Long haul flight

[Tappo]

Hi,

I have a 9 1/2 hour flight coming up for a holiday and there is a 4 hour time difference. Just wondering what others have done about their steroid medication? My plan is to adjust by two hours, to accommodate the time difference and not to throw out my usual regime too much. Also, I’m due to reduce while away. Is that something that would be advised, or should I wait till I return from holiday? Any advice from experience welcome.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I wouldn't taper at all just before or during a big trip like that. It is all stress - even if it is nice stress - and you never know what might turn up.

You don't say where you are going but as an example, when I travel from Europe to the USA, there is a long day of travel, which means 4 extra hours or so between taking the pred at the usual time at home and the same time at the destination. So approximately 24 hours after the previous dose, I take 4/24 or about 1/6 of the total dose. If the dose is 12mg, I take 2mg to carry me through to the local time at the destination. If that adjusting dose is a bit more, it doesn;t matter. Then while away, I take my pred at its usual time each day. Coming back, the "short" day, I don't adjust the dose - I just take the benefit of the relatively larger amount for the day.

[Tappo in reply to PMRpro]

That’s very helpful - thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Further to PMRpro’s comments-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

And this from tapering advice -

Whilst I’m not suggesting you do it too often, there are some occasions it’s sensible to put your tapering on hold and not reduce. For example just before or during something that may cause you stress. Christmas, holidays [whether near or far], special occasions like weddings etc, surgery, moving house all spring to mind. You may think this is being ultra cautious, but a pause for a week or so is nothing in the great scheme of things, and it if prevents a flare then it’s a win, win situation. Cold winter weather is another reason to pause, a fact that some doctors realise and advise no tapering for a while. Bereavement is obviously another time when tapering has to take a back seat.

[Tappo in reply to DorsetLady]

That’s enormously helpful- thank you.

[Birder21]

I wouldn't try to taper when away, and make sure all your medication is in your hand luggage. I would also suggest getting special assistance at the airport each end, following that suggestion on here I booked it for our recent flights to South Africa and it made a huge difference for me not having to walk great lengths at the airports carrying hand luggage and meant I enjoyed the flights more.

[Tappo in reply to Birder21]

Thank you-that is something to consider.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Tappo]

It’s not a consideration- it a must 😊.. I still use it now for my dodgy back not GCA…

[Janet57]

I’ve done quite a few long haul flights whilst on pred (including UK to Australia & New Zealand). I would not be trying to reduce/taper whilst you are away. The stresses of travel, new time zones, jet lag are hard enough on the body. My approach has always been similar to PMRPROs and it has worked well. When you return give your body time to adjust to your home time zone before making any adjustments. Enjoy your holiday 😊. Take your meds in your hand luggage just in case.

[Tappo in reply to Janet57]

Thank you very much for the advice.