Not doing too well.

As some of you know hubby and I are on holiday. The travelling was stressful 😩 being out of routine is difficult. Yesterday I didn't move all day. I woke with shoulder and arm pain this morning, that heavy burning pain that feels like my arms are too heavy, or been carrying heavy bags ( I haven't). I increased my P by 1mg this morning and managed to go for a walk. This isn't how I envisaged our long awaited holiday to be but hey ho, it is what it is.

[Rugger]

I do hope that things will settle for you in a day or two, so you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. 🏝️

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hope things improve, but you may need a little more..see how things go.

[Sillydogsmum]

Did you think to try some Paracetamol ? It can be surprisingly helpful sometimes. Muscles are much more easily upset compared to pre PMR, specially if Pred is a bit underdone or one has used them a bit too much.

[Hidden in reply to Sillydogsmum]

Yes, thank you

[SnazzyD]

It’s such bad timing with your diagnosis being not long ago. One has to dial down expectations hugely but it is difficult with others in the mix. As DL says, you might need a bit more Pred. However, don’t over do it if you feel better. Hope it improves soon!

[SheffieldJane]

You are doing all the right things. Travelling is physically and mentally taxing. Have a regular nap after lunch to get more out of your day and evenings. Like the others LittleJane, I hope it settles and you enjoy yourself. It won’t be the same as when you are well but it will be nice.

[Hidden]

You are all so kind, I am glad you are there x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is the weather rubbish on the IOW? Rain and wind really can make PMR worse and we all know what UK weather can be like! I was actually quite surprised that my PMR didn't get all uppity while I was in the UK in July and August but it was quite well behaved. It wasn't helpful to be greeted by a thawed out freezer that had to be throughly cleaned when I got back and 3 days later it snowed but I even survived that.

My ideal holiday is sitting people watching outside a cafe but preferably in sun ...

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

It is a bit, raining and quite windy but not cold. It was the long, hot and stressful car journey that set me back, then being out of routine, but I've been resting up for 48 hours and am starting to pick up a bit 🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Tuesday looks a bit more cheerful! And later in the week - cooler but SUN! And yes - being out of your routine can be a killer.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, that is a problem with ASD as well

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I know - if it is any consolation, most of us with PMR share the problem!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

PS - just looked at the IOW forecast and immediately beneath it was a Rainfall Warning. It seemed to include everywhere south of Newcastle ... Reminded me of a traffic warning I heard on German radio once for Bavaria, Traffic jams and roadworks and the list went on and on! At the end the announcer just said "Hearty congratulations if you WEREN'T in that ..."

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Michael Fish has a lot to answer for - I think the UK weather meteorology people are still frightened of the uproar that following his pronouncement on the storm in 1987.. and now warn of very little drop of rain or wind.. and most of the time it’s definitely OTT.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Our forecast today was nothing like what actually happened - supposed to be very cloudy - not until late afternoon where I was - and it was warmer than they said. I came home, if they'd had it right I'd probably have stayed another night. The campsite had the best restaurant I've ever come across on a campsite! The spag with seafood was an enormous portion of fish and the paparadelle with venison bolognaise sauce was amazing - loads of juniper and cranberries in it too,

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

🤤😋

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Sounds great -guess you’ll be visiting again…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Hope so - hope the chef stays, there is to be a different leaseholder who may or may not decide to change things. The current chef is from Calabria and has been there quite a while. But they close end of October until just before Easter. and each end of the season it very much depends on the weather. With a big campervan or caravan it's fine. Mine is possibly OK for one on a rainy day - should try it I suppose!!

[Whippetygirl in reply to PMRpro]

I hope you enjoyed it but didn’t count the calories.x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Whippetygirl]

It was my only meal of the day!!! But carbier than usual for me - pasta and all ...

[diana1998 in reply to DorsetLady]

Don't mention Michael Fish! My neighbour's dead Dutch Elm trees fell blocking our driveway and demolishing the roof of my young son's car.I asked neighbour to claim on his insurance and he said No Way and flatly refused. And he was supposed to be a good friend.....

[Estellemac in reply to diana1998]

You can claim off him? Go through your insurance and give them his details? Shouldn’t affect your policy. That why we have building insurance. Shame about the friendship but needs must.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Estellemac]

Might be a bit late if it happened at the time -it was in 1987!

[Estellemac in reply to DorsetLady]

I didn't read that properly did I? It just resonated with a neighbour and the claimant was one for not giving up. He won too. Its horrible when people don't help each other out.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Estellemac]

😊

[diana1998 in reply to Estellemac]

1987!! No luck there now!

[Poshdog in reply to PMRpro]

Oh yes, I'll second that - perfect !

