Coping with the fear of being so far from home with ds...

[Klowee]

anyone with any advice?

I had a scare yesterday with my son while were were out shopping, and while we were only 20 miles from home, there was no medical clinic or urgent care anywhere close to where we were. I panicked (not typical for me, I usually hold it together when it comes to him), but I did not know what to do, short of calling 911.

It brought to harsh reality, what business do we have flying across the country so far away from what we know. I desperately want to do this trip for my son and myself, we do need it, but I am very scared about being so far away if something were to happen.

So help me to know how some of you have done this. I know with MAW, the children are most often very medically fragile...is there good medical care nearby if something were to happen while we were there?

I'm just scared.

 

[mechurchlady]

Hugs and chocolates and warm wishes and prayers for you.
Laurie

For me when traveling I research where all the gas stations are, gluten free diners, grocery stores and so much more. I even knew where to get online access for cheap. That is what you must do. Go online and search for medical places near your mall or what ever. You yourself need to be trained as best you can for an emergency.

FAQs is stickied for this board with lots of information. As for a medical emergency do not worry. There are nurses on duty from open to past closing. In an emergency EMTs and paramedics can be there in minutes. There are firemen and police often on property also. There is a near by hospital also. Disney even is adding defibrillators all over DLR and WDW. Others will post after me but for now I will toss you some chocolates and hugs.

 

[alizesmom]

Check the FAQ. I'm pretty sure they mention nearby hospitals. You could ask your son's doctors which one would be preferrable. Karen

 

[bookwormde]

Orlando is a big city with medical centers in and nearby. The EMS system seem to be quite good.

bookwormde

 

[tictac]

I can totally relate to you on a personal basis. I have a kidney trasplant along with some other issues, and this past summer had to travel outside of the country. I was freaking out literally. I even had palpitations ( i know a little overboard), but I was really scared to be away from "my doctors and my hospital". Logically, I knew my health was good and most likely i would be fine but, i was just freaking out. Here is what i did: 1) Make a list of all your current doctors with emergency phone numbers. 2) Find the nearest hospital to your hotel print out directions and phone numbers. 3) I believe disney also has some doctors that will make "house calls" for something not so serious look into that, get phone # and add it to your master list. 4) If you currently use Walgreens or CVS, find the nearest one to your hotel print out directions. This way in case you need meds in an emergency you know exactly where to go. I would also find the nearest 24hr one too.

That is all i can think of now let me know if you need any more help I've been having the same freak outs everytime i go anywhere now.
Rosy

 

[GoofyFairie]

You should be able to find medical info on nearby facilities on allears.net. I found it last year when I took my children w/ severe food allergies. Keep in mind that there are thousands of people at WDW everyday and people unfortunately need medical assistance every day. The CM's there are equiped to get help. Like you said, lots of families travel through the Make A Wish Foundation hat need that kind of stuff. I know that it is scary, but most likely you and your son will get a good recharge on your trip and like most mom's of children with issues you not only need it, but YOU DESERVE IT. Have a great trip. I hope it is filled with pixiedust!!!

 

[peemagg]

If you have a portable gps unit, you can put in the city you will be at and it will bring up under the various info about the city the closest medical centers are. I found on mousesavers a place to download the info if yours doesn't have it already programmed.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I assume you are visiting WDW.

Disney property in Florida is incorporated as its own district (Reedy Creek), with its own fire department and EMS.

If your child is taken ill or has an accident in any of the parks or on-site Disney hotels, EMS will be despatched from one of the on-site fire houses and will arrive within 10-15 minutes. If hospital treatment is necessary, they will most likely take you to Celebration hospital 15-20 minutes away. EMS is provided free of charge by Disney.

For minor problems, there are First Aid rooms in each of the parks and a limited range of non prescription medical items in most shops in the hotels and parks. I also understand that that anything not in stock can be ordered for delivery within 24 hours.

The front desk at your hotel can give you a list of doctors who will make visits to you at your hotel.

You might consider carrying a letter from your doctor with your child's diagnosis plus a list of his/her medicines, just in case.

Andrew

 

[CookingMama]

What we do is ask our GP or my sons Ortho Ped for referrals in the area we are staying & double check they are with our insurance plan. I check to see what pharmacys are open and when and if they deliver. Then I call ahead to that Dr office and let them know we are travelers and that my son has XYZ.
I keep release forms ready to fax for records if need be and that way we don't have to use an ER if something comes up. You can use a fax at the check in at the resorts. I hate walking into a strange ER, it is like taking potluck and you get exposed to illness in the waiting area.

 

[arminnie]

You are probably closer to medical care in the Orlando area than just about anyplace.

I had an emergency appendectomy while visiting WDW - piece of cake. There was a clinic very close to Downtown Disney. The hospital was great.

Just last week I felt like I might be getting sick when I was at the Orlando airport. I looked up and right in front of me was a nice little walk-in clinic. It was great - no wait. Had the prescription on the premises, took my insurance, and even called my cell a couple of days later to make sure I was okay.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Well, twice. We have had to have DS ambulanced to ER twice while in WDW. The first time we were at the Dolphin. We called down to front desk to get the name of a Dr. They had a list. We made a call and the Dr was there in 2 hours. If DS had needed a perscription I believe he said he would have it with him....common items, antibiotics, compazine etc. Unfortunatly DS needed ER. The ambulance arrived quickly and we were taken to Celebration for high fever, seizures and vomiting. The ER is fantastic. They were so nice to DS. Disney sent a van to bring DS and DH home when DS was discharged. We had perscriptions delivered from Turner Drug. They were helpful. Second time DS had a grand mal while in our room at POR. Again Ambulance were there in a heartbeat. I think it was 5 min.They were wonderful and again Celebration ER was fantastic. They called my DR back in NY and stayed in contact with him at all times. They even faxed him some test results and conversed about them. I was very, very impressed. I would make up a little card with insurance info, perscription names and doses and Drs name and numbers (with Fax). Call your insurance carrier before you leave so they know you are traveling. We always ship a box of diapers, meds and asthma machine down to WDW so it is there for us.
Try to relax and enjoy your trip!!!
Hope you have a great trip!!!