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bdcbbq

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Posts posted by bdcbbq

  1. I know I will need a scooter for stamina. I have a pinched nerve in my back that has not gone away in 10 months. Not quite bluntly but between the lines, the neurosurgeon I saw at home said he would not recommend surgery unless it is done at Indiana University. I'm already hooked up with them for liver cancer and possible transplant. Last May I had a liver resection that became very complicated and ruined a planned trip to Alaska last summer and this summer. Its possible this all becomes moot anyway. I see the transplant doctor today for a 1st interview, next Friday a cancer treatment, and the neurosurgeon on Monday,

  2. We are taking a Mecican Riveria cruise over NYE this year. Perusing the shore excursions almost all of them state "No Wheelchairs". Does this includes scooters? Folding scooters? Folding wheelchairs?

     

    An example of one excursion is a glass bottom bottom boat.

     

    Right now I'm planning on renting but May have to buy my own before then.

     

    Thanks

  3. I would start with her Doctor for the first opinion. They may say no or can definitely tell you what equipment and care. May be needed. In the meantime book early and get a fully refundable deposit until final payment and fully insure the trip.

     

    Right now my life expectancy is rather fluid. I have liver cancer and the best treatment option failed. I'll know more by mid-May about aggressiveness of growth.

  4. When I booked a HAL Alaska cruise back in November for a July cruise this year the consultant told me I had until final cruise payment to buy insurance from them. I felt their policy did not meet my personal needs so I contacted http://www.insuremytrip.com and explained my situation (possible liver transplant prior to cruise or death from liver cancer). Then sent me a policy pay that covered all of my needs with no pre-existing issues. I had included evacuation anywhere, cancel for any reason. My primary concern was I a pinched nerve that was not getting better that might cause me to cancel a few days before. (A transplant would not interfere. If I made the list I could cancel and that was/still is up in the air). Insure my trip said I did not need to purchase the insurance until final payment (give or take a few days). Turned out a disability court hearing was scheduled smack dab in the middle so I called and rescheduled the cruise for 2 weeks later. Within a week I decided my back was in so much pain that the likelihood of enough relief to go on the cruise was minuscule. Back surgery of any sort is not an option in my case and if I found a physician stupid enough to do it rehab or dying during surgery pretty well guaranteed this was a bucket list item I wasn't going to make.

     

    I rescheduled to a Mexican Riviera cruise over New Year's and don't plan to make insurance arrangements until final payment is due.

     

    I do agree with the posters above about contacting insure my trip, asking them questions, getting a quote, and reading a copy of the policy. It might even be worth spending a few $$$ and have your or an attorney read over it.

  5. I have done several New year's cruises to Mexican Riviera, and have cruised Oosterdam. It won't be overly crowded and partying will be fairly sedate. Flying to and from San Diego is always a pleasure, especially in comparison to nearby LAX.

     

    Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

     

    Exactly what I'm looking for.

  6. My HAL consultant is on vacation and won't be back until 4/10. Followed up w/another consultant who steered me to a wheelchair accessible room with the steel railings. While the original consutant , inyou situation thought I would be happier with clear rails. I'll be calling back Monday.

     

    Imy getting so bummed about all of this I'm toying with the idea of canceling completely this year and hope next year is better.

  7. I had a HAL cruise booked the first week of July and just found out I have to cancel it. Was looking at alternatives and on the Oosterdam cruise vs the Eurodam cruise leaving 1 day apathy through price difference was around $1500 more for the Oprah Cruise.

     

    I'm looking at Princess or Celebrity to compare some.

  8. At I found out before patient was due April 18. I'm hoping to find an alternative cruise when I call the HAL Consultant on Monday. I hope to still be able to get Signature Suite. I originally booked a Veranda Suite.(yn)(yn)

     

    I don't think I would regret a New England cruise. I would rather do a sightseeing drive from Philadelphia to Boston.

