Yesterday, I took a friend with me and went for a test drive to see how it affected me. I drove 2 hours, into an especially beautiful part of the country, had a lovely lunch, and drove home again - in total, about 7 hours out and about. Many stops for photo's, brief walks and looking at interesting things. It felt like a huge adventure, and life as it used to be. It's made my soul sing.
My dear friend never stops talking, so was full on in that regard, I'm so happy that I wasn't more than a tad tired, as is usual after that kind of day. I had a fanstastic sleep, and feel better today than I have in a long time. No pain, and a bit of energy, which I will use very wisely.
As it stands, I could go away for Christmas - I'll decide closer to the time. I'll stay on 20mg Pred, along with the CBD till after Christmas. I'm so glad yesterday happened. It's made me realize that living the very small life I have been this year, along with the normal vulnerability illness creates had eroded my confidence,
This illness has been my greatest teacher, and for that I am grateful. Let it not become my Master.
Thanks for all the brilliant input folks, it helped a lot.
I've been planning to spend Christmas with my siblings and extended family, who I have not seen for 14 months - although we do have phone contact. They live 4.5 hours drive from me.
I'm not an axious person but I am feeling anxious, worried and vulnerable about going.
I have to sleep on a sofa for 2 nights - will I be comfortable? It's in an office so I will have peace and quiet, seperate from the rest of the house.
The drive worries me, - I was going to break it up by staying somewhere overnight, however a 40 minute drive last week completely wiped me out, and had me on the sofa most of the following day. Was it just that day? Do I (or can I) break it into a 2 night trip there and back (extra expense)
Christmas day itself worries me - I get exhausted with 1-1 conversations, I don't know how I can handle a crowd.
I am going to where I formerly lived - a very beautiful coastal fishing port. I can't walk anywhere. It's like suddenly someone unplugged me, my energy evaporates and I can't go on. It happens without warning and I have to rest. I need a lot of rest. Is next level exhaustion normal with PMR?
I can't do anything....
I think the question here is one only I can answer - will I go? (welcome your thoughts here)
And if I do - should I take extra Pred?
Some of you may recall the headache I have had since April? Happy to report that they seem to have gone. I had to up my Pred back to 20mg a week or so ago. About a week ago I started taking CBD Oil.
The headaches dissapated (both sides) to two small, incredibly tender, and swollen things, flesh quite puffy around them. They felt like either veins or nerves (I think veins - wasn't sore enough for nerves when touched) So, no headaches for the first time in 9 months. The only thing that has changed is the CBD. I was suspecting GCA with the headaches, but Ibobrufen took the pain away completely. Any thoughts?
Thank you for your wisdom and insights
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JoysFollyNZ
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Good morning, I think that when it comes to it the only person who can your question is yourself. You need to balance the possible plus points in going -seeing family, not being alone at Christmas and going back to your home town, etc - with the seemingly fairly long list of downsides. When you actually manage the journey will you be in a fit enough state, mentally and physically, to cope with all the other downsides you mention to actually enjoy yourself? At the very least I think you need to make the journey, both ways a two/three day event. If you decide you can't make it this year, would the family be able to pop over and see you for a day before/after Christmas? Regarding the headaches are you sure it was the ibuprofen (not recommended with Pred) that took the pain away or the increase to 20mg of Pred. If it was the Pred it may well be worth getting them checked out for peace of mind. Hope all goes well. 🫂
Thanks for your response. I'll work it out re the trip. I do have options where I live for Christmas, and to be honest, it's not a big deal for me. Catching up with loved ones is, of course.
Re the Pred. I still had this headache when I was on 60mg Pred,....and I still had it when I stopped taking Pred for a while. It was there prior to Pred
Oh dear. I think now you have written it all down you know the answer really. I’d say listen to yourself and tell your family what you want/need to do. Its essential to look after yourself mentally and physically and sometimes that means saying no to things. Can’t answer about the headaches - hope you’ve been checked out by the medics though.
Hi there. First of all I’d like to say I totally understand your predicament, ie ‘shall I, shan’t I make the trip with all that entails?’ I think you have to be really honest with yourself and ask yourself what concerns you most, ie. the drive and how you will feel during the visit or not seeing your family? Will you arrive wiped out or be well enough to enjoy the company and conversation that you already know adversely affects you? Will you be able to sustain the merriment and cope with the return journey?
Of course, there is the chance that you will sail through the drive and function well during the visit itself. Who knows?