[ponai]

I've just had what I thought was a flare. but think (after experimenting) it was the weather, an old arthritic foot problem, and too much activity. Paracetamol, rest, warmth and elastic socks have helped. The shoulder got pulled when I tripped on the stairs. It isn't always just the pmr though it adds to the vulnerability. But yes, v limiting and a complete pain. Sympathy.

[Potemkin]

Try a relaxing bath with Epsom Salts - I used to get a lot of relief from that. Sorry you're having a hard time.

[GrannyJane]

I do hope the weather perks up and helps you too feel more relaxed and rested. Long car journeys are killers, this year we drove across France to Germany and when I got out the car to stretch my legs I felt like a little old lady, could hardly move. Stops every hour suit me even if it is only for 5 minutes just to get everything circulating again. Be kind to yourself, rest and relax and just do sightseeing on foot when you’re having a good day when a bit of energy has returned. Enjoy, a change of scene is always good for the soul. xx

[Hidden in reply to GrannyJane]

Thank you for your kind post 🙂

[Gimme]

I think we will get some more heavy rain in the south tonight, but tomorrow should be a lot brighter. They even had a tornado touch down in the next town to me yesterday afternoon. Hope it gets better down there.

I think that most of us with PMR where the hips are more affected find sitting for long periods very trying. I find that the best way to work out that stiffness is to keep moving very gently and it usually loosens up after a bit. And to avoid trying to lift anything too heavy.

[Estellemac]

I decided not to have a holiday this year and went to stay with family. The drive down was easy but very tiring. Being with others is draining regardless of how lovely they are. We were on our own most of the time but not in my own space. I can’t imagine going on holiday after that?

How we change and dance to the tune of this condition. It’s not forever is my mantra at the moment. I hope as you rest the holiday is more the relaxing break you hoped for.

[AmberGamble]

I know that you are far from alone finding travel very different than pre PMR/GCA!

We travelled extensively before I got both conditions and wow, does it clip your wings. I actually dread it now rather than getting excited and I am only really comfortable and feel safe where I can control the environment. How things change eh?

Still, I managed a trip to Cyprus earlier this year where we have a house and used to live. So, once there I could relax. We are due to go back next month for a month and I’m really looking forward to it. I don’t like the actual travel anymore but I’m feeling more confident this time.

I actually took ill whilst flying long haul over to California at Christmas so I had a mental barrier to overcome regarding that dreadful experience. Believe me, flying back was traumatic, especially as I had been put on insulin and with going through security with a blood glucose monitor plus insulin, meds, and the time difference - phew…..it seemed all too much but I did it👏

Take your time and try to relax, easier said than done I know.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fly over to California to see my son and our only grandchildren again as I feel now, but I live in hope😊

I do hope you manage to enjoy your break xxx

[Hidden in reply to AmberGamble]

Thank you, I do hope your son and grandchildren can visit you. I couldn't bear not to see mine. I am very fortunate, they give life a certain quality.

[9lives]

Hi I am not far from you ,( small village between Southampton &Winchester) sister in law lives on IOW we pop over when we can, if you are able take a trip to the donkey sanctuary or the Zoo x as animals always cheer you up. And if you brave enough to do the chair lift at Alum bay . 👍

Hope you Have a great time x

Carole

[Hidden in reply to 9lives]

Thanks, the Donkey Sanctuary is on our to do list. We did the Alum Bay chair lift when we used to come when the children were young. I couldn't cope with the vertigo now 🫨What village are you in? Our daughter and her family live in East Wellow.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Know the NF well and had relatives who lived there- and many summers spent in that area. Hampshire is my county of birth.

[9lives in reply to Hidden]

We are in Fair Oak, I know west willow , it’s lovely. Our village is being surrounded by new builds unfortunately. Much like the rest of England x

I’ve always lived in and around this area and the new forest

Enjoy your holiday xx

[greencyclist62]

Hello, I hope you are feeling a bit better today, and that you have been able to enjoy some of your holiday.

I have just returned from my holiday, but 2 days before I went I also had a flare up and had to increase my pred by 2mg a day. Once I got to my destination and could relax a bit, I found that after 3 days I could decrease by 1 mg a day. I managed to stay at that level for the rest of my break, and tried not to be hard on myself for the increase.

I have learnt from listening to people on here that everyone is different, with different amounts of pain and stress. Just try to do what feels right for you, and enables you to enjoy your holiday. Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to greencyclist62]

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. Yes, I increased by 1mg today and we went out for tea. Last two days I just stayed in.

[Grammy80]

Please be sure to pace yourself....rest if need be. Hopefully, you are doing better. 💞

[Hidden in reply to Grammy80]

Yes thank you. I have recovered from the stress of a difficult journey and spoken to my GP about increasing my dose of P. I feel better today.