travelling with medical issues....

[scojos]

i just wanted some advice from people who travel with mobility issues and drugs...
following a car crash last september i was diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia which causes chronic pain and mobility issues (i know have to walk with crutches) and will be hiring an ecv for the duration of my stay at wdw (i would be unable to walk down main st un assisted- to give u an idea!!!)
who has experience of travelling with high dose pain killers, does anyone know how i can check if my drugs are "ok" to take with me?
how did u get on on the plane- i cant sit for too long, or stand for too long....
did u use a wheelchair to get onto/off plane - are there chairs for use in airports (no i have never looked *** i have never needed too
any other advice/info u can share would be great
we ll prob do ME when we get there if i can get the okw ress we wont (waiting for conf on dh holidays for next yr, he is going in tomorrow so whould be booked tomorrow night
ty
tracy

 

[baylie666]

i just wanted some advice from people who travel with mobility issues and drugs...
following a car crash last september i was diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia which causes chronic pain and mobility issues (i know have to walk with crutches) and will be hiring an ecv for the duration of my stay at wdw (i would be unable to walk down main st un assisted- to give u an idea!!!)
who has experience of travelling with high dose pain killers, does anyone know how i can check if my drugs are "ok" to take with me?
how did u get on on the plane- i cant sit for too long, or stand for too long....
did u use a wheelchair to get onto/off plane - are there chairs for use in airports (no i have never looked *** i have never needed too
any other advice/info u can share would be great
we ll prob do ME when we get there if i can get the okw ress we wont (waiting for conf on dh holidays for next yr, he is going in tomorrow so whould be booked tomorrow night
ty
tracy

I have been arranging my mums travelling to WDW for next year October (she is going a week before we get there) and have found out a huge amount about the airport side of things.
There is a special car drop off point at Gatwick (I'm sure most airports have this) that disbaled/ability impaired people can get out at and be met by a dedicated someone who will take them by cart to check in and see them through to the arrivals lounge.
Also when yoou are on the plane you will be allowed to get up anyway which I am assured helps with stiffness and restless legs etc. Most airports can supply comfort seat cushions to make you as comfortable as possible but still within airline regs.

The drugs side of it I still have to research as she travels with morphine strength painkillers. Hopefully someone else will know the details on that one.

x

 

[queendisney]

can't answer all your questions but hope this helps...
my sister is in a wheel chair and when ever she flies she contacts the airline she is flying with and also the airport that she is flying from. Gatwick/Manchester are all set up and geared to help if you have reduced mobility like you have. Maybe you can request assistance to the planes door and use your crutches to your seat or maybe you will be required to transfer to a wheelchair that is reduced in width to get you down the aisles. They then make arrangements for you to be met at the other end. My sister always has to go first class because she needs to have her legs out straight for a lot of the time. But she has always had excellent service at the airport and by the carrier.

 

[chmurf]

there will be wheelchairs at the airport, or even motorized carts (with chauffeur, lol) to get you between terminals should you need to make a connection.

You MUST contact your airline to arrange for details, so that there will be an employee and a wheelchair when you get off the plane

also let them know that you need assistance boarding and deplaning.
They use what they call "aisle chairs", they are special wheelchairs that fit in that tight aisle.

You will board before everyone else, so you need to be at the airport early (those darn 3 hours)

Note that you will have to wait for all passengers to deplane before an attendant will be able to get you off the plane. So make sure you have enough time for a connection if any (but I'll assume you'll be travelling direct)

a very good question to ask the airline is how are you going to go to the lavatories while in flight (I've always wondered about that, although my disability does not prevent me to use that commodity ... yet... going with crutches might be tricky and I don't even know if they are allowed on board or if they need to be gate checked or put in a closet

Now about drugs : as long as you have a prescription, and they do not involve liquid medication, and you keep the meds in their original container, then you should be ok
ask your GP if the drugs fall into the narcotics category. If they do, then you'll probably need to declare them one way or the other.
I use pretty strong painkillers myself and never got any problem (actually the TSA officers never even looked at my meds which remained in my carry on during screening)

oh, and go check the disabilities board, they have a wealth of information

 

[queendisney]

a very good question to ask the airline is how are you going to go to the lavatories while in flight (I've always wondered about that, although my disability does not prevent me to use that commodity ... yet... going with crutches might be tricky and I don't even know if they are allowed on board or if they need to be gate checked or put in a closet

My sister just 'holds it in' if she has to because the loo's are def not good for people that need assistance ie she needs a hoist so thats a definate no go, first class or not. Obviously she also has to make arrangements while on holiday for a hoist as well...there is a lot to consider and extra expense when you are disabled..

