travel to China with RA
I have had RA for 13 years and am on several drugs, Arava, Enbrel, prednisone and a NSAID. While I do not seem to have overt joint inflamation, I am certain that the disease is very active in my body. I am very tired all of the time and I do have joint and muscle pain. I am wondering what the implications are for traveling out of the country, specifically to China. I have been presented with this opportunity and while I would love to go, I am afraid of the pollution and other diseases which I might be exposed to. What are your thoughts?
Any kind of travel puts stress on your body. This in turn will bring on what I call a flareup. You just might want to consider that before you travel. Also, what will you do if you do get a major attack of inflamation and such.
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Hi Mishapup,
I have a couple of thoughts:
Work carefully to get a thorough plan for meds. Ask your pharmacist about how to carry the meds and whether to have copies of prescriptions or doctor's notes to protect your access to the meds.
Also, a plan for relief of a bad flare. Guess you are already taking pred with you. Get dr.s advice about dosing in emergency.
Will you have physical help if you need it? Spouse?
Ask your dr. about the infection prevention part. Some things are obvious: hand sanitizer, avoid sitting next to sick people, travel with bottled water... But I bet there is more that you can do? Do you need a flu shot?
HAVE A FUN TRIP. TAKE LOTS PICTURES. 
Kelly
ps: Did you read Seth's sharepost on travel and the comments attached?
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