Does Anyone Have Experience with the Medical Facilities Onboard?

[ElenitaB]

As it turns out, I'll be between chemo treatments when we cruise. I have a PICC Line and was wondering if the medical staff is certified to change the dressing and/or flush it while I'm onboard. I can easily bring the supplies... just wondering if they can do this, and if there is a charge. Maybe a MAW family knows???

 

[torismom]

Hi, We are cruising May 2006 and before we sail we have to fill out a Medical Form for DCL making them aware of my father's condition so they can have the proper equipment and medication onboard if he should have a problem.

Have they given you a medcial form to fill out?

Prayers to you during your treatment!!

 

[arlenesp]

you can get the form from you ta or I've heard you can download it from the website.I sent in 2 on our previous cruises as my DH was also in between chemo treatments.

 

[CM_Mom]

There are two Doctors and three Nurses on board so I'm sure you can get the care you need. Not sure about the cost.

 

[arlenesp]

As it turns out, I'll be between chemo treatments when we cruise. I have a PICC Line and was wondering if the medical staff is certified to change the dressing and/or flush it while I'm onboard. I can easily bring the supplies... just wondering if they can do this, and if there is a charge. Maybe a MAW family knows???

Just a fyi, you will need to pay upfront, and then get your reimbursment from your insurance for any medical services. They do not take insurance .

 

[BuzzyB]

Medical facilities are pretty good, but no dental treatment available onboard.

 

[joksten2000]

Trust Me You Don't Want To Use The Very $$$$$. My Wife Is A Nurse And While On The Elevator With A Doc & Nurse The Two Were Talking About A Short Visit To A Cabin. " Wait Till They See The Bill For Our Services, They'll Flip"

 

[lwilliam]

visiting the medical facilities
Our 12 yr. old son had a severe ear infection last year - it was only a
3-day cruise...we had been in WDW the week before. He was in so
much pain we had to visit the doctor the first day already. YES, it
was $90 for the visit, the antibiotics were only $6, but the people were
so nice. They called every day....he did lose 2 of the 3 days of the cruise
till he could come out of the cabin....I felt so bad for him. NOW, I take
medicated drops with me (he gets swimmer ear that sometimes develops
into these infections).
What I am saying is YES, it IS very expensive, but what are you going to
do?
The personnel are VERY qualified.

 

[ivanova]

someone in our group is using them right now He has a stomach infection and has been quarantined to his room - hoping the doc clears him to go to Castaway Cay (we're waiting to disembark in 5 minutes)

 

[inkkognito]

I had my kneecap pop off while dancing at the 70s party on the Magic a few years back. The care was very good, but it was a $700 experience! Fortunately, our ins. reiumbursed us for the full amount.
Barb

 

[drizzt117]

Flushing a PICC line is very simple, so I'm sure one of the medical staff there could do that. You might want to check with you're physician and see if he/she can just show you how to flush the line and change the dressing, as it would be a lot cheaper.

Thomas

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Flushing a PICC line is very simple, so I'm sure one of the medical staff there could do that. You might want to check with you're physician and see if he/she can just show you how to flush the line and change the dressing, as it would be a lot cheaper.

Thomas

I was thinking the same thing. I'm an RN and if I was on your cruise I certainly would do it for you. But instead of having the ship crew do it, I'm sure it would be pricey for a simple 10 minute visit, would whoever you're cruising with be willing to learn to change the dressing and flush it for just the days you will be on the cruise. You could certainly flush it, but it might be difficult depending on where it is for you to do the dressing. I used to do Home Care and taught loads of family members to do things like this. Just a thought. Good Luck with your Chemo.

 

[Mom24Princesses]

My DH had a line last summer, just for five days. A nurse put it in on Monday. A home nurse came on Tuesday morning and showed me what to do. I flushed it twice a day and gave him his meds for the five day treatment. Then we pulled it ourselves on the sixth day and headed to WDW on the next. It was very easy.
Good Luck
Melanie
30 weeks until the Magic
40 weeks until the Wonder

 

[ElenitaB]

Thanks for the answers... I'm unable to do it myself as the angle doesn't permit me to position myself correctly. As for changing the dressing, I've been told that it must be done by certified medical personnel only (it threads through directly to my heart).

I'll see what my medical team here wants me to do (we'll be on the cruise first and then a week at WDW).

Thanks again!