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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/14/2012
Posts: 46
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Morning  I was diagnosed with RA about 18 months ago and am currently on hydroxy and methotrexate (tabs). I will be flying to S. Africa in two weeks time and I am curious to hear if long flights affect people with RA in any way. I realise everybody is different and I will probably go and see my Dr for advice before I leave, but fore-warned is fore-armed so to speak. Thank you and may you all have a pain-free day if possible Kim.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/13/2010 Posts: 786 Location: east anglia
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hi kim, i'd go and have a chat with gp and rhumy nurses and ask for a depo inj the steriod really helps, i only max at 4hr flights but i was in agony the first time i flew after ra,didnt know about steriods then but soon learned,make a point of speaking to you'r team and if offered take it and all the advice they give,good luck, sounds lovely,dorothy
remember to add any walking aids etc on the insurance and yes walking stick goes through the scanner.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/14/2012
Posts: 46
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Thanks a lot Dorothy. Will definitely do that. Last thing I want to do is feel ill on the flight and while I am so far from home. Not using any walking aids yet but the way I am feeling it wont be long I fear. Thank you so much for taking time to reply. xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/14/2011 Posts: 301 Location: South Hampshire
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Hi Kim
the longest flight I've done is just over 5 hours since I had the RA. I always get special assistance at the airport, so I dont start off the holiday/visit too worn out! THey take you to the plane in a wheelchair which saves all the walking which I find very painful. Some airports are very big... and if you are on a cheaper airline - it's even further to walk!! I take steroids all the time; but did boost them up before I did a long trip.
I would definitely speak to your team about what they advise. My team were also happy to give me a steroid jab before one trip. They do aim to help us to get quality of life which is really nice.
Anne xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
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Kim, are you travelling for business or pleasure? If for business, there are extra steps you can take. Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/14/2012
Posts: 46
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Hi Anne Went to see my consultant yesterday and he put me on 6 weeks steroids because my joints were inflamed anyway, so that should tide me over the holiday too. He also gave me extra steroids in case I flare. I feel a lot better now that I know I have that back-up. I never thought of the wheelchair to the plane but I'll see how I am on the day. I am travelling alone but am in premium economy and an aisle seat so I will move around as much as I can during the flight. Thank you very much for replying. I appreciate your comments and advice very much Kim xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/14/2012
Posts: 46
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Hi Paul,
I am travelling for pleasure but thank you anyway.
Have a good weekend - Kim.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/14/2011 Posts: 301 Location: South Hampshire
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Hi Kim
If you need special assistance you have to book it in advance with your airline - you can't leave it til the day. If you then decide you don't need it you can cancel it when you arrive at the airport. The biggest challenge I find is walking to the plane... and standing in the queues that you inevitably get! The cheaper the airline the longer the walk!
Last week was the first time I travelled completely on my own! With 2 broken arms I had no choice but to have the assistance as I couldn't even carry my hand luggage.. esp up plane steps! However, the disadvantage is the difficulty of visiting the loo.... although a very nice guy did agree to look after my luggage as I went... and also another nice guy on the plane got my luggage down again from the luggage rack.... so there are still some nice people around.
I am so pleased you got the extra steroids - my consultant and GP are really good like that for 'special trips'.
Enjoy your trip.
Anne
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/3/2011 Posts: 717 Location: Torbay
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I travelled to Taiwan recently and that meant journeys of 20 hours plus including 12 hour flights between Hong Kong and the UK. I would advise getting up and walking around as much as you can on the plane so you don't stiffen up. Also having some emergancy steroids is good, if only for peace of mind. I booked a wheelchair at the airports as it's surprising how far you have to walk, especially if transferring between flights. My final piece of advice is to make sure you have all the documentation for carrying your drugs, especially if you want to carry them in your hand luggage (which I would advise). Good luck and bon voyage xxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/14/2012
Posts: 46
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Two broken arms Anne? Oh my goodness. Thank heavens you had people to help you. Regarding assistance at the airport and booking it in advance, good point, should have realised that, thank you. Hi Naomi, what did you mean by documentation for drugs? What does that entail? Yes will definitely move around as much as I can on the flight (have an aisle seat so should be easier) and I feel much more at ease knowing I have those extra steroids
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