I have a great deal of sympathy with you. On 15mg Prednisolone until I reached lower doses I also experienced that awful deathly fatigue where it was common for me to abandon whatever I was doing be it in the middle of preparing dinner or a face to face/ telephone conversation when wham!! I had to crawl to my bed-no choice. “Unplugged” is an accurate description.
I’m sure you will arrive at the best decision for you.
Regarding your headaches: if ibuprofen worked in removing the pain they are unlikely to be caused by GCA although they do need further investigation. I have to mention that ibuprofen is not recommended alongside prednisolone (PMRpro is the expert).
Is it at all possible for you to find somewhere to stay off site, with a proper bed where you can retreat to , and be able to limit your exposure to full on family if needed?
My first Christmas away to son’s after hubby died and with GCA was 200miles away and a 5- 6 hour journey on a good day. No way I wanted to drive in deep- mid winter in northern hemisphere and to an area prone to snowfall - so I decided to get a driver and courtesy car.. not cheap, but at least no anxiety.
I know the roads in NZ aren’t as congested as UK, even in summer with tourists, but is that an option .. probably no more expensive than stopping overnight [especially if you’re thinking 2 nights] … or even getting a friend to drive you?
As for sleeping arrangements - you at least have your own space and can go there is you feel wiped out during the day - and explain that to family before you go.
But as others have said if you aren’t sure then politely decline- there is no point in going if you are getting yourself so stressed about it…..and if you decide to go then take extra Pred with you in case required.. and easy on the ibuprofen…
It’s your choice of course but you need a proper bed and the opportunity to rest as needed. I recognise the exhaustion of large groups, even if you want to see folks. Last Christmas (six months into GCA) we stayed two nights at my son’s but they gave us their bed while they slept in the z-bed. It was a joy to spend time with our granddaughter and celebrate my birthday but boy was I exhausted and it was my husband who drove the 3.5 hour journey both ways. A year on I’m on lower steroid doses and they’re coming here to visit. I still have to pace myself but when I think back to how I was - and have photos to show how rough I looked - things are better. You need to think of what’s best for you at this time. Don’t underestimate the amount of rest you need. It won’t be forever and in a few months you’ll feel relieved you’re over the worst,
Well, you haven’t sold it to me. You haven’t mentioned anything that is a big big bonus to make up for the potential for feeling wiped out when you get there. If a 40 min drive didn’t end well, it doesn’t bode well. And then you have to do the journey again. Think carefully about extending the journey and decide if stringing out the time living out of a suitcase, being in transit, non-home beds will actually be the answer and leave you fresh as a daisy. I’m biased here, because travel was a trial and I avoided it until I felt better.
Is it a sofa or sofa bed? Can no one give up their bed for you or are you all in the same state?
Are you doing this for them or you? Will they fully understand if you do collapse in a heap for a couple of days, having taken 2 days to get there, and go home again?
I wouldn’t put Pred up if you are already on 20mg and possibly something to do with what you are feeling so limp and lifeless. Why have you had to put it back up there? Can you get a second opinion?
You say the only thing that changed was the CBD oil - but you also said you went back to 20mg pred. If more pred helped you really CAN'T rule out GCA. If the temples were tender and you still have 2 bulges that are sore they COULD be in the artery that GCA affects. Nothing to do with veins or nerves - and nerves are so tiny you would be unlikely to see anything. I think you still need to speak to a doctor. On the other hand - if 60mg didn;t deal with it, maybe it IS the CBD,
As for the trip - yes, this sudden tiredness when you don't pace yourself is quite common in PMR. Happened to me halfway down a ski run when I thought I would do one more run than usual before going home! It was like hitting a brick wall of fatigue.
But I think you have outlined all the reasons why you have to think hard about the trip. If you can't drive for 40 mins without being wiped out - is it even SAFE for you to aim to drive for several hours and that twice in a week since you have to come home too? One thing I can do is drive - but I do need a decent bed. And you say you already struggle with 1-2-1 conversations.
It is one of the really critical points for anyone on their own - and using public transport doesn't solve it! My trip to the UK was fine going - airport assistance dealt with minor flight delays and connections. But while this end was brilliant - drove to the airport, parking in Innsbruck is maybe 100m from checkin and from there it was airport assistance all the way, arriving in Sheffield station to horizontal rain with a suitcase and backpack wasn't! Coming back was a disaster from beginning (snow and closed roads) to getting to the flight for Innsbruck in Frankfurt having missed the connection, Then it improved as I was looked after. Manchester airport wasn't too bad though. It'll be the campervan in future - can stop and rest with a bed anytime I need!
