My wife and I plan to take extended home-swap holidays in the US of up to six months at a time, but I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis for which I have Myocrysin (Gold) injections of 20mg once every two weeks. How would I go about getting my injections and the monitoring that goes with them in the US?

Dr Jules Eden replies: There should not be any problem in getting a shot of gold and blood tests in the US. Over there, it's a walk in and pay system for GP-like services. But what could become an issue if you have an extended stay is cost (I have been quoted $350 just for the basic shot, and then there is $120 for getting someone to inject you). You would not be covered by insurance because it is a pre-existing condition, and for long stays you may not be able to take that many shots over with you to cover all you need due to expiry dates on the medications. If it is out of your budget, you could look at home-swaps in Canada or Australia, where the medication is much cheaper.

· My blood pressure is 195/100 most of the time, but I need to fly to Florida in May. Is this going to be okay? I currently take verapamil, lisinopril, and Diovan XL.

Dr Jules Eden replies: Your blood pressure certainly seems high despite taking three strong medications. Your diagnosis is what we sometimes call resistant essential hypertension, and at this BP level you have an increased chance of stroke. The flight itself should not bring on any particular factors that would worsen your condition, but if there were a problem in-flight you would be several hours away from medical help. I suggest that you discuss this with the cardiologist and try to get your blood pressure below 160/90 with more aggressive medication before going. Also, take details of your condition and medication with you in case you end up needing medical aid.

· If you have any questions you want to ask Dr Jules Eden, email travel.doctor@theguardian.com, or write to The Flying Doctor, The Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.