Steroids abroad

[Ann1A]

Hello, I'd like timing advice please... this Christmas I'm lucky enough to be travelling to visit my partner, who works abroad, in East Coast usa time zone, 4 hours behind us. I will be away 9 days.Normally in UK I take my 10mg pred about 6.00 am, should I continue to do this, ( thus leaving my dose till 4 hours late on 1st day) or stick with same body time/their relative time which means waking and taking at 2.00am ? Or try to take it at 2.00am once, then 4.00, then 6.00 ?

What is best relative to how quickly the body clock reacts to the new time zone ?

Thanks for the advice, Ann

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

hi,

Stick to usual morning timings throughout.

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

Outward - Depending on flight time, take an half a dose either on plane, or in evening that day before bed - then next day take at what would be your normal time.

Return - No need to add in extra - as times between doses will be less than 24 hours.

Request special assistance at airports [even though you may think you don’t need it.. there’s always a long walk], 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!

[Ann1A in reply to DorsetLady]

Thankyou so much, I'm much happier being told than trying to guess !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ann1A]

Been to NZ when on steroids [and without] - so got it sussed then… bit more complicated…😉

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Like DL I take a bit extra the day I fly west to account for the longer day, a sixth extra to be exact for your trip but a suitable amount before bed to carry me to the usual time next morning but at local time.

Definitely ask for airport assistance - and insist you can't walk/stand so they use a wheelchair, don't admit to any ability to walk!! The primary advantage is you then don't stand in queues anywhere - security this end, passport control the other end. The assistance staff jump to the head of queues so the waits are far shorter and the best bit is no standing ...

[Ann1A in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou so much, that's vety reassuring.