GCA & flying: I am flying to Denmark tomorrow to... - PMRGCAuk

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GCA & flying

Janeval profile image
17 Replies

I am flying to Denmark tomorrow to see family (2hr flight) - first time we've been away since my diagnosis of GCA in January. I am down to 22.5mg of Pred - trying to reduce but still having some problems-i.e. some temple pain and this ongoing 'lightheadedness' and am a bit worried about what may happen. Am I best to increase the dose slightly before I fly tomorrow or wait and see how I feel over the next day or so?My Rheumy has been wanting me to go on Methotrexate - which I am resisting at the moment- as this is the third attempt to get down from 25 to 20mg. I am taking it very slowly this time and have not reduced now for 3 weeks (to take into account the flying and being away).

Any advice on increasing/staying the same dose over the next few days? He also told me to wear my pressure socks but how long after the flight should I leave them on?!

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Janeval profile image
Janeval
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17 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi,

If you are still having some symptoms then you really shouldn’t be considering tapering - with or without your trip.

I’d be inclined to return to 25mg - and stay there whilst you’re away… plenty of time to try tapering when you get back home.

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toDorsetLady

I was actually thinking of doing that, so I'll take the 25mg today & until we get back next week. Thank you.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toJaneval

Good idea. Enjoy

Bluey-1 profile image
Bluey-1

Ditto to DL’s advice. You might want to book airport assistance if you tend to have fatigue hit when queuing, going through security etc. We’re all different. I was never great at airports prior to GCA. I really have to plan trips carefully since diagnosis. Take plenty of pred with you and build in rest times while away and enjoy your holiday.

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toBluey-1

We're going from a small airport especially for that reason, so shouldn't have queues etc. I have plenty of extra Pred with me & yes, we are staying in an air b n b so that I have a quiet base to go to if I need rest or time out. Fingers crossed everything will be ok.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

To be at 25mg after barely 6 months is pretty good - and there is no proven record for MTX in GCA unless there is new work I haven't come across.

Personally, for a 2 hour flight I wouldn't bother with flight socks at all but that is me. Do the recommended foot wiggles etcetera.

stoptheclot.org/in-flight-f....

Who are you flying with?

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toPMRpro

We're flying from our small local airport-Humberside- as there is no way I could cope with a big airport at present with queues, delays etc( Ryanair!). Cost us a lot more but I wouldn't be going otherwise & it's over 6 months since I saw my son & granddaughters, so well worth it! Yes, I do get fatigue but at least we won't have the queueing & hundreds of other people to cope with & it's a much smaller airline-Eastern airways- so hoping all should be good. I agree about the MTX but my Rheumy seems to be adamant that's the way I should go. That's something I have to talk to him about when I see him next.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toJaneval

As a bus service, Ryanair is OK. They all have problems these days! Have a lovely time.

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toPMRpro

Carrying on from earlier- I now have 11 hours before we fly & I don't know if it's just anxiety & worry but my head has been 'prickly' on & off all day. I feel ok but I have had some mild temple pain off & on too. I'm panicking now about flying & don't know if this is the problem. I upped my Pred this morning from 22.5 to 25mg - & I'll do the same tomorrow ( or maybe more?) or should I be going? My son, his wife & my little granddaughters are so excited we are going but I'm just wondering if I will be ok?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toJaneval

Denmark has doctos and hospitals too! Stop panicking and relax. Just make sure you have plenty of pred in your bag in original packaging and if possible a prescription.

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toPMRpro

Yes I have plenty & I do know that the Danish health service is very good.

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toPMRpro

Carrying on from earlier- I now have 11 hours before we fly & I don't know if it's just anxiety & worry but my head has been 'prickly' on & off all day. I feel ok but I have had some mild temple pain off & on too. I'm panicking now about flying & don't know if this is the problem. I upped my Pred this morning from 22.5 to 25mg - & I'll do the same tomorrow ( or maybe more?) or should I be going? My son, his wife & my little granddaughters are so excited we are going but I'm just wondering if I will be ok?

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toJaneval

I’m sure it’s just you getting a bit stressed about things… maybe stick with the 25mg whilst you’re away… but take extra with you in case you need to follow advice for a flare -in this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..and breathe 🌸

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toDorsetLady

Thank you for your quick reply DL. I have plenty of Pred with me & yes, I will stick at the 25mg whilst we are away. I usually have anxiety when we fly & this is the first time I'm flying since diagnosis so I think I'm doubly anxious! I'll do my Yoga breathing & hope it works!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toJaneval

Sure it will….

Bluey-1 profile image
Bluey-1 in reply toJaneval

You’ll be fine. You have the extra pred if need be. Enjoy your trip!

Janeval profile image
Janeval in reply toBluey-1

Thank you to all of you. You have all made me feel a bit better now. Don't know where I'd be without this forum now.

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