Royal Caribbean kicked me off cruise ship for having a migraine

[bigeck]

By the way, I love a good single malt scotch - so thanks! :D

 

That's why we have free healthcare. So many malt's to choose from

[Mouse's Shadow]

I usually don't weigh in on such discussions, however RCI could have handled this much better. I understand where the OP is coming from. I travel with my DS who has significant medical issues resulting from a Traumatic Brain Injury. I understand that it was within RCI's right to evacuate her from the ship. However, under the circumstances, they should have refunded their cruise fare. I think it is much more risky that RCI's actions might actually result in a guest not seeking medical attention for fear that the ship's doctor will overreact and will result in having their vacation ruined and loosing their hard earned money in the process.

 

The cruise industry has already been taking public relations hits. I would think that it would have behooved them to avoid unnecessary bad publicity. A simple apology and refund would have been much better than the thousands of people who will hear of this incident and may reconsider cruising.

 

Good Luck OP.

[LetsGetWet!]

I usually don't weigh in on such discussions' date=' however RCI could have handled this much better. I understand where the OP is coming from. I travel with my DS who has significant medical issues resulting from a Traumatic Brain Injury. I understand that it was within RCI's right to evacuate her from the ship. However, under the circumstances, they should have refunded their cruise fare. I think it is much more risky that RCI's actions might actually result in a guest not seeking medical attention for fear that the ship's doctor will overreact and will result in having their vacation ruined and loosing their hard earned money in the process.

 

The cruise industry has already been taking public relations hits. I would think that it would have behooved them to avoid unnecessary bad publicity. A simple apology and refund would have been much better than the thousands of people who will hear of this incident and may reconsider cruising.

 

Good Luck OP.[/quote']

All good points, I think you're absolutely correct.

[DreamingBig1]

I usually don't weigh in on such discussions' date=' however RCI could have handled this much better. I understand where the OP is coming from. I travel with my DS who has significant medical issues resulting from a Traumatic Brain Injury. I understand that it was within RCI's right to evacuate her from the ship. However, under the circumstances, they should have refunded their cruise fare. I think it is much more risky that RCI's actions might actually result in a guest not seeking medical attention for fear that the ship's doctor will overreact and will result in having their vacation ruined and loosing their hard earned money in the process.

 

The cruise industry has already been taking public relations hits. I would think that it would have behooved them to avoid unnecessary bad publicity. A simple apology and refund would have been much better than the thousands of people who will hear of this incident and may reconsider cruising.

 

Good Luck OP.[/quote']

 

I think your right. It's the way that it was handled.

 

It all comes down to people wanting to feel appreciated.

 

With that safety does come first.

[knittinggirl]

I've never seen the flashing lights mentioned, but we always arrive at our muster station early.

[TubbyMrT]

The cruise line or doctor can not force you to go to a hospital nor force you to use an ambulance to go anywhere.

 

If there was really nothing out of the ordinary occurring, I find it odd that the OP would take an ambulance to a hospital. It makes me think that the OP thought that it could be something out of the ordinary and perhaps more serious.

 

From the story, it doesn't appear that the OP was promised to be allowed back on the ship if they were cleared by the hospital. So why go to the hospital if its nothing unusual for the OP?

 

In my opinion, RCL did the right thing to protect the corporation, but more importantly protect the OP.

[north29]

and I am not a doctor or lawyer, or carpenter.

However I do feel for the OP.

But the cruises line did what was best for all parties concerned........... right or wrong in the final diagnosis of the situation.

[belmontcrew]

I usually don't weigh in on such discussions' date=' however RCI could have handled this much better. I understand where the OP is coming from. I travel with my DS who has significant medical issues resulting from a Traumatic Brain Injury. I understand that it was within RCI's right to evacuate her from the ship. However, under the circumstances, they should have refunded their cruise fare. I think it is much more risky that RCI's actions might actually result in a guest not seeking medical attention for fear that the ship's doctor will overreact and will result in having their vacation ruined and loosing their hard earned money in the process.