 

[scojos]

i can walk short distances, so eg, from the gate to the seat on plane wouldnt be too much of an issue with my crutches, and i can walk short distances (ie around my home) without crutches - i lean on walls, so walking down the aisle id use the chair tops as support and there fore could use the toilet, iyswim.

i would however struggle walking through the airports both sides, and would need help with bags etc as dh only has so many hands lol!!

would i pack drugs (mine to are opiate based) in handluggage or suitcase (my hair would be if i lose my case id not have drugs, but if i had them in my hand luggage would they be taken off me??)
obviously i would have a days supply in the andluggage...duh... lol!!

id love to fly first class, but thats just not in our budget for 5 people, we always request bulkhead seats for ds so i would just sit next to him and try and use that space...

we would also ask to board last, ds cant cope with being sat for so long and honestly id rather be mobile as long as i can too iyswim...

i like the idea of seat cushions, did know about that but will deff enquire.


im sure i ll think of loads more questions lol, and keep any further info coming xx

 

[baylie666]

i can walk short distances, so eg, from the gate to the seat on plane wouldnt be too much of an issue with my crutches, and i can walk short distances (ie around my home) without crutches - i lean on walls, so walking down the aisle id use the chair tops as support and there fore could use the toilet, iyswim.

i would however struggle walking through the airports both sides, and would need help with bags etc as dh only has so many hands lol!!

would i pack drugs (mine to are opiate based) in handluggage or suitcase (my hair would be if i lose my case id not have drugs, but if i had them in my hand luggage would they be taken off me??)
obviously i would have a days supply in the andluggage...duh... lol!!

id love to fly first class, but thats just not in our budget for 5 people, we always request bulkhead seats for ds so i would just sit next to him and try and use that space...

we would also ask to board last, ds cant cope with being sat for so long and honestly id rather be mobile as long as i can too iyswim...

i like the idea of seat cushions, did know about that but will deff enquire.


im sure i ll think of loads more questions lol, and keep any further info coming xx

Just had a little look into it and they advise taking ALL your medication in your carry on luggage and a letter from your doctor listing all you current medications and strengths. That way if cutoms ask you you have the relevant proof/info they will need.

Here is the actual info -

Travelling with medicines

Carry all your medicines in the proper, labelled containers that your pharmacist gave you. If you have un-named loose tablets, a regular customs officer won't know what they are and you could be suspected of drug smuggling. If you have any controlled medicines, make sure they are in your hand luggage with your doctor’s letter.

If you are travelling by plane, and pack any of your medicines in your suitcase, you need to check whether cold temperatures damage them. Baggage holds in planes are very cold, although many planes have a heated area within the hold.

If you need to keep any of your medicines cool, carry them in a cool-bag. And, check that there is somewhere suitable to store them where you are staying.

If you have to take any injections on the plane with you, you will need a doctors letter explaining that it is necessary for you to carry them in your hand luggage. Remember to ask your doctor in plenty of time to write any letters you may need.

It may be a good idea to carry medicines that are not controlled drugs in both your hand luggage and suitcase, in case one bag goes missing.

 

[queendisney]

I would def give the airport and airline a call..because you have reduced mobility and therefore will need assistance, you may find that you will have to board first and exit last. So maybe your son will have to stay with your husband and board last. It is easier for them to assist you with nobody else on board to get in the way. Also I would have thought that bulk head seats would be the last place you'd want to be now as you can't stretch your legs out infront of you as its just a wall, at least in the other seats you can stick them under the chair in front.

