relapse when travelling

[doublevision1]

Have any of you experienced a relapse while travelling out of country and if so, did you get treatment for it?  I'm going on a cruise of the Baltic Sea -- Scandanavia and Russia -- for two weeks in June.  Knock on wood, my MS has been relatively quiet, but I am putting a plan in place, just in case.  My travel agent suggested I get a letter from my neuro stating what treatment I would need (solumedrol) should I have a relapse while on the cruise ship, and that the ship can then ensure they have it in stock.  When I discussed this with my neuro last week, rather than do that, he provided me with a prescription of very high dose oral prednisone (1250mg) [= 1g solumedrol] for five days.  I'm wondering how anyone else has dealt with a relapse when travelling, and/or if anyone has used the high dose oral steroids instead of IV to treat a relapse.

This is the first major travel outside of North America since being dx'ed.  Going on a cruise to test the waters, haha.  Sorry I couldn't resist.

[doublevision1]

Lu...really?  You can't picture me boogie-ing in platform heels and spandex?   Well ok, neither can I, in fact just the thought of it makes me shudder.

Thanks for the replies, all.  Ren, good to know you didn't detect a difference in the oral vs IV meds.  I just found a study on that too, and it found the same thing, and made a case for oral treatment as it is more cost effective than IV.  I guess this idea hasn't taken off as it seems IV is still used more frequently?  I have no idea, that's totally based on anecdote of my own experience and what I hear others say about their experience.  

Also good point about getting the pharmacy to dispense this amount.  My neuro said this might be an issue and if they had a problem to call him.  I'll do so this week so I have it in hand well before I may need it.  Which hopefully I will not!!!  Hope for the best and plan for the worst.

[Lulu54]

Hi DV - relapse or not, when you can take a trip of this scale, you just have to go!  I was in Belgium right before my DX and now know it was a major relapse and not just travel weariness that I was dealing with.  We still had a great time - we just paced ourselves because I was dragging.

Being on a cruise ship is great - your times in ports are limited and then you are back on the boat.  No moving to different hotels, no debating where to eat dinner. You can even order in room service.  I'm going to think positive and knnow that you will have a grand time. Just stay out of the disco at midnight! For some reason I don't see you as a disco queen!

later,
L

[rendean]

I have used the high dose oral steroids and found success. However, my steroids were to treat leg pain and other sensory issues not ON, which I assume is what you would be treated for.

My neuro was originally from Albany, NY and ran an NS center while there and told me he used it  regularly.  He even had literature to send me to back up his treatment. Now, getting a pharmacist to dispense this large amount was another issue.

I have had steroids orally and IV.  I didn't discern any difference in the effect on my stomach either. I would judge my recovery from relapse to be equivalent as well.

Hope this helps.

Ren

[Wobbly]

Hi DB, i haven't had to deal with this, I just wanted to tell you to have a great time and hope you have no problem... but good idea to always be prepared.

have fun
wobbly

[Udkas]

Hi there, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and I think it is a smart move to have things in place.  Sounds like your neuro has it covered, I know there are people on this forum who have had the oral prednisone so I am sure someone will be able to comment.

When I went to China my neuro gave me his number and said that if I was to need any treatment he would get a language translator and guide them thru my treatment and that he could organise help and drugs etc. for me, which was reassuring, fortunately I didn't have too many problems.

I just wanted to wish you a lovely holiday,  your journey sounds like it will be fascinating.  I hope you have a safe and lovely holiday.

Cheers, Udkas.