 

The cruise industry has already been taking public relations hits. I would think that it would have behooved them to avoid unnecessary bad publicity. A simple apology and refund would have been much better than the thousands of people who will hear of this incident and may reconsider cruising.

 

 

Good Luck OP.[/quote']

 

This is the most logical post yet. Someone that actually gets it. I understand not letting her sail, and under the circumstances RCI made the correct call...but to not give a full refund is just wrong.

[gerif]

This is the most logical post yet. Someone that actually gets it. I understand not letting her sail, and under the circumstances RCI made the correct call...but to not give a full refund is just wrong.

 

So, they should give a full refund to anyone they deem medically unfit to sail? That's what insurance is for. I agree that the ship doctor does not have the recourses to make an accurate diagnosis in a case like this and acted prudently by sending the OP to an emergency room where specialists and proper equipment are available. Sad that she missed her special cruise of course but the cruiseline is really not at fault.

[sharpasice]

I get migraines all the time and have for almost 50 yrs. I have had migraines like hers where even I thought I was having a stroke. That being said, I do know that Imitrex would not be administered if the Dr believed the OP was having a stoke. I think there is more to the OPs statement...perhaps her B/P skyrocketed...we don't know. Let's also not forget, one of the reasons the ER Dr had her in and out in about 20 mins..is the Imitrex was doing its job at that point. We should not rush to judge the Dr. BUT I would question what exactly happened for the "medic" to have noticed this woman..was she talking in a way that brought attention to her..was she staggering when walking..did she become faint? All questions we cannot answer. So I am sorry she did not get to go on her cruise but am not totally convinced that it is RCI or the Dr at fault.

[LetsGetWet!]

I get migraines all the time and have for almost 50 yrs. I have had migraines like hers where even I thought I was having a stroke. That being said, I do know that Imitrex would not be administered if the Dr believed the OP was having a stoke. I think there is more to the OPs statement...perhaps her B/P skyrocketed...we don't know. Let's also not forget, one of the reasons the ER Dr had her in and out in about 20 mins..is the Imitrex was doing its job at that point. We should not rush to judge the Dr. BUT I would question what exactly happened for the "medic" to have noticed this woman..was she talking in a way that brought attention to her..was she staggering when walking..did she become faint? All questions we cannot answer. So I am sorry she did not get to go on her cruise but am not totally convinced that it is RCI or the Dr at fault.

Good observations... I'm not familiar enough with migraines/Imitrex/stroke to know, but if Imitrex would be contra-indicated in case of possible stroke, then that would certainly support the argument that the onboard doc wasn't THAT concerned about a stroke.

 

In the end, as you say, we just really don't know, not enough info.

 

I do think RCI has handled it badly after-the-fact, from a PR and guest relations perspective.

[Host Jacquelyn]

That being said, I do know that Imitrex would not be administered if the Dr believed the OP was having a stoke.

 

This is a valid point, and one I cannot get past. This is exactly what the OP should bring up to the cruise line. If the dr truly believed she was having a stroke, allowing her to take Imitrex would be negligent.

[gaylemh]

I don't get migraines, but I do have Crohn's. I'll be getting a note from my doctor before my next cruise. I would hate to get an "attack" and have the doctor on the ship think that I had Noro.

 

As far as insurance, I thought that the insurance would cover for pre-existing conditions as long as there was no change in the treatment or condition.

[coconut cruiser]

The cruise line should have known that strobe lights can cause a severe reaction in people who experience migraines or seizures. Most performances warn ahead of time if there will be strobe lights. My adult daughter has seizures and experienced quite a different response from Princess. She was walking through the casino on a Princess cruise and the flashing lights and loud noises caused her to have a seizure. The young woman who worked in the coffee shop where my daughter bought coffee every evening saw her and called us in our cabin. A ship's officier also responded. They were both very kind and helped us get her to the cabin after some medical attention. At no time did they say that she had to leave the ship. We continued and had an enjoyable voyage. We have booked passage on the Allure but have not made final payment. After reading this we are cancelling in favor of a Princess cruise.