I wish I could go first class as well but luckily unlike my sister I don't HAVE to..costs her a fortune so she doesn't have to many holidays abroad.

 

[baylie666]

I would def give the airport and airline a call..because you have reduced mobility and therefore will need assistance, you may find that you will have to board first and exit last. So maybe your son will have to stay with your husband and board last. It is easier for them to assist you with nobody else on board to get in the way. Also I would have thought that bulk head seats would be the last place you'd want to be now as you can't stretch your legs out infront of you as its just a wall, at least in the other seats you can stick them under the chair in front.

I wish I could go first class as well but luckily unlike my sister I don't HAVE to..costs her a fortune so she doesn't have to many holidays abroad.

We are flying Premium economy as it is more leg room for mum but not first class prices. It's expensive though but worth it for mum to be comfortable.

 

[disneyholic family]

yes, controlled narcotics definitely need a doctor's letter and should if possible have your name on the drugs.

DSIL just traveled to the USA with a month's worth of very strong painkillers.....
he took that much just in case - he doesn't take them as a matter of course, but wanted to make sure he had enough if he needed them...
he did take them before the transatlantic flights - and he definitely needed them....he wouldn't have survived the pain of the flight without the heavy duty painkillers...and he was flying first class - but he still can't do that many hours in a plane without the big guns...

and yes, he had a doctor's letter and had his name on all the drugs.

 

[queendisney]

We are flying Premium economy as it is more leg room for mum but not first class prices. It's expensive though but worth it for mum to be comfortable.

yes totally agree..sometimes it has to be done...dissability is expensive! Its def money well spent..

 

[baylie666]

yes totally agree..sometimes it has to be done...dissability is expensive! Its def money well spent..

We were actually quite lucky and got a good deal to upgrade to PE. My mum nd nan are travelling 24th sept for 2 weeks and we are going 1st october for 3 weeks, so we overlap for our first week and their last week. We wanted mum to be as comfortable as possible while flying (and nan too who has parkinsons) as we wont be there to help in any way....(eeek)

 

[mackay_j]

As someone else said you MUST let your airline know. If you do not, and just turn up with crutches/wheelchair they can stop you flying as they are only allowed a certain number of less abled persons on any one flight.

I fly with many meds (both myself and dd have health issues requiring all sorts of meds including injections, canulars (like an iv line), chemo and very strong pain meds) Infact we have so much stuff we have always got an extra hand luggage bag allowed so that we can keep it all together. We have the prescriptions for them and a covering hospital letter for the liquids and needles. We have never had any issue taking this stuff to the US, and infact have never been asked to show the letter. When asked about drugs we just say we have needles and liquids and many other meds in the bag - never been asked to even take them out and put them in the clear bags.

 

[scojos]

As someone else said you MUST let your airline know. If you do not, and just turn up with crutches/wheelchair they can stop you flying as they are only allowed a certain number of less abled persons on any one flight.

I fly with many meds (both myself and dd have health issues requiring all sorts of meds including injections, canulars (like an iv line), chemo and very strong pain meds) Infact we have so much stuff we have always got an extra hand luggage bag allowed so that we can keep it all together. We have the prescriptions for them and a covering hospital letter for the liquids and needles. We have never had any issue taking this stuff to the US, and infact have never been asked to show the letter. When asked about drugs we just say we have needles and liquids and many other meds in the bag - never been asked to even take them out and put them in the clear bags.

i saw ur post on the disability thread about the ecv and found it v interesting, and ty for this info, mine are all pills at the mo, so easily carried, but once we have booked and found airline prices we are happy withi will call them and let them know...
we hope to fly AA as we found them much better than VA last time, but needs must

 

[mackay_j]

also to add to that- I have my own chair so don't ask for the assistance at the airport. This allows me to use my own chair right up to the door of the plane (make sure it gets tagged at check-in) then its taken to the hold- 2 reasons- that way I know its on the same plane as we are: and not going to tour the states in the same way our car seat did -twice Also if you get assistance you are taken staight to the gate and its too long and boring there for the rest of the family. So we prefere to wait about the lounge then head to the gate when it suits us.


