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?!
Written by
Janeval
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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 -
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!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.