Question about medical services on the boat

[JonHM]

Hi Guys!

We're going on a 3 day cruise next Thursday. My wife just had surgery yesterday, though, and she has stitches that will need to be removed. They won't let us take them out before we leave, because it won't have been quite enough time.

Since removing stitches is such a simple thing, does anyone know a) if they could do it on the boat? and b) if they would charge us for it?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[SeaSpray]

I think you would need to call the cruise line directly to get your answer to this. Maybe ask for the special needs department. I hope you have a WONDERFUL cruise!

 

[PlaneJoy]

From Disney's website:

"For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24 hours a day to provide basic medical services on every cruise. The physician and nurse are employed by a company independent from Disney Cruise Line. Standard prevailing fees will be charged for all physician and nurse services. If you require any prescription drug, be sure to bring an adequate supply in its original container. You should keep it in your carry-on luggage so it is easily at hand. Please keep in mind that a child who shows symptoms of physical illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rashes or discharge from the nose or eyes may be excluded from participation in programming as well as from babysitting services in Flounder's Reef Nursery. For your peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies, we recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacations Protection Plan for costs incurred for treatment and medical evaluation/repatriation."

I don't know if the will remove the stiches but they are surely qualified to do so. Since they are contract employees they would most definitely charge for the service. Not sure if they would give you a bill that you could file with you insurance.

 

[Masonpips]

~asking delicate question~ are they in a place where you'd feel comfortable removing them and there are only a few? My DS had 6 in his forehead the day before we left for Florida (beach vacation, wasn't THAT fun keeping it sand/sunscreen free?) and he left me take them out.

As long as they're not stuck to the skin (I believe you can use neosporin or something on most to keep them from sticking), you cut, pull and you're done.

If it's a longer surgery scar, I'd much rather have a doctor do it too. If it's a minor, less than 10 stitch thing, it's not a big deal to take them out

Disclaimer: I'm not a dr.!

 

[Melynny]

Just remember to pull on the end with the knot! I have done this severaltimes. Not a problem, and I am no dr. either!

 

[dwkwootton]

I used the ship's medical facility in Feb 2003 and if you could avoid it for your stitches, I would. Maybe you could remove them yourself as been suggested or check with your doc to see if they can be removed when you get home. My concern for you is that the other people in there are very sick (no routine visits here) and you could be exposing yourself to a high concentration of flu, norwalk or who knows what germs in the small waiting room.

 

[MommyTo5]

I have to agree... with 5 kids, DH and I have seen our share of stitches in this house and have removed them ourselves on more than one occasion - very easy and quick! Just be sure to take some fingernail clippers or pair in the scissors with you to clip each stitch and also some tweezers to pull the stitch out after you clip!

~ Angie
MommyTo5