[Oceans4]

Having read all of these comments, I feel awful for what happened to the OP, and I think the letter from RCL was extremely insensitive. There are people with existing conditions, and if she knew her long-time symptoms and explained them, she should have been permitted to remain on board.

 

The way I see it, if I was feeling an aura and my speech was slurred and I did NOT know what was happening to me, I would be very anxious to get off the ship and to a hospital. I would be terrified that I was having a stroke or medical emergency. Knowing that this was a normal pattern and that it would dissipate after a couple hours, she felt comfortable wanting to remain on the ship.

 

I suffered from migraines for 20 years, and I frequently get one on the first day of a trip; I think it's the stress of packing, finalizing things at work, and just plain excitement. As a precursor, I sometimes will take my migraine prescription the day before just in case. Sometimes I forget because I'm not in pain, but if I get one, it's not contagious, and it's not going to kill me.

 

The first time I ever had a migraine, it came complete with an aura and disorientation. I was terrified and went right to the ER. Over the years, I came to know my symptoms and what to expect and for how long. It has been a painful process, but it's part of my life, and I accept it. I would never expect to have my vacation terminated because I am having a migraine. Now I think I may have to carry a letter from my doctor about that, which to me, is ridiculous.

 

I agree that if someone has medical symptoms that are either contagious or unfamiliar, of course it is in everyone's best interest to get medical attention. I don't believe this was the case here whatsoever.

 

I always read the boards with interest when there are debates and most of the time don't have an opinion, but in this case, I honestly think that putting her off the ship for a migraine was 100% inappropriate.

[BallFour4]

The OP posting of symptoms have the classic signs I see daily in the stroke center. They saw them as well, and most of the signs were there for immediate treatment beyond the ship infirmary.

 

Patients also mask symptoms, hide facts or understate their condition.

 

It is a fine balance in risk management on their part and your cruise. Only the advice of a trained acute stroke specialist would allow me to let you cruise.

 

While it's painful to hear, it looked like a duck, and in your case it talked like one as well...

 

 

.

Edited February 7, 2014 by BallFour4

[cjdixon4]

Wow. I'm sure a migraine sufferer of 40 years really needed advice about diet.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

I thought the same thing...:(

[LetsGetWet!]

The OP posting of symptoms have the classic signs I see daily in the stroke center. They saw them as well, and most of the signs were there for immediate treatment beyond the ship infirmary.

 

Patients also mask symptoms, hide facts or understate their condition.

 

It is a fine balance in risk management on their part and your cruise. Only the advice of a trained acute stroke specialist would allow me to let you cruise.

 

While it's painful to hear, it looked like a duck, and in your case it talked like one as well...

 

So again, as has been mentioned, IF that's what the shipboard doctor thought, that she was having a stroke - then what's your thought about him administering her Imitrex headache medicine??? Must not have looked TOO much like a duck, or the doc is simply incompetent!

[Elfmama]

Sorry you missed your cruise but did RCI do something wrong? :confused:

Oh, yes! Remember that line about "They gave me my Imitrex?" They didn't allow me to take it on my own. They dispensed it to me -- THEY removed it from the packaging and handed it to me. Imitrex is specifically contraindicated in a stroke situation, as it is designed to cause vascular changes in the brain. It could be extremely dangerous or perhaps even fatal in such a case.

 

So there is one of two actionable possibilities here:

 

1.) The doctor recognized Imitrex as a migraine medication, and by dispensing it acknowledged that I WAS having a migraine and so did not warrant forcible disembarkation

 

OR

 

2.) Gave an UNKNOWN medication to a person suspected of having a stroke, when a quick consult with a Physician's Desk Reference or a call to a local ER would have revealed that this was a specifically contraindicated medication.

