Should I up pred?

[Decsgran]

We’re off on a 7 night cruise at the weekend- no ports just scenic cruising. I’ve been really looking forward to it but I’m wondering whether I need to up my pred dose before I go. I’m currently down to 7.5mgs and into my fourth week on it but not feeling so good on it. I’m very swimmy headed and have to sit down after even the smallest activity. Today I hung the washing out and by the time I’d finished my back and neck ached. I wasn’t getting aches and pains on 8mg. Really don’t want to be feeling ropey on the ship, and I’m dreading the packing- normally I do it at the last minute but I’m starting on Wednesday as it’s obviously going to take a lot longer. Some advice please on whether to soldier on at 7.5 or go back up to 8 or 8.5.

[MrsNails]

Well, l’d certainly start packing tomorrow as my Mother used to say ‘Everyday Brings it’s Own Work’ ~ actually l’d already be packed 😉

At 7.5mg you are around the Physiological Dose, ie just about what we need anyway to keep maintain our normal body requirements so you do not have ‘Any Spare’ Resources, do you have far to travel to the Port? Presumably you are Sailing from Southampton?

Holidays are always a bit stressful, people often do increase a bit for Holidays or Special Occasions, so it’s really a decision for you to think about & consider carefully.

Have a Lovely Time - which Ship are you Sailing on? 🚢

Bon Voyage

MrsN

[Decsgran in reply to MrsNails]

Yes we are sailing from Southampton and travelling down by car with my son driving my car very carefully! It takes about an hour to hour and a half to get there. We’re going on P&O’s new ship Iona. A bit of a change for us as we’ve always gone with Fred Olsen in the past on smaller ships, but they haven’t been using Southampton this year, and Liverpool and Newcastle are a bit too far away for us.

[MrsNails in reply to Decsgran]

Enjoy, l was looking at Iona today - she looks pretty smart - beautiful State Rooms! That’s not too bad a journey & at least there’s no tiring tours, just lots of relaxing.

Enjoy 🥂🚢

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd say go back to 8mg - not because you are going on the cruise, but because I suspect you aren't quite ready for 7.5mg yet. Go back, give it a month and try again.

[Decsgran in reply to PMRpro]

That was my feeling too. I think I’ll go back up to 8 tomorrow and drop down again after we get back.

[2013mayo]

Hi, Lucky you, I wish I was going, I love going on a cruise. Just getting on the ship is very stressful, ask for wheelchair assistance as it takes away all stress of being in a queue with everyone else. The day of arrival is always stressful and finding your way round in your new surroundings. Why don’t you up your pred for a couple of days until you feel comfortable and the lower it back to normal, do the same again the day before departure.

Have a wonderful time and think of me stuck in bed recovering from an op.

Have fun.

Xx

[Decsgran in reply to 2013mayo]

Don’t think I can justify asking for a wheelchair ! But if we have along wait with the Covid testing I will be asking for a chair! Hope your recovery from the op goes well.xx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Decsgran]

Do it - it makes a massive difference if you get held up and have a long wait. My husband said the same - until I told him not to be so daft!

[MrsNails in reply to Decsgran]

You’re going in the car aren’t you? The testing is done while you’re still in the Car before you move onto the next step - checking in from your car & once you’ve had your Test Results you drive to drop off your car - l imagine it’s the same as Cunard & that’s what they are doing. You should have all this info explained to you - there’s No Check In Desk as such. Which Terminal are you going from?

MrsN 😘🚢

[Decsgran in reply to MrsNails]

Only being dropped off , not parking. We’re going from ocean cruise terminal.

[MrsNails in reply to Decsgran]

Ah, l don’t have any info on that aspect unfortunately, so l can’t advise you. It’s very different from the usual check in but you should have a very clear explanation from P&O

Have a Good Time 🚢🥂

[Decsgran in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you

[PUMC]

We were vacationing in Italy, when parts of the country went into lock down in 2020. I was on 20 mg of prednisone at the time, and had carefully counted out the pills for 10 days. Suddenly, it looked like we might be caught up in lock down or quarantine; and I would crash when I ran out of meds. (We made it home safely after a week of panic). Lesson learned for me is to always pack an extra 2 weeks (or more) of medicine for emergencies! That said, if you take extra prednisone with you, you can make the decision to up the mg while on your cruise, if you like.

[Decsgran in reply to PUMC]

I’m definitely taking extra as one never knows what might happen!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PUMC]

I do that too! And have been known to stop the car half way down to the motorway (30km away) to check it is in my bag. And NOTHING will convince me not to have a bag of medication as handluggage - even Ryan Air don't argue about that!Though with pred you can get on your knees to the local pharmacist here and they will usually cough up with enough for cash without a prescription.

Where were you?

[SheffieldJane]

It would be a shame to spoil your holiday. Check with your doctor and return to 8 mgs. I found that I had to lie in my cabin and sleep more often than I would normally ( crossing to Ireland). Disappointing but necessary.