Travel Tips

JanJan63

My friend is taking my daughter and I to Arizona next month. I haven't crossed the border since my diagnosis so I have some possibly stupid questions.

What's the best way to get my prescription meds across? Just take them in their bottles and only the amount I'll need? And they should be in a carry on, right?

Will they make a fuss about my ostomy bag? It seems like it would be a good place to hide drugs or something. They won't make me take it off so they can look inside or anything like that, will they?

I have an IVC filter from when I had the blood clot. It's a little metal thing that looks like a tiny umbrella in my vena cava. I don't know if it will set off the maching but if it does do you think they'll understand? Or should I get something written down from my doctor?

Thanks for any help!

Jan

8colon8

Jan, I would suggest you have

Jan, I would suggest you have a doctor letter verifying your condition and needs for what's on you. Bring enough meds in case of delay on the trip.  And enjoy the vacation. 

airborne72

Jan:

Jan:

Absolutely have your doctor provide a document that explains, in easy-to-understand language, your condition, your implants, your medications and any special needs (a seat close to the airplane bathroom, the need for wheelchair assistance, etc.).  Then communicate this with the airline BEFORE you show up at the airport.

I would recommend that you carry a supply of meds on your person, with the rest of them in your carry-on bag.  Not trying to be a fatalist, but if you had to evacuate the aircraft under emergency conditions then you would not be able to get your carry-on bag.  One of the principles of risk management is known as separation.  This is a simple example.  The challenge with this is that all meds should be in the correct container.  If you put a handful of pills in a baggy and stick them in your pocket, you will most likely get questioned.  Maybe between now and then you will accumulate enough empty prescription bottles to have some for your pocket and some for your bag.

I have two rods and six screws implanted in my lumbar spine and they light up a scanner.  I have yet to be questioned.  Perhaps it is my innocent facial expression?  Plus, I emptied my pockets of a prescription bottle of Percocet and another of Oxycontin and no one even cared about those either.  Maybe they did the math and realized the reason for the meds was because of the implants.

Yes, enjoy your vacation and never forget that the journey is just as important as the destination (something that I have always struggled with).  Planning ahead as you are doing will lessen the chance of any issues.

Jim

JanJan63

Thanks for the tips, both of

Thanks for the tips, both of you! I am starting to collect extra pill bottles for that reason. 

Jan

Butt

Narcotic meds should be declared. The bag is not an issue. There are scans that won t react on a metal. Carry a card for your metal implant. You may need to buy a travel insurance because you go to the US. Also you may consider a medical insurance in case you go South they can return you home. I believe you are on chemo. Do you have energy to travel? Do yoh take a chemo break? Butt.

Melanie67

Ostomy

It is my understanding that they are not allowed to ask to see your ileostomy.  I was given a card by my doctor that stated I should be allowed to use the restroom whenever needed (this could prevent bag leaks and possible health concerns to others).

JanJan63

Butt, I'm off of chemo for a

Butt, I'm off of chemo for a few months at least for now and I feel well enough to go. Still somewhat weak as I proved to myself when I feel yesterday. I don't think I would have if I'd been my normal strength, I think I'd have just stumbled. But doing pretty well. It's a month from tomorrow and I'm still exercising to get my strength up.

Melanie, thanks, I'll ask about that, too. I get stressed by travelling and don't want any issues so I'lll make sure I'm as sorted out as I can be ahead of time.

Thanks!

Jan

Trubrit

Definitely not stupid questions

It is always good to be armed with information that will make travel (and life) easier.  These were good questions followed by exxcellent answers. 

Tru

Kazenmax

Colostomy

so my husband and I were going to fly to Illinois last year. I called TSA to ask what I should do about security and they said just tell the TSA agent and they will just wave you through.

so I told the agent and she said, “what’s a colostomy?”

lovely! I had to explain. She told me to go to a different line and after I went through the scanner, they patted me down! I had to put my hand into my pants, touch my bag and then they tested my hands for explosive.

all in front of everyone.

Not a great experience.

on the flight home, I didn’t say anything about it and just went through security like everyone else.

no one noticed or said anything to me.

if I fly again, I would take a note with me but I don’t know if that would even help.

good luck!

k