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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/3/2011 Posts: 717 Location: Torbay
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I am due to go on holiday soon and am worried about how I will cope with pain and fatigue. The holiday is a Rhine river cruise with lots of optional excursions. I wouldn't consider myself to be in a flare but I am in pain every day and rely on Tramadol or max strength co-codamol to get by. My fatigue is through the roof too. An American woman I know on face book is on holiday in the UK and having a fabulous time. She says this is due to the steroids she was given especially for the trip. I'm tempted to ask for some too. I know steroids bring their own problems and I hated the feeling of being on the higher doses (40 mg for me in the past). However on about 10 mg a day I remember feeling great and full of zing. Do people think it's a good or bad idea to follow up this with my nurse or doctor or should steroids be reserved for absolutely devastating flares? I want to enjoy and make the most of my precious holiday.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
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Hi Naomi
I personally would opt for the steroids in order that you are able to enjoy this much needed holiday after all you have gone through with the RA. From what I know and my consultants thoughts they are only a short time medication until the RA is brought under control, and once on them reduced extremely slowly. I was on them quite a lot in the early days and they provided much relief. Perhaps have a chat with your GP or rheumy nurse for their thoughts;
Best wishes Julia xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/14/2011 Posts: 301 Location: South Hampshire
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My consultant has allowed me to use a good boost of steroids while I'm on holiday in Israel (special holiday). My GP also said it would be fine... but he suggested reducing the dose down slowly again to my usual dose. I was told not to do it every holiday, but once in a while is fine! So I am looking forward to having lots more energy for the 10 days!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Naomi Steroids can give a much needed boost as a short term measure used only occasionally. I'm not sure that I would want to use them for a holiday ... think I would prefer to keep the option available in case of medical emergency! I know my GP would definitely not prescribe steroids as a 'holiday boost', but I do know others that will. Nothing lost by asking, and if you do get them you can always keep in reserve until you feel you really need them  Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/7/2012 Posts: 149 Location: S E London
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Hi Naomi,
I think it's worth an ask, would be dreadful to be in a lot of pain while you are away. I'm sure you won't be asking for them for every holiday.
Good luck
Mary
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Naomi,
Why not ask for a depo steroid injection before your holiday?
I had one a couple of weeks ago, ready for my holiday to Crete next week. It gives a boost but you don't have the problem of weaning off the tablets afterwards. I personally have always refused oral steroids because of the problems they can cause.
Hope you enjoy your holiday.
Love Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Hello Naomi
I can only tell you what I now know from my recent problems with my ALT results and having to come off my RA drugs.
I would ask for them and then they are there if you need them. I found them to be wonderful and think who ever invented them should be knighted by the Queen. I just could not believe what a difference they made to me. I could walk up and down stairs like a normal person, not one at a time, even when I felt OK RA wise stairs were my enemy. Every time I went up or down stairs I kept saying to my husband...'Look at me, aren't steroids wonderful'
I know from reading your posts your are an intelligent woman and am sure that your doctor will know this and would feel safe in the knowledge that you wouldn't take them unless absolutely necessary, they would be your emergency pain relief if things got too bad. Holidays are precious to us and you don't want to let RA spoil it.
A steroid injection is also an answer, I did think of this, but it is what I call crystal ball time, I didn't know if I would or wouldn't need steroids and if I had had an injection it may of not been needed and from what I know you are only allowed x amount a year, so I might of used one unnecessary and then been refused one at a later date because I was up to my limit. Plus I may of been putting drugs into my body that I didn't really need.
Difficult decision to make I know, but just do what you think is best for you.
Take Care
Paula x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 242
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Hi Naomi I think a low dose steroid injection as a one off is a very good idea. I am sure an understanding GP would take this on board. I had steroid shots before I got married, which kept me upright for a few hours. Otherwise you are really going to struggle with your holiday, with the pain and fatigue. I agree with Paula that holidays are precious, you don't want to feel mashed out for the whole time and come back and feel totally deflated. Whatever decision you make, hope you have a lovely time on the Rhine. Happy cruising!!  Love Rebecca x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Naomi,
Reading all posts with interests. I don't think I can comment too much on steriods as only had them for a 2 month
period. However I have had a lot of steriod injections and they have helped pick me I think I will asking my GP
for another shortly as mine is wearing off again.
What ever you decide let us know my dear.
Rose x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/3/2011 Posts: 717 Location: Torbay
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To everyone who replied. Thank you so much for your advice and opinions. It really helps to get feedback on issues such as this as I'm still learning the ropes. I saw the GP today and he thought it was a good idea to take some prednisolone with me and prescribed 2 weeks worth at 10 mg per day. He said to see how things go and to use it if I think I would benefit. It was really nice that he trusted me to make up my own mind about whether I think I need it. I feel reassured that I have a 10 mg/ day safety net if I flare up and that I can just take 5 mg a day if it will help to ensure that I have some energy to enjoy all that my holiday has to offer such as day trips out to some wonderful locations. On the downside, I am expecting my mtx injection kit to arrive any day now and I asked him if I should start it when I got back so I could enjoy the fabulous wines of the Moselle valley region........but he said NO! I should start the Mtx straight away and stick to one glass per week. Well you can't have it all can you.  ....Thanks once again x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/14/2011
Posts: 38
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Hi Niomi - I am glad to hear that you have been given steriods to take with you on your holiday. I have just returned from a holiday in Italy - about 8 weeks ago I had a steriod injection (my first) when I had a flare up, I have been feeling fantastic all those weeks, I couldn't believe the change it made - that is up to the second day of my holiday when everything kicked back in with a vengence !! - the pain and fatigue returned and I could hardly walk and woke up each day with pains all over, having said that I persevered each day to do as much as possible and see the sights.
So pack your steriods in your suitcase and have a fantastic holiday xx
Jane
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