Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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WarriorGal 11/16/2017

Do I dare plan a month-long trip overseas?

I live in the US and have a son and grandson (13) in NZ. I never wanted to make the 20+ hour flight so I used to send $$ for them to come here. But my d-i-l in nuts and is refusing to renew my grandson's passport. So instead of getting sad and angry, I just decided: I'll go there!

Grandson is off from school December and January, so I've decided I'll go after the holidays when airfare is less expensive. It doesn't make sense to stay less than 3 weeks and I checked and I can arrange it between Orencia infusions.

Have to arrange care for my cat, etc... New suitcase.... But the big question is: Do I dare? What if I go into a flare-up? I guess I can take prednisone with me. But, still.... Is this a sensible idea?

Kimhurts 11/16/2017

So much to consider... does your insurance work over there? Should you buy special insurance just in case? In my opinion, these are the circumstances that prednisone is worth the side effects. At some point, it will no longer be an option for you.

It is a shame your grandson can't come to you. I can only assume something happened to your son and this is why your DIL is making the decision. I'm sorry.

WarriorGal 11/16/2017

I'll check but i don't there is any way my insurance will cover me over there.

californialynn 11/16/2017

Have you ever flown that far before? It's a long flight and unless you're going first class, you might be horribly uncomfortable.

WarriorGal 11/16/2017

My D-I-L is just being a total crazy BITCH and refusing to sign to renew his passport! They are separated. She went on a tangent a couple of years ago and refused to fly for environmental reasons...now she flies for work!

Kimhurts 11/16/2017

HORRIBLY uncomfortable is an understatement. I flew and had a difficult time getting up out of the seat to go to the bathroom because the rows are so close together and you can't lean forward. It is difficult in the lavatory too. They don't let disabled sit in exit rows where there is more room. Certain types of planes have rows with more leg room that aren't exit rows, but they are difficult to get those seat assignments and you can't guarantee you will get that type of plane.

I'm sorry she is so contrary.

katie 11/17/2017

Is a cruise ship a possibility?

californialynn 11/17/2017

I hate to be negative but.....

Are you absolutely certain that when you get there you'll be allowed to see him?

Thirteen year old kids usually start pushing away from adults......so it's possible he may not be as excited to see you as you are to see him.

Again, I hate being negative....but.....

Alternative: Assuming his dad gets visitation, what about face-timing on Skype? At least this is SOME contact that won't cost a bundle in money and medical issues.

WarriorGal 11/17/2017

We Skype and he is excitedly looking forward to seeing me!! I love him an want to give him a REAL hug! I have settled for seeing him every year or two, but I have neve been there and it's very beautiful. Going via ship would be much longer and cost far, far more. Not an option. I might upgrade to first class.

I feel the time is right to do this. It's a once in a lifetime and I refuse to let RA stop me! I've been overseas before - years ago. Flew to Hawaii, to Europe, to Guatemala, and to the Middle East. Haven't done any traveling in about 10 years, but ... I feel the time is right and I can do this! Buying compression sox.

californialynn 11/17/2017

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/travel/for-older-fliers-plan-ahead.html

Kimhurts 11/17/2017

If you can afford first class, go. I think you can buy health insurance to cover you over there for a short period of time, but with pre-existing, it may not be worth it. When I flew, it was coach and it was horrible.

WarriorGal 11/17/2017

First class is NPT an option! $17,000! MAYBE business class. Maybe bus. class for just the longest leg of the trip. NZ has good health care.

depotblue 11/18/2017

good for you. I am wicked happy for you. He sounds like a gem. who knows maybe he'll go to school in the states some day huh? :). happy planning.

depot

ouchsharon 11/23/2017

Last summer we went to Europe for a month and I told myself if there are bad days I will rest. I took 16 mg of prednisone everyday in addition to my Humera. I forgot my Arava. I haven't felt that good in years. Go for it. I think New Zealand has socialized medicine and if this is the case it usually is very inexpensive if you need it. Have fun.

ouchsharon 11/23/2017

Oh, forgot to mention I wore surgical stockings on the flight and took pain meds.

WarriorGal 11/23/2017

Thanks!! I ordered compression socks.

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