[ewt715]

Sorry you missed your cruise but did RCI do something wrong? :confused:

 

Yes , did not listen to customer.

[BallFour4]

So again, as has been mentioned, IF that's what the shipboard doctor thought, that she was having a stroke - then what's your thought about him administering her Imitrex headache medicine??? Must not have looked TOO much like a duck, or the doc is simply incompetent!

 

But you and I are only reading on account, and that one had the worst outcome as to their vacation.

Edited February 7, 2014 by BallFour4

[Elfmama]

The cruise line or doctor can not force you to go to a hospital nor force you to use an ambulance to go anywhere.

 

If there was really nothing out of the ordinary occurring, I find it odd that the OP would take an ambulance to a hospital. It makes me think that the OP thought that it could be something out of the ordinary and perhaps more serious.

 

From the story, it doesn't appear that the OP was promised to be allowed back on the ship if they were cleared by the hospital. So why go to the hospital if its nothing unusual for the OP?

 

In my opinion, RCL did the right thing to protect the corporation, but more importantly protect the OP.

I went to the hospital because they told me I had to, and implied that they would be covering the expense, and that I would be allowed back on the ship if I checked out. Also because I wanted confirmation by a qualified physician that I was NOT having a stroke. RCI aren't the only ones versed in CYA.

[tomatosauce]

The cruise line should have known that strobe lights can cause a severe reaction in people who experience migraines or seizures. Most performances warn ahead of time if there will be strobe lights. My adult daughter has seizures and experienced quite a different response from Princess. She was walking through the casino on a Princess cruise and the flashing lights and loud noises caused her to have a seizure. The young woman who worked in the coffee shop where my daughter bought coffee every evening saw her and called us in our cabin. A ship's officier also responded. They were both very kind and helped us get her to the cabin after some medical attention. At no time did they say that she had to leave the ship. We continued and had an enjoyable voyage. We have booked passage on the Allure but have not made final payment. After reading this we are cancelling in favor of a Princess cruise.

A word of warning for you. All cruise ships will have both visual and audio indicators of an emergency because of the SOLAS regulations and the need to make sure that everyone is aware even if they are have hearing or vision issues. I would also expect something like a seizure to be treated differently at sea to at the whilst docked and running the safety drill.

 

In short I would expect Princess (I.e. every cruise line) to also have flashing lights during the drill and any real emergency. You may want to see what you can do to mitigate any issues that may arise.

[LetsGetWet!]

But you and I are only reading on account, and that one had the worst outcome as to their vacation.

Of course - we're all reading the account, and that's the sole basis for every single comment made here. But IF the account is correct, at least as far as the administration of Imitrex while being diagnosed by the onboard doctor - then do you agree that either he was NOT concerned that it was a stroke, or that he was negligent for administering the Imitrex?

[janice2348]

Hi,

 

I am sorry that you had to experience this ....... but did you notify RCI , that you do have migraine for many years and what they recommend for you to cruise ? or not ? or to bring some form of a letter from your doctor explaining your problems and symptoms ?

 

How they suppose to know to warn you about the flashing lights if they do not know that this will cause you a problem ?

 

How did the medic suppose to know that it is migraine and not something very serious ?

 

How would the media react if it was stroke and the medical department did not send you to local hospital ?

 

What would happen if the ship left the port and your migrane turned into something very serious - they would have to turn back to get you help ..... do you think that lost time would not affect the rest of the cruise ?

 

Sorry for you, but I think the ship medics did what they did for your good .... and for the good of rest of the cruisers.

 

And the insurance is there to cover such a incidents...... I hope that you purchased one that covers preexisting conditions.

 

I hope you feel well.

I fully agree. Should have had trip insurance. And if you are sailing with a serious medical condition you should get a note from your doctor.

Royal did nothing wrong.