Travelling to South Africa and Australia.

[Slosh]

Hi - I am going to SA for 6 weeks and Australia for 6 weeks to visit family and recuperate.

I had Covid end Feb. Was on 5.5mg Pred and doing well. I went up to 10mg for a few days then to 8 for a few days and down to 7mg. Now stuck at 7 for last 3 months. Too scared to go lower as the general inflammation and Mast Cell Activation has been so bad.

What should I go up to for flying and for how long and how to taper again - really don’t want to mess with my immunity.

Thanks xxxx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I wouldn't change for SA - no messing about with times either. Unless you find you need a few mgs more to help with the strain of travel. But I can't see why you need to increase the dose otherwise. I never have for 3 to 4 week trips to the other side of the world. And in terms of the mast cell activation - like PMR, you need what you need if that is a factor.

[Slosh in reply to PMRpro]

Than you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Like PMRpro I wouldn’t increase per se..but maybe add in an extra dose or half dose especially for the Australian leg -assuming SA first, then from there to Oz to take account of time zones.

Just make sure you have extra in case an increase is required at airport or on flight (depends how stressful) or over the time away.

But most of all enjoy 😉

[Slosh in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks.

[Exhiker]

I can't advise like pmrpro or dl but just wanted to say have a lovely time. Sounds great, enjoy your break.

[Slosh in reply to Exhiker]

Thank you.

[Slosh]

Thank you for that. Great idea.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Slosh]

I have all I will need in handluggage and refuse to parted from it. Plus the duplicate in my checked luggage. And OH used to get enough for a couple of days in HIS hand luggage. Even hand luggage can get lost ...

[Slosh in reply to PMRpro]

Good point.

[MaritimeMags]

When first diagnosed with PMR I travelled to both countries. - My experience is just to carry on with same doses as at home and enjoy yourself while away.

- Take enough medication for the trip but I had some higher dose tablets with me in case I had a huge flare up.

- You will have to fill out a Declaration Form on the plane for Aus. Three years ago, when I went again, this asked me if I was carrying steroids. I put that I was, and specified “Prescribed”. At Sydney I was the only person chosen by Customs to inspect their rooms off the baggage halls, presumably they had seen my form. They took one look at me and just waived me through their area behind the Babbage Hall; I avoided queues of several hundred passengers by doing this, so it was good.

- Ensure you have adequate insurance cover for your trips and have told your insurers about your conditions.

Lastly, Just remember, Australia and South Africa do have Doctors - it’s ok to go so long as your GP says it is and then just carry on as normal. 🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MaritimeMags]

Does help if you say CORTICOsteroids - then they should recognise they are medical - as opposed to the anabolic steroids that body builders use.

[Slosh in reply to MaritimeMags]

Thank you. Yes taking out travel insurance. Pretty expensive because of pre-existing.

Also I will be able to see my doctor in SOuth Africa if need be.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You obviously didn't use certain budget airlines!!! I have been asked a couple of times to allow them to check handluggage - on the way to the gate.