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Is It Safe To Travel When Diagnosed With Giant Cell Arteritis?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015

Question: I have rheumatoid arthritis , PMA and 6 weeks ago diagnosed with giant cell Arteritis. 6 weeks on 50 mg prednisone and latest blood tests show infammatorories very high. Checked in to have IV mg tomorrow. The Giant cell Arteritis symptoms whilst reduced are still there,
We are due to holiday in the US in early September and have been covered by my travel insurance for the GCA. I really don,t want to take this trip now. I know it would put enormous stress on my husband and I and we have been to the US mant times. Your opinion would be appreciated.
XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Concerns regarding the trip

Detailed Answer:
Good evening XXXXXXX

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, I understand your concerns as travelling with a disease in background doesnt really add to the fun and excitement.

But I would like to know, like any particular reason you dont want to travel?Your GCA will respond to IvIg and I would suggest you to switch to MEthotrexate as well in the long run ,so you can taper off steroids

Secondly, Do you get a refund if you cancel your tickets??Or do they take the money?

I am hoping by September you would be better. But Would like to know the reason you dont wanna go.

Await your reply

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (3 hours later)

I am Om 15 mg methotrexate. It is only 8 weeks till we go. I have extra cover for the GCA with our travel insurance so we would be refunded. I know my husband will be so anxious and we have been to the U.S. 4 times including fabulous New York. Even with the rheumatoid I get really challenging days with tiredness. The long haul flight albeit in business class doesn't turn me on.
We just love the U.S. And you Americans make us so welcome.

Thank you XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Taking the trip

Detailed Answer:
Good evening XXXXXXX

Thanks for your reply.

Well that s good that you are gonna get all the refund incase your health does not permit. But I would suggest continue with your trip if your disease allows, that is it is well under control. You have a full health cover too. I understand there can be up and down days in Rheumatoid, but trust me any sort of vacation will be a good change from your day to day routine. Most of these long illness does tend to depress you or lower ones moods. But then, when such an opportunity comes by, do grab it. Chill out, relax and half your illness would be gone by the time you come back.

But yes, disease control is must as I wont recommend you taking a trip if GCA remains active.

From my side it s a green signal

Hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries

PS: Just to let you know, I am from XXXXXXX

REgards
Dr Naval

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar