Nervous about cruise - medically speaking...

[saxguy71]

Unfortunately, I had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago. I had a stent placed and was cleared to fly. We spent a week at the Yacht Club to help recover and I ended up having to go to the hospital for two days due to a side effect of one of the medications they put me on after my catheterization.

Now I'm terrified that if there's an emergency at sea I'll be in serious trouble. According to my doctor, I'm in a period now where the chances of something happening are pretty low. Nonetheless I have concerns. I already took one helicopter ride to the local hospital, I'd rather not have to take another one across the ocean. We're booked in a concierge room for May, so getting a refund is pretty much out of the question at this point, I think.

How well are they equipped on board to handle medical emergencies? Am I just being paranoid post heart attack?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Unfortunately, I had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago. I had a stent placed and was cleared to fly. We spent a week at the Yacht Club to help recover and I ended up having to go to the hospital for two days due to a side effect of one of the medications they put me on after my catheterization.

Now I'm terrified that if there's an emergency at sea I'll be in serious trouble. According to my doctor, I'm in a period now where the chances of something happening are pretty low. Nonetheless I have concerns. I already took one helicopter ride to the local hospital, I'd rather not have to take another one across the ocean. We're booked in a concierge room for May, so getting a refund is pretty much out of the question at this point, I think.

How well are they equipped on board to handle medical emergencies? Am I just being paranoid post heart attack?

If your doctor has cleared you for cruising, I'd go with what he says.

In the off chance that there's an issue, there is a medical facility onboard that's basically a mini emergency room. They will stabilize you and, if necessary, handle having you taken from the ship to a medical facility on land. Do you have travel insurance to cover medical/evacuation problems? I'm hoping, of course, you don't have to use it, but it's best to have it.

 

[saxguy71]

I usually get a good plan for traveling. I'll have to make sure I have an adequate plan for this trip.

 

[Meemawto2]

I second the insurance suggestion.

But, on our last cruise my husband had to use the health facilities not for anything like a heart attack but he passed out waiting for dinner. My SIL, is a paramedic and my daughter a nurse so I have been around medical "stuff" a fair amount. They have a very well stocked ER and from what I could tell they could handle very serious problems. The two doctors my husband saw were both very good at what they did and very nice. He had bloodwork, an EKG and several other tests. We were both pleased with the service and they called to check on him the next day.

I would listen to your doctor as he knows your situation the best. Try not to be too stressed and enjoy. But, the help is there should by some slim chance you need it.

 

[bafleyanne]

I would just add, make sure you and all your party members have a passport in case emergency travel is necessary.

 

[bumbershoot]

I hope you already have the travel insurance, since now you have a pre existing condition.

 

[ACDSNY]

I can understand, my DH (58 yr) had a heart attack and bypass surgery last year and right before he went back to work we took a cruise to relax. I wasn't so much worried on the ship as I knew the medical center was pretty good, I was more worried about flying 4 hours. I'm so glad we went as it gave us our first real relaxation in 3 months. We're looking forward to another this Fall.

 

[Jessica Sinegal]

I'll have to make sure I have an adequate plan for this trip.

 

[SetSail16]

I don't have any great advice beyond what the previous posters have mentioned, but I just wanted to give you a virtual hug because I completely understand your anxiety. Our last cruise we did with my family, my sister's family, and my parents came on board. The main impetus for the trip was to celebrate a year since we almost lost my dad after a heart event that sounds much like you described (stent, etc.). It's scary, and we all had Dad's health in the back of our minds as we went. We did lots of research on the medical assistance available and felt very comfortable in DCL hands.

I would say for piece of mind, do as pp's have said and make sure you have an actual passport, rather than just the card. Also keep a list handy/on your person of any/all medications you are taking, just to be safe so if medical attention is needed, everyone is in the know. Look into insurance if you think it will help ease the anxiety, and above all, take a deep breath and relax - the sun and fresh sea air is going to be just what the doctor ordered! (and probably a Mickey bar )

Have a great trip!

 

[Quellman]

If I remember correctly there are 2 Doctors and 4 Nurses on the Dream and the Fantasy. If it is possible make sure to carry with you your current medical history as well as a list of medications, allergies, etc. Have it in an easy to access place so should something happen you can just hand it over to the staff.

Your doctor knows you best, and I suspect that since you have already found out an issue with your medication, you won't experience much more. Concierge will not let you cancel, but you can shift the dates around, subject of course to the cancellation policy.

 

[ktate82]

I don't have any great advice beyond what the previous posters have mentioned, but I just wanted to give you a virtual hug because I completely understand your anxiety. Our last cruise we did with my family, my sister's family, and my parents came on board. The main impetus for the trip was to celebrate a year since we almost lost my dad after a heart event that sounds much like you described (stent, etc.). It's scary, and we all had Dad's health in the back of our minds as we went. We did lots of research on the medical assistance available and felt very comfortable in DCL hands.

I would say for piece of mind, do as pp's have said and make sure you have an actual passport, rather than just the card. Also keep a list handy/on your person of any/all medications you are taking, just to be safe so if medical attention is needed, everyone is in the know. Look into insurance if you think it will help ease the anxiety, and above all, take a deep breath and relax - the sun and fresh sea air is going to be just what the doctor ordered! (and probably a Mickey bar )

Have a great trip!

I would also add make sure your list includes any over the counter medicine or vitamins you are taking. There are a number of vitamins and supplements that interact with medication and patients forget to mention them or don't think they are "medicine".

Given that your trip isn't until May, that will also give you a few months to step back and breath a bit and get used to everything. By then you will be settled into your medication and know more about your limits (if you have any). It is a life changing event when something major happens medically and in a few months, you will be glad you didn't jump the gun and cancel. Take this new leaf on life as a chance to enjoy it.

 

[CM Dad]

We're booked in a concierge room for May, so getting a refund is pretty much out of the question at this point, I think.

Concierge deposits are non-refundable, but if you are uncomfortable cruising this soon, could you transfer your reservation to a later cruise?