In wdw in july I hire my ECV from apple- they were the cheepest. They delivered/collected from the hotel and I had no issues and would deff use them again. We booked by phone and got an email confirmation- Info is in disabilities part of this forum.

 

[scojos]

how much did apple charge and for how long?
thanks
tracy

ps we also had a car seat that did a tour of its own on the way home- its probably still at heathrow terminal 5 lmao!!

 

[baylie666]

how much did apple charge and for how long?
thanks
tracy

ps we also had a car seat that did a tour of its own on the way home- its probably still at heathrow terminal 5 lmao!!

We plan to use apple for mum and nan. For 1 week in october it is $160

 

[PJB71]

i just wanted some advice from people who travel with mobility issues and drugs...
following a car crash last september i was diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia which causes chronic pain and mobility issues (i know have to walk with crutches) and will be hiring an ecv for the duration of my stay at wdw (i would be unable to walk down main st un assisted- to give u an idea!!!)
who has experience of travelling with high dose pain killers, does anyone know how i can check if my drugs are "ok" to take with me?
how did u get on on the plane- i cant sit for too long, or stand for too long....
did u use a wheelchair to get onto/off plane - are there chairs for use in airports (no i have never looked *** i have never needed too
any other advice/info u can share would be great
we ll prob do ME when we get there if i can get the okw ress we wont (waiting for conf on dh holidays for next yr, he is going in tomorrow so whould be booked tomorrow night
ty
tracy

Just PM you hon

 

[tinkerpea]

Hi
As many on here know ive had a few Operations my latest one only 4 wks ago and i will be travelling with alot of opiates.
I will be travelling with Tramadol,slow release morphine,a and few others plus quite a bit of anti-sickness medication.

WHAT EVER YOU DO DO NOT STORE THEM IN YOUR CASE!!! MINE WAS STOLEN.

Yep my opiates and strong anti-sickness meds on our last trip was stolen from the airport "we are not sure which side" you cant imagine how hard it was to then try and find a doctor who would replace them! Although you dont actually need a covering letter for your meds from a doctor only your prescription for each medicine it was the letter that i believe got me the meds as the doctor at Celebration told me alot of people come into her and do what they call DOCTOR SHOP for opiates!!
Luckily the letter i had,had all the fax numbers of the hospital and doc surgery on incase she wanted to verify I had already been to 4 doctors trying to get these meds and all of them said that they could not see me! Even the receptionist at Celebration didnt think i would get the medicine replaced there was no problem with some of the Opiates but 1 type caused me some grief trying to get.

I didnt keep my meds on me because like you i thought id get stopped and have them taken off me as i had over 3 wks supply! so i packed them between my case Dh and my mums incase any of the cases got miss placed I knew i would go into severe withdrawel after 23 hours.Anyways when i got to the resort my mum gave me my meds out of her case so i used them forthe 1st wk or so when it came to taking the meds out of my case 4/5 boxs only had 1 or 2 strips in them each!!!! i then checked my anti -sickness and half the bottle was missing (I later found out the Ondansetron or Zofran as its known is very expensive to buy in the states as it is here) I had to pay $175 for the script!! where as the Opiate pills was only $12 for the script! the doctor said that however took them must have had a party when they came across my case

When i went home i took everything in my hand luggage and had no problems!
I would check out what the current status is for carry your meds into the US as they dont except all forms and you may have to have a substitute for something.

I hope this has helped I wont repeat the other info that people have offered about storage and temps but suggest doing this if your meds are temp sensitive.

 

[Groovee]

I have fibromyagia. This will be our first abroad holiday since diagnosis in 2009. I'm considering a ECV if things get too much for me as I am fairly mobile but sometimes it gets too much. I don't have crutches but should that change I'd contact TC about it.

My drugs, I plan to speak to my GP nearer the time and also carry enough for 16 days on board in hand luggage, as I need Amitriptyline, Tramadol, Rantidine and will buy tylenol over there.