  9. Unfortunately, this may be coming mute. Last May I had a liver resection to remove some tumors? During and post-surgery complications developed to the point I lost most of my stamina and strength. About 6 weeks post discharge I slowly developed a pain in my hip. I was getting better, but a few weeks later I was bed-ridden with what I thought was hip pain.I've had 3 nerve blocks and 3 months of physical therapy. Ended up with a neurosurgery consilt. NS said surgery is not an option,, in my case and maybe some PT in a pool might provide some relief. Also the cancer returned. Final payment is due a few days (April 18) before the PT evaluation. I doubt I can get any trip cancellation insurance because of pre-existing conditions. I'm good for about an hour or so light activity. Pain control isn't a problem. Dr. understands I'm at a quality of life state and basically chronic/terminal .

     

    So I'm trying to decide whether to cancel and rebook at the last minute. Signature Suite guarantee on the Oosterdam is tough to gamble with.

     

    Sorry for the ramble, I'm a little morose today.

  10. I have no experience but won't the ships have salmon available almost daily.

     

    I have chosen to book excursions based on what the excursion and a salmon bake would not be a determining factor. I'm sure salmon is available at just about every meal on the ship. Including Lox for breakfast.

  11. This is my first cruise with a scooter and 2nd cruise overall. Without going in to details, my wallking distance is pretty limited due to stamina and pain. I know this eliminates some shore excursions.

     

    How safe/secure is it or can you even leave a scooter outside some of the places I might visit. I''m particularly thinking of small stores that may not have accessibility or enough room to get around? Any precautions to take? Or just hire an armed guard to protect it. :)

  12. Which ports/countries will you be visiting?

     

    Your bigger problem isn't likely to be TSA; they care about safety of the planes, etc.

     

    But especially with the controlled substances (BUT ALSO sometimes with OTC meds), there may be advance approvals needed, or some may be entirely illegal at all times.

     

    7 day R/T Seatte/Alaska with the obligatory Canada stop. I have no clue whether we will debark in Canada. With time spent in Seattle pre and post cruise.

     

     

    I usually get extra attention since I have a shoulder replacement and my passport photo makes me look like Cyrus the Virus from Con Air.:D

     

    I'm hoping I don't need the narcotics by the cruise. Having had 5 surgeries in 3 years and tapering off 3x only having to restart a couple of months later for different reasons I'm not exactly optimistic yet. I will know more in a month.

     

    I like the weekly planner. The space taken up would be well worth it vs. the time to uncap medication bottles 2x a day.

  13. I've read about bringing your labeled prescription bottle along while traveling. I"ve been on one cruise 15 years ago and just took along a couple of weekly medication holders. And never gave this much thought or did it. I've been taking 10-13 medications for years. Plus diabetic supplies which are less of a problem.

    All of my medications come in 90-day supplies in much larger bottles than a 30 day supply. I don't want to drag 13 labeled bottles of prescriptions with me while flying in a carry-on bag, or leave in a hotel room, etc. But I also don't want to get hung by the TSA or...either.

     

    This trip is longer than I normally take and I'm taking opiates now. I'm trying to figure out how to sort my daily medications pre-trip and have some medical documentation that they are prescribed for me.

    I've thought of making a list of all the necessary medications, dosages, prescriber, etc. to have with me. Should I have my PCP sign the sheet or make a note on it. Or each doctor sign and initial their med. Write out a new prescription. Transfer labels to smaller bottles? Have 30-day prescriptions written and filled?

    I keep an updated current and past medical history, medication list, doctors, preferred pharmacy, insurance information, DPA, DNR, and HCR. as well as emergency contacts, etc. in an electronic file stored on my smartphone, in an email folder, and a medical emergency app.

    This is a bucket list cruise and most likely the last one. I searched here and a couple of other boards and didn't find any suggestions.

    Thanks.

  14. I've kind of figured out that for some vacations taking the minimum and supplementing need buying clothes at my destinations. There are some things I take and just throw away after I've worn them. For me, that might be T-shirts that should be replaced Usually a small stain or faded and would only be worn for certain activities.

    Be careful and make sure you throw clothes away on the last morning or your cabin attendant may take them out of the trash, fold them up, and put back in your closet.:cool:

    Most of them pack light mantra is for the air flights vs. the actual cruise. If you are driving and parking bring an extra bag to toss laundry in with some air fresheners.

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