Long Haul Travel

[Orangecakes]

I am contemplating a long haul trip, I am currently tapering from 3mg to 2.5mg using DL's 'Ultra Slow Reduction over 14 weeks'. I have just started the taper, I am at week 1, second day.

My question is how should I take my medication to adjust to traveling to a different time zone? I live in UK and would be traveling to USA.

There was a posting in the past regarding this but I cannot find.

I think I remember from a past long haul journey that I took my prednisolone at my regular time the day of departure then, possibly a percentage upon arrive at new time zone just before bedtime?

Then I think, I began taking my regular dosage at my usual scheduled time using new time zone the next day?

Your help is so much appreciated, thank you. 👍🙂

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Now you’ve posted you’ll see related posts….but my usual advise is -

Stick to your usual morning timings throughout your stay.

Take usual dose on day of travel - when on plane put your watch (and mind) on time of destination.

As for flight, take tablets as usual flying day, and stick to your normal times - if necessary take an extra dose, or half a dose if the period between doses will be more than 24hrs.

If you need, ask for special assistance at airports, the cabin crew will also be aware so will be a bit more attentive - makes life so much easier, and take your medication, copy of prescription and anything else relevant in your hand luggage. Don’t do too much for a couple of days after flight, but most of all enjoy yourself!

[Orangecakes in reply to DorsetLady]

Good morning DorsetLady, Thank you so very much for answering my question so quickly, it is a great help. Yes, I now see the related posts. You are so good. Have a good day and take care. 🙂

[Koalajane in reply to Orangecakes]

Thanks for asking this as I am travelling to Australia in 2 weeks and was trying to remember how I coped in the past!

Have a good trip

[Orangecakes in reply to Koalajane]

👍🙂

[SheffieldJane in reply to Orangecakes]

For what it’s worth, the last time I flew to Australia, I also practically fasted and drank plenty of water only. The concerned cabin crew gave me soup at one point. This was the most comfortable pleasant flight I have ever had. It was Business Class so there were plenty of temptations. I slept a lot, really well. I have been to see my children and grandchildren over 20 times over the years. I had been sick on a previous flight, this really is my top tip. I deal with Pred in the way DorsetLady describes - completely trouble free.

[Orangecakes in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you for your suggestions. Take care and happy travels. 🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Orangecakes]

When you post a question, always look at the Related Posts once you have pressed post - often saves you waiting for replies.

[Herman99]

May I ask what is DL's Ultra slow 14 week reduction and is it posted within the PMR website. Or, is this a modified version of those plans already posted. Many thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Herman99]

See this -as implied it’s the longest version of the three - and yes it’s in the FAQs-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Herman99 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you as always. I think I may extend as I am moving to a 1.5mg taper now...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Herman99]

Good luck

[Gimme]

I'm glad that you posted this as I am heading to Bolivia in a few weeks and this is useful info in the replies. Not too sure that I am up to it as it is a birdwatching tour, but I booked it before my diagnosis and when I was feeling a lot more well than I am now. I decided that I would go anyway and try and wing it as this may be as good as it gets healthwise for me and this trip has been on my bucket list for years. I am flying out 2 days ahead of my tour group so that I can rest when I get there. We have 2 or 3 nights at each of the places that we are staying, so I will take a day out if I feel that I am getting over tired.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Gimme]

Sounds as if it’s manageable- and yes you can take time off if necessary -enjoy 😊

[Gimme in reply to DorsetLady]

Thankyou, DL. It's the long days and the walking that I am nervous about. I still find walking any distance painful and I have been troubled by fatigue, but the fatigue has been a bit better over the last couple of weeks, so I am hoping that I can stay this well, and I have been doing some gentle walking to get a bit fitter. Plus, we will be spending a few days at the end at over 12,000 ft on the alto plano in the Andes, so I am not sure what being at high altitude with PMR is going to be like. I have done high altitude treks in the past when I was more healthy, so I know how to take care of myself, and on the plus side, it might slow the rest of the group down too . This is the part of the trip that I am most excited about, so I hope I can muddle through. I am pretty resourceful, so I am sure that I will find ways to make it easier for myself, and I am not afraid to ask for help.

I am flying from Gatwick to Madrid and the walk to the gates can be long, so I am hoping that I can hop onto one of those little trolly buses to get to my gate. I am going to ask about assistance when I check in my luggage. Madrid is a huge airport, so I am certain that I will need help there to get the long haul flight, especially after sitting for 2 hours.

[Bluey-1 in reply to Gimme]

You will need to book assistance with your airline before you fly, not at the gate. I have used it short haul just last week. After a poor night’s sleep prior to flying I definitely needed it. All good now though and still enjoying my holiday.

[Orangecakes in reply to Bluey-1]

Good advice, thank you. Have fun, relax and enjoy your holiday. Take care. 🙂

[Gimme in reply to Bluey-1]

oh good, thanks for that. Did you board first? I have my camera and binoculars in my hand luggage, so I try to get near the front of the queue normally to make sure there is space in the overhead lockers. I don't want those things to go in the hold.

Last time I flew, I just asked for a lift to the gate when I got to airside. I guess I was just lucky that the trolly was heading in my direction.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Gimme]

Booking assistance is a must then..most airports are a nightmare for long distance walking to get to plane … the “long haul”applies internally as much as the flights themselves!

[Knit11 in reply to Gimme]

My rheumy allowed me to up my Pred for the duration of my trip. I felt like myself again and walked and hiked without significant problem (only a bit of rest every few steps). Some days I was surprisd to realize that I walked 10 miles. Once I came back, I reduced my dose without a problem. I need to add that I am also taking Methx , which stayed the same at 20 mg.

[Bluey-1]

I did board first. Went on the ambulift with my husband. I accepted the wheelchair. My first experience flying post GCA I said I’d be fine getting up steps but I was exhausted with the waiting /standing and have accepted the wheelchair (or motorised scooter at bigger airports) since.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

The advantage of the wheelchair is you always have a seat!!!!

[Janet57]

I’ve travelled across to Australia/New Zealand from Uk and also currently in St Lucia from Uk. I’m on 3.5mg and both journeys, whilst tiring, have worked just fine. I dealt with the pred the way Dorset Lady suggests. Getting assistance is a must as you will be more tired than you think and walks in airports can be very long. Drink plenty of water on the flight so as not to get dehydrated. Have a great time and be easy on yourself 😊

[Orangecakes in reply to Janet57]

Janet, thank you for the good advice. I am finding DL's tapering charts are working well for me, just wished I'd followed them sooner. Enjoy St. Lucia. 🙂

[Carrie27]

What will the time difference be?

[Orangecakes]

Time at destination is a difference of 6 hours behind.