We can all empathise completely with how you feel at the prospect of this visit.
I have just travelled from the U.K. to Sydney Australia with Airport assistance, which was brilliant. Whisked through security, taken to the head of queues, it went like clockwork. Big shout out to Cathay Pacific airlines who were great and lovely.
Do you have to drive? Can’t you fly or go by rail across New Zealand? That drive is really too much for you. Or get a long distance taxi even? Cost it all out and see.
Is the bed a sofa bed? That should be alright. If not, what about a rental or a hotel/motel? Having a retreat to go to when you need to is appealing. The office sounds potentially good, providing a separate space, if it is comfy. I had a real problem with conversations before I was diagnosed. Are you sure you are on a sufficient dose of Pred?
Warn people that with our disease you might have to disappear off to re-charge your batteries now and then. In my experience it is never as challenging as you think. People lend you a bit of their energy. The deathly fatigue is one of the most challenging symptoms we face - it is kind of normal for us - especially under 10 mgs of Pred.
Have you had tests for GCA? Your symptoms are concerning. My Rheumatologist always used to feel my temples for swelling before I was diagnosed with GCA on top of PMR. I was diagnosed by an ultrasound vascular scan. A GCA headache is not normally eased by ibuprofen. My non cranial GCA was helped a bit, mainly the unwell feelings. I am glad CBD oil helps. I imagine it is good for anxiety but not many people have reported it helping us much.
Is your family likely to be kind and understanding with you or like most families, are there issues that could stress you out? This is an important consideration. It would probably be my deciding factor.
You could have a lovely time that will boost your health and mood and be a stepping stone towards recovery. Every time I push myself it seems to pay off.
Whatever you do. Have a happy Christmas. Your old home sounds perfectly lovely. If you go take an extra supply of Pred for emergencies. 🍀🎄
Just don't travel anywhere via Frankfurt!!!!!!! The airport assistance staff were lovely but the service disjointed at best and other staff were definitely in the wrong career!
Manchester was the most stressful bit. Harangued for having too much in my clear plastic bag. All the things we need for dry eyes, dry mouth etc. Brutes!
I put medication separate, including fluids. They let me off with a scissors - to open medication. You have to emphasise the medication part.
I like Manchester's central point for assistance passengers - always someone around to ask and inform. Especially when the flight was late and gate changed I didn't have any concerns, I knew they would react. Frankfurt I was taken to a gate more than 2 hours in advance and just left. At the end of the terminal, no access to food/drinks or toilets and the gate was changed. And no-one knew nuffin guv ...
It was just security. He wanted to see a prescription which I had but it wasn’t for the peripheral things we need, mostly of the moisturising liquid variety. The assistance was good - she was frustrated too. Maybe just a bad day. They were very busy.
It was a bit chaotic when I was there. But that is a problem with their layout if you ask me. Not enough space for denied people to wait to sort it out.
In Frankfurt twice, on the way to Cairo and back. On way there found that we had been put on standby when still in Halifax (I will never use self check-in again for international travel, not that I'm ever going to fly again anyway) so the agent told us to stay nearby, understood that we had paid for a very expensive holiday, and somehow got the three of us onto the flight! Judging by announcements in the interim they bribed passengers to delay their departures! On the way back, I completely collapsed when I got on plane in Cairo, didn't put passport away, left it on seat upon arriving in Frankfurt. Efficiently, it was found and taken to a secure location - which I couldn't access because I had no passport so my daughter had to go fetch it. Great relief when she reappeared with the necessary document. This was a long time ago, maybe 20 years, but at the time I had nothing but praise for Frankfurt airport personnel!
I was hoping I might be bribed - they were on the way out but that wasn't an option, I had to get to Sheffield that night. 250 euros for being a bit late is fine otherwise ... Meant going Frankfurt/Munich/Manchester mind!!!!
I’m so glad you mentioned traveling with Airport Assistance. I’ll be flying from California to Arkansas December 16th for Christmas. Two of my adult kids live there and so do four of my grand children. Most of my other kids are flying in as well.
Anyway, I hadn’t thought of asking for airport assistance, but that would certainly make the trip more tolerable. Thank you.
I really recommend it. They have it down to a fine art now and you skip all the queues. I felt better when we got off the flights Manchester - Hong Kong- and Sydney than I used to before I was ill. I have two daughters in Australia and they have two children each. This is a massive incentive.
