I remembered her) was back!

Hope you enjoy more travel in the future as it does wonders for mental healing.

[teesher]

Sounds like a wonderful place and how great that you didn't get a flare with all the travelling etc. Maybe your pmr is waning at last? Here's hoping.

[Koalajane]

Glad that you had a great time. We have just got back from visiting the markets in Düsseldorf and like you did loads of walking. I did manage to find some salads. The flight was only 1hr 20 mins so not too bad for my PMR as it is inactivity that causes me pain. We had a great time and also visited Cologne and Essen.

Krakow sounds great.

Jane

[Telian]

You finally made your trip - you talked about it last year. but wasn’t well enough. You must feel pleased with yourself.

Sounds an amazing place and the markets must have been magical. xxx

[Casia]

Glad you liked Krakow! Ive been several times as I have Polish heritage. I’ve just done a short break to Berlin with lots of walking and navigating the excellent transport system. I’ve found that choosing a hotel with a pool/spa if you can, makes a massive difference to the holiday when you’ve got PMR . I had a swim every morning before breakfast which really helped then paced myself for the rest of the day.

[Pixix]

Thanks for your post! Happy you had a great time. With great trepidation I have just booked a holiday in January for us to find some warmth & sun. It’s a 10 hour flight & I usually only manage six without much pain, then suffer (that’s before PMR!) but my husband has winter asthma & im susceptible to winter chest infections! I’m hoping it will help us both, but worried about how I will manage the travel. Just had 3 busy days, which I would have called normal days 3 months ago, but which resulted in dreadful hips & legs pain all night, very little sleep & shoulder pain is back this morning. Only diagnosed 1 month ago & currently on 16mg Pred. Krakow is on our list to visit, but maybe when it’s warmer! Travel is a large part of our lives & one I would be very sad to give up! This made me more optimistic, thanks!

[Hidden in reply to Pixix]

Hi Pixix

Travel was a large part of our lives too & we’ve adapted it a bit over the last couple of years but l did manage to fly to Singapore, back from Sydney & have flew to the Far East as well as the USA but not so much in the last couple of years, l’ve had PMR since 2011

You need to plan in advance, book Airport Assistance both ways, it makes such a difference, as you know it can be a long way to the Gate! And, you get on first so you can get settled.

The other thing l do is pack well in advance, so if you are not feeling so great there is no stress of packing looming over you.

You also need to work out the times for your Pred taking into account the time difference so you don’t miss out. So possibly you’ll end up taking an extra half dose depending on the time difference.

Wishing you a Happy Holiday

MrsN

[Pixix]

Thanks so much. Yes, I’m contacting for airport assistance. I’ve never had it before (have had fibromyalgia & osteoarthritis for years), always coped, but now I’d like a ride down to the gate in a buggy! Already printed the packing lists out & planning to pack cases 3 days before we leave. Yes, I’d considered the time difference for the Pred...I will leave my watch on UK time for a short while to make sure I’m taking it regularly then take a half dose. I didn’t think missing just one dose would matter, but I missed taking 5mg out of my 16mg current dose because I didn’t see the tablet, & the shoulder pains came back within half a day! Perhaps it was just coincidence!! Thanks...we have plans for another independent tour in July, too, & time in Italy in May, & our usual motorhome travels in U.k..we are a bit travel addicted. Will wait & see how this goes!

[Jackoh]

Sounds a lovely break- so pleased you were able to enjoy it and not pay any price when you came back!