Longhaul flight issues?

[Caniwi]

Any experience with a flight &/or altitude causing issues with PMR?

Currently tapering from 12.5 to 10 (over a month timeframe). Seem to be pain free & stable. Planning a trip to NZ - about 20 hours in the air. Bit concerned the altitude change might cause a flair - I know it’s sure does with my gout!!

Any words of wisdom?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It has never bothered me - I have travelled from Europe to Oz, China, Japan, Korea, Canada and the USA since I developed PMR. There are other considerations like time changes and duration of travel - and whether you can afford fancy seats or have to accept cattle class - that are probably more significant than altitude.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I flew from UK to NZ with GCA in 2014 /2015 on 6.mg.at the time) - 2 flights - one of 13 hrs, one of 12 hours - no issues whatsoever…

Just make sure PMR is declared with insurance company and request assistance at airports.

Suggest you don’t taper just before you go, or whilst away… wait until you get home…unless you are there for a long time.

But most of all enjoy…..

[whitefishbay]

Flying to America (not too long) I never had issues. Always in back with the rest of the cattle.

[2013mayo]

I came back recently from LA, 12 hour flight, I managed to get a decent seat, not upgraded but was lucky that I had quite a bit of leg room. I managed to sleep the whole journey. Try to get a night flight.

[Sukydee]

I recently flew from UK to Adelaide via Munich and Singapore. The two long stretches were 12 hours and 7 hours. Apart from having to think carefully about timings of my 8mg per day dose of Pred, there was no problem at all. Hope all goes well.

[9lives]

have traveled quite a bit since PMR , US cruises Australia NZ , Brazil, Rio, Amazon and never had any issues , I always pack more pills than needed in suitcases and extra ones in hand luggage and hand bags etc. so if anything goes missing I have back up pills. I tend to stick with local times when taking them x

Have a wonderful trip x

Carole

[Dochaz]

Flew to Reunion Island (11 and a half hours overnight each way) last summer to visit my daughter. No issues apart from a "man-spreader" who invaded my very limited space during the return flight! I tapered during my stay from 12 mg to 11 mg with no problem.Just make sure you calculate your Pred needs for the duration and take a bit extra just in case.

Enjoy your stay ✈️

[Lookingforideas]

hi there. I’ve done a couple of fairly long haul flights while on pred, London to Seattle and back, although admittedly I’m on a very low dose now - was only on a couple of mg when doing the long hauls, and never noticed any difference - not sure how much help that is ?

[ProcrastiBaker]

I live in two states in the USA. One place is at sea level and the other is at 9000ft. I fly back and forth several times per year. I don’t notice any difference in PMR symptoms. I do wear compression socks for the flights because my ankles will swell. I use a scopolamine patch for motion sickness. No additional PMR problems associated with the altitude change. Good luck and enjoy yourself!