I will! I don’t see them until Friday. We are waiting in Sydney for our son to join us then we fly to the rest of the family. The first Christmas altogether in years and the first for us in Australia. The weather is gorgeous we left snow at home. My symptoms are still there but they are taking a back seat. Distraction is great for us!
That’s lovely for you all together. We’ve done many Christmases in Oz and the first time was very strange in the different climate. However we soon got used to it and I really love it now. I don’t like the cold anymore. I often wish we could still do the journey. Once again enjoy.
We just requested flight assistance when booking through Dial a Flight ( very good) they asked all the relevant questions including stairs. The only stairs I had to negotiate were one of the airplanes with steps. A man who couldn’t manage them had a sort of hoist. I was aware of some back ways and private lifts not open to the general public. If you aren’t asked the questions, ensure that they have noted your requirements. Obviously we can walk, it is a stamina thing. At one point I was at gate 20 and would have had to walk to gate 71. I would have missed the plane. It was all a great help to my long suffering other half. You can slot your carry on bag under the wheelchair. The assistance begins after checking in your baggage, in my recent experience. I hope you have a good experience!
Thank you; I did book the wheelchair assistance! I’ve had very lengthy gate to gate connections also; sometimes in a completely different terminal! So this is a great idea. I needed someone like you to give me permission!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family all together!
Provided I don't have to carry my bag I can just about do the steps but the travel agent requested seat-to-seat which meant someone was available to carry my backpack. However - after the shenanigans at Frankfurt the assistance staff took it on themselves to get the lift out because the small pedal plane to Innsbruck requires you climb about 10 steps - out in the middle of the tarmac miles from anywhere in wind and rain! The driver slotted it to the assistance bus door so it was barrier free from the bus into the lift and the steps were pulled from the aircraft door to allow the lift to slot in position - another barrier-free transfer. It was like a very upmarket cherry-picker.
But NEVER admit you can walk at all - or you will end up walking when it suits them. And it can be far further than they think it is. That happened to me at Frankfurt and earned me the lift as a comfort-blanket when the REALLY clued-up Spanish gentleman in charge took over,
Always take the upmarket cherry picker lift as it takes away the stress of finding yourself ‘miles’ from a gate or standing for ages waiting to board. I had a mobility scooter once at Birmingham and told to arrive at the assistance point for loading. That was useful as we were independent, could shop at duty free and weren’t waiting for someone to take me to the allotted point.
I would never have got from A to B last week - It is so easy to get lost on your own and my main problem is the being alone and having nowhere to leave bags for loo stops in particular. The problem at Frankfurt was being transported in an electric buggy - to the customer service area so being responsible for my things at all times with no label identifying me as being in need of assistance so I was unjustly accused of being on a seat I shouldn't have been.
Good advice PMRpro. There were two of us travelling and we do know our way around Birmingham. It would be a different kettle of fish had I been on my own. I do find having an invisible illness a bit difficult, standing there in jeans and trainers looking relatively fit as I’m confirming my booking of assistance and accepting the wheelchair / buggy.
Previously, In Korea a dear little man would have sat me on the loo if needs be. He was completely devoted and waited outside the ladies with dogged devotion. So it clearly varies.
Thank you all for your input and advice - it's so valuable.
Heres my plan re the trip. I'm taking a friend in the weekend and test driving a 2 hour drive. If this is OK and no major repucussions the following day, I will know I can do the 4 hour drive by stopping halfway for the night,.
Plan 2, which is even better is to hire a campervan! I have owned and lived in many over the years, vans, busses etc. This is the first time in decades I have not had one. Unfortunately, due to time of year there is nothing available from the commercial people, so I will try and find one privately. I might luck in and someone might appreciate a cash injection at this time of year. This is a good plan, which would make me really happy. I could take a couple of weeks and what a lovely holiday. I have been a traveller all my life. but not this year. *Trappped*
I have a Dr appointment tomorrow so will get the head checked out (again!)
I strongly suspect GCA, but the rheumy I saw stuck by the book after my negative biopsy and said no. He also said that if I was having breakthrough headaches on 60mg Pred I definitely didn't have GCA. I could never make sense of that. Any input here?
I don't know what I would be doing without you good souls. I have had little support, and zero advice from the medical teams. I'm on my own
A significant proportion of temporal biopsies come back negative. As PMRPro will tell you, they have to find the exact part of the artery for the abnormal cells they are looking for. Positive is always positive and negative can be too. I am so glad that you have a plan that you are happy with. Have a wonderful time, and keep well. X
A dose of 80 mgs is not unusual.
