Does Anybody Know the Answer to This?

[disney's daughter]

A customer came into our shop a week ago..She and her daughter noticed our framed Disney stamps on the wall...and so we began talking about Disney World. She was saying how her daughter had been fortunate to go with her aunt...but, that she probably would never be able to go again...because of the expense...I went on to tell her the various ways of going on a budget...and her face lit up...but, only for a little while. The woman went on to tell me that her husband (who had been in two days ago) was diabetic..and they wouldn't be able to go because of that...He and I had discussed my being sick with bronchitis and he said that he felt sick, too...and had ended up in emergency that evening...Any way..I went on to tell her that I was on insulin...(type 2) and that my brother in law was type 1 and on four shots a day...and that many people on the "Dis Boards" were diabetic...Then she said..."We would love to go so much...but, my husband is on dialysis..."....I looked at her and said that I would go on my "Dis Board" and ask the "experts" what could be done....and that I would get back with her...I don't know much about being on dialysis...except..it would seem you would be tied down....I wonder if there could be some sort of arrangement where the person could go to a hospital in Orlando for the time they usually go to dialysis...then come back to Disney...and would their insurance cover it? It would be wonderful if I could give this woman and her family some good news....

 

[dclfun]

Yes, there are local dialysis places that someone could go during their trip if prior arrangements are made. Insurance covers it just like they do at "home".---Kathy

 

[disney's daughter]

Thanks Kathy! That is good news!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Normally the patient should discuss this with the social worker at the clinic or hospital where they get the dialysis. That person can not only assist in finding the best location, but will also handle all arrangements with the temporary location so it will be entirely seeamless. Copies of orders transferred; that sort of stuff.

The patient will, of course have to have insurance cards and ID with them.

Also, I would consider having a car almost a necessity as taxi fares in the Orlando area are as high as New York City and there is no such thing as being close.

 

[disney's daughter]

This why I love these boards...Our people are so informative! We are from Michigan...Do you think they would be able to drive there..depending on how often he has to have the dialysis? I don't know if they can afford the flights...

 

[SueM in MN]

This why I love these boards...Our people are so informative! We are from Michigan...Do you think they would be able to drive there..depending on how often he has to have the dialysis? I don't know if they can afford the flights...

A lot would depend on how often he needs dialysis and stable the doctors feel he is. Flying would probably be best because they could get where they are going more quickly.
Driving would make it more complicated because they would probably have to arrange for dialysis along the way, rather than just in Orlando. They would have to do some very careful planning to make sure they are in the correct place at the correct time and it would be important not to be traveling when there is a chance of bad weather (whether they drive or fly). If they do get the OK to drive, I'd strongly suggest they join AAA for the peace of mind in terms of help if their car breaks down and also for the trip planning service of AAA.

If you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a link to some past threads about travel with dialysis. It's in the 3rd post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[dj2]

I don't know if they can afford the flights...

depending upon where they live and when they go, they might be able to get very inexpensive flights on an airline like southwest. they also have "ding" fares which can get very low. look at the transportation board for info about this airline. and look at www.mousesavers.com for tips on deals on rental cars, as well as lots of other money saving tips. with the price of gas, and en route hotels/meals, it pays to crunch the numbers. driving might not be cheaper.

thanks for helping them

 

[disney's daughter]

I'll pass all the information on to her...I'm so excited there is a way for them to be able to go....and to enjoy Disney! Thank you so much.