PMR, travelling abroad, emergency pack of Pred ( “ sick day rules”) in case of illness

[ChrissieHW]

Hello, I’m off to a small Greek island next week where there are limited medical facilities - there are doctors but no pharmacy. I’ve just had a bit of a frustrating conversation with a GP during which I was trying to explain that should I unfortunately become ill eg Covid ( I hope not of course !) would it be possible for me to have an emergency supply of Pred just in case - and quoted the sick day rules (10 mg in a.m and 10 mg in p,m), I’m doing the DSNS taper and currently on 9 coming down to 8 mg ( started on 15 mg early Feb 2023). Even before I mentioned sick day rules ( he’d never heard of them and is to consult with his colleagues) GP saw no good reason why steroids should be increased in the event of illness in any event. I will be taking enough Pred with me in any event for unforeseen events but I’d be glad of thoughts. Many many thanks , really appreciate this wonderful forum ! Christine

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A new emergency card was developed in early Covid because the Endocrinologist Society had realised many patients were being mistreated by HCPs who were unaware of the need for adrenal support in illness or other trauma.

This

stockwoodmedicalcentre.co.u...

is an NHS PIL for it and it gives a weblink for information on Sick Day Rules

Society of endocrinology website: ai-and-exogenous-steroids_patient-information-sheet.pdf

endocrinology.org/media/409...

This

endocrinology.org/media/416...

is the PIL directly from the Endocrinology Society,

Personally, I would forward those two links to the doctor who doesn't know about it - because he SHOULD,

The idea was brilliant - the execution rather less so.

[ChrissieHW in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much PMRpro, that’s brilliant, right - I’m ready💪 for the GP call back .

[Plains]

I just got back from Ireland and my doctor gave me a prescription for Plaxovid to take with me. I also had plenty of prednisone 1 mg,5mg and 10. I did come down with covid the day after I returned. I took the Plaxovid snd was okay in three days. I hope you have a good trip, wear a mask as much as possible, especially on any transportation. I was on a bus each day, people got sick and never put a mask on.

[ChrissieHW in reply to Plains]

Thank you so much for your reply and yes, most certainly we will be wearing masks in confined spaces including the airport and flight duration. The majority of the holiday will be spent relaxing outside and eating in the fresh air , thank goodness! Still waiting for the surgery to call me back regarding my request for an emergency pack of extra Pred . Your doctor sounds really on the ball re allowing you anti virals to take with you, hope you are now doing well! Thanks again 👍

[Sandmason]

Because I go on fairly long trips, I avoid tapering then and carry enough extra prednisone in case I suddenly get GCA symptoms in the middle of nowhere. It seems to happen to people while tapering. 60 mg a day would at least allow me to get to an ER without going blind. I think I would know as I don't ever get headaches. My jaw has been bothering me but I think it's a salivary gland, possibly even mild Sjogrens.