You could try your family’s doctor for another opinion. Take great care! You can feel really weird on high dose Pred.
"the rheumy I saw stuck by the book after my negative biopsy and said no"
There is NO book that will say that a negative biopsy means it is not GCA - there are several reasons why a biopsy might be negative for GCA but they include skip lesions (the lesions are not evenly distributed in the artery), poor technique on the part of the operators (surgical and histopathology), an inadequate sample of artery (tissue submitted has been known to be vein or nerve as well as not enough!), GCA does not affect all arteries equally and the only reason for using the temporal artery is because it is accessible, not essential so can be removed and often affected. However - often is not always. As for break-through headache on 60mg - many people require 80 or even 100mg to manage the inflammation in the early stages and if the 60mg did not clear out existing inflammation thoroughly, if the underlying disease is very active, it will build up again. One approach that is used is a 3 day pulse therapy of 1000mg per day - yes, that is ONE THOUSAND, That makes 60mg look pretty paltry. A positive biopsy is 100% certainty - a negative biopsy only means they didn't find the evidence they were looking for, not that it isn't there.
I do hope you can find a camper. Mine isn't big or luxurious - but provides me with a bed and a loo if needed. I'm looking forward to doing things that an ordinary car make more complicated - needing to find accommodation and toilets to order is not always easy is it!
I'm a bit late to the party here, so all I would add is to listen to your body. I have been just the same as you describe through most of the summer, although I seem to be enjoying a little respite from it all atm. I described it as feeling like all the air had been let out of my tyres. When I had used up the available energy, I just deflated, and the only thing that would do was sleep. When a friend, who pops round for a couple of hours every couple of weeks, wanted to drop by, I had to put him off a few times, as my heart sank at the thought of having to sit in a chair and be awake and talk to someone. I didn't even have the energy to put the kettle on. If it were me, doing that trip, I wouldn't take it on unless I knew that I would be able to take time out and sleep if I need it. I only went away on my recent Bolivia trip because I had it well planned out for when I could take rests and breaks. Though I managed a lot better than I had anticipated. I think your trial run with your friend is an excellent idea. But if you still feel overwhelmed by the idea of it all, then don't be afraid to speak up and put your needs first.
Good morning! Two recent journeys I have mixed feelings about: an hour's train trip to see my poorly dad last week. Wonderful to meet up, but I was wiped out for 3 days and also picked up a cold from someone coughing and sneezing in the seat in front. Coming into contact with infection definitely something to take into account, especially if, like me, you rarely socialise. Then my birthday a few days ago: lovely to meet up with 2 old friends for coffee in one of their houses, but still recovering from trying to engage and converse for 2 hours! Only you can make the decision. I'm going to compromise: if people would like to visit me, rather than me making a journey, that's fine. So long as they don't stay too long - I shall have to be blunt! CBD oil - yes! I really think that massaging the balm into my neck, cheekbones and right temple is definitely providing relief. All the best!
Hi JoysFolly. I have lupus and and more autoimmune to deal with and Your post strikes me as I have different disease but I have the same obstacles. My family really gets “it” now that I must retreat when fatigued. Or overwhelmed. Interesting that people feel as I do: engaging with humans is truly exhausting for us. I agree with another poster that it may be good for you to rent your own space close by. I did this recently as I met family at the beach. I rented a pretty shabby place but had my own retreat. I even bring my favorite blanket and pillow. Soothing to me. I’ve relented now for family to push me in wheelchair. This decision I made because I’m tired of being left behind. The stigma of a wheelchair is daunting; however I use it so totally to my advantage. With my granddaughter on my lap I can make myself appear very frail and suddenly kindness surrounds me and I’m literally spoiled. (A ruse I enjoy) but fact: It’s not the way I planned my life, it’s another jump to the side of acceptance. To get to the beach I did drive 5 hours. I went to bed directly and later my brother came and did heavy lifting from the car. Another acceptance: ask for help. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. 🎄
As people will know whom have been on this forum for a while I wrote a whole advent calendar worth of posts full of tips to help people survive Christmas with a chronic health issue.Anyone reading this , do look back through my old posts for tips on everything from the school play , to Christmas dinner and travel.
So , looking at your own situation , I have to say , there is a catalogue of worries and red flags within it that don't just appear to be caused by our reasonable anxiety while coping with chronic pain.
Most importantly, I did get the impression that you aren't just feeling anxious about things but a real feeling of dread.
As someone whom has done the travelling thing followed by a stay elsewhere I know that even if you are a passenger , you still ache incredibly after a long car journey and the one thing you need to cope with that and the stress of extra activity over the holiday is a proper bed. Even a good sofa bed won't cut it .
You could kick some healthy relative out of their bed to get extra comfort but even that may not be enough if the journey has already caused extra inflammation.
Of course , you could stay elsewhere and add to your expense but even that will add to the burden if the day with extra travel.
And as you say it's the stress of full days of activity with others , especially hard if you haven't built up to this activity over time .
This is the time to make a decision before the family buy their provisions or begin to prepare things so that they will be understanding about your decision if you feel you would be better pulling out.
And , it may sound selfish , but people with chronic illnesses are allowed to be selfish at Christmas, you need to consider how you feel and how your health will be affected over and above letting anyone down.....including yourself , if you are eager to go.
You can't , or shouldn't, use the old rule of thumb of overdoing it and then paying for it later as many people fall into the trap of doing early on in a chronic illness. Because each flare that you give yourself that could have been avoided puts back your progress and recovery and causes more damage in the long run.
I would say , read this letter a few times and consider whether you are really saying that you would generally prefer to stay at home.
To me , to be frank , it sounds like it.
Consider , if you live alone , whether you are happy spending Christmas in your own company with your own treats , woolly socks , a lie in, and your choice of films on the telly.
Or finding somewhere close by to enjoy something simple for a few hours with a group or a couple of friends instead.
If that sounds preferable I would advise you to duck out gracefully, admitting that you have only just started to get your symptoms under control and that the journey will be too much for you and would probably make you unwell .
Explain that as much as you'd love to be there it would be better for you if you could cancel now but you'd still love to get the chance to visit with everyone later in the year when you have your condition under better control.
Tell them you will miss them all though , and would it be possible for you to join in by having a Skype or video call with everyone at a set time so you can take part in the celebration in a way you could manage instead.
After lockdowns , everyone is used to this and knows how enjoyable that can be , so I'm sure that it will ease the blow of you not being there , and your family will also feel like you aren't neglecting them or missing out.
You could even play a game or have a sing song over zoom for an hour so you get the fun without the hassle.
Your family , if they haven't seen you since you became ill probably don't realise how much PMR is affecting you because if they did they probably would have suggested that you take it easy this year themselves.
Basically, you can love you family to bits and in your heart wish you were with them , but if your body isn't up to it , no matter how much will in the world you have, it won't be the magical thing you wish for even if you up the Pred and take a mountain of your own bedding with you . You need to listen to your head and avoid the pain and flare up that will inevitably happen from too much activity and uncomfortable travel.
Let us know what you decide, and if you do stay at home , could I come and escape my family and stay with you instead!😆😆😆
What a great letter...so thoughtful. And your last line made me laugh, which is such good medicine for all! I'll be reding your old Advent tips! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this lengthy and well considered post. You are intuitive, you read me right, it had actually got to the point of dreading it.
I would be well cared for (aside from the bed - some who is sicker than I needs it) but I know I cannot tax my body to the extent it would be if I go.
I also realized the idea of a campervan was just a romantic dream.
I fear the consequences. I have just got my symptoms under control, I have just seen my Dr and I told her I was planning to drop from 20mg to 15mg in about a week. She is supportive of me managing myself.
I'm not going and will let them know over the weekend. They will be disappointed, as am I but I only have 1 job, as they all know, and that's my health. That's it. If I needed a reminder of why travelling is not a good idea, after the Dr and a vege shop, I'm wiped out.
I will be able to go sometime, and I'll look forward to that.
I won't be alone here, there are friends...... and now I can look forward to Blearyeyed visiting~
Although you really love your family, is this trip worth the stress! I would stay home and relax and get well, but promise to try to see them next year. Sleeping on a couch when you feel ill is just too hard. A day at home doing everything you want stress free is just so beneficial to your recovery. Now is the time to be kind to yourself and put yourself first.
I'm rather late to the party here but I'm getting stressed on your behalf already. Life is stressful especially with PMR/GCA etc. Add in Christmas and family and it can be a recipe for disaster.
Remember if you have a plan now (like the camper van) you can still change your mind. It's your prerogative. Just be careful, driving two hours one day doesn't mean you can drive another two hours the next. And then repeat the whole thing a few days later.
Take care of yourself and listen to your body and inner self!
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Sometimes it gets hard.
Holiday anxiety
I keep falling asleep
Flare? or come down from Christmas?
