hi, havent posted in a bit QUESTION???

[livelife]

First let me say hello all, here are my questions tonight. Will I be able to go on the tender if seas are calm that is (Im assuming hubby will carry me to some seat or bench) my chair (Quickie) is very small manual and folds. The shower chair has been requested by TA for me as well as EARLY DINNER< HOWEVER I noticed on reservations she faxed me until real RCI packet comes, that it says for dining " Traditional (wait list) ages 46-56, whats up with that:confused: , I have to have early seating or will have to eat in Buffet each night, that would just RUIN things for me (I have DGE), so were only going to sit with people my age on up??? and wont know if we have early seating as she requested????, bad enough someone took one of the HC rooms that isnt HC (dont ask we just know), we can deal with that (room is forward Superior Ocean view, mainly just needed some light so thats good).

 

We have passports.

Other things is MEDECINE!!!!! Ive NEVER in all my years in Chair (0ver 9) brought my meds in container, always in PILL sorter so I remember When to take them, and ONE of them IS a NARCOTIC, Im afirad if I bring it in bottle they will either sneak them out (for personal use) or confiscate, I cant stand the thought of being looked at like a criminal sitting there in my chair while they quwestion why I need Albuterol/Plus puffer (it attaches to it so comes in slower),Prevacid (mine are the samples from doctor she gives them to me when she has some (they are 130.00$ per month other wise so when I can get samples that really helps plus I have Prescription for those),Tylenol, Ditropan,Mylanta tabs, Narcotic for pain which without (espically in evening) I wouldnt last a day from traveling, at home its diffrent I can rest anytime I need to here and will bring my heating pad and extension cord, plus will bring Gatorade and water (in original bottles) on small carryon plus snacks (like protien bars to ensure I always have something availiable at all times).

 

I hate traveling, I love getting there and into a room, but a cruise is REALLY REALLY REALLY hard to plan in my opinion for an ill person.

 

Hoping you are all doing well and enjoying your summer and not suffering too badly:)

 

Peace to you all

Live life

[katisdale]

About your medicines, I always bring mine in a sorter that is in my carry-on. I don't take a chance of my luggage getting lost and not having my meds. To prevent problems I also take a copy of my prescriptions. My pharmacy prints these up for me and I place this into my carry-on as well. I have had no problems with this system and have travelled to the carribean and europe, both land and cruise, without problem. I've not travelled with RCI so I can't answer questions about their dining options. I do hope you have a wonderful time.

[DEL67]

livelife:

 

I understand how you feel, but we find that cruises are absolutely the best way to travel. yes, it takes planning, but you unpack once and they take you places. Most newer ships are very accessible so my husband can be independent while aboard ship to go where he wants and do what he wants.

 

In response to your concerns:

 

- Tendering If seas are calm you will be able to go ashore. If your ship does not have a tender lift, the crew will carry you in you manual chair down to the tender and place you in the tender. They carry my 6' 2" husband so you should not be an issue.

 

- Cabin You mention that you do not have an HC cabin. Can you walk? I ask because your wheelchair may not fit through the door and there will be a step up in to the bathroom. have you requested a shower chair? Also, its good that you will have the light you need, but you need to remember that forward cabins mean more walking (or pushing the wheelchair) and can be rockier in rough seas.

 

- Dinner seating - This should not be a problem. Call the RCCL's special needs desk and tell them you need first sitting for medical reasons. They have always honored this for us. If there still is a mix-up, go speak to the Maitre 'D as soon as you board ship. There are always a few available seats in each sitting for energencies.

 

- Medicine This should not be an issue either. My husband takes over 20 different medications at day both orally and through inhalers and he has never been questioned.

 

We do not do this, but the safest way is to take it in the original bottles. I suggest you take copies of your prescriptions also. We have never had an issue with someone taking my husband's medication, but you could keep some or all of it in the room safe if you are concerned. Be sure you take extra though in case you drop some or are delayed.

 

- Gatorade We do not take Gatorade aboard, but my husband who drinks 1/2 to 1 gallon of water a day does not like the taste of ship water. Therefore, since bottled water aboard ship is expensive, we so we send a cardboard box full of water with our luggage. Your Gatorade should not be an issue.

 

I know traveling is very difficult for you as it is for my husband, but relax and enjoy your cruise.

[livelife]

thankyou both for your help, Im seeing my doctor tommorow so will bring this with me (what you all wrote about meds). Del yes Im in wheelchair about 80% using cane about 10% for mainly transfers (when I get my new motor chair with layback it will be a real treat), and 10% my husband literry carries me (Im under 90 pounds) so he will have to open door, carry me from chair put me on bed then fold my manual and same with shower. Im calling my TA to ask her to see again if any HC are available, even putting me on some sort of list anything, we are going on the cruise regardless, and if I do more interventions on my body after that time (I also have large tumor on top of spine) or feeding tube ecttt then we will see if we can do this again , one thing we know ensuring a HC room no matter when you book can be hard, due to my health its not possible to book way in advance for us at this point (on a downslide with progressions currently), but they SHOULD BE REQUIRED I feel 100% to have doctors form filled out BY doctor for HC rooms period, it makes it hard enough when people use the HC parking spots and (leap out of car, not talking about breathing, heart, RA, MS,ALS or ANY ILLNESS that donest require CHair, I see nothing wrong with people useing them for MANY illnesss not needeing chair, BUT I see many such as the man just this last week parking next to us in his Mercedes and not only jumping out of car but leaping. Or those who get HC rooms BEFORE a month before curise when most things are all booked , but to diliberatly get one not needed clearly and someone like myself and others who REALLY need the space to even get in the door!, well thats just beyond my scope and just us knowing someone is using one clearly stating person is NOT HC and COULD get around in a regular cabinTHAT I dont understand and never will.

 

My brother had ALS, he was very independant like myself,he would have been ALL over verbaly someone doing such a thing , he DID go on a cruise during his illness, have picture of him on formal night in lovley suit with wife, guess what they DIDNT have HC room either, so he just made the best of it jkust like I will:) . Some people have no shame, glad thats not me.

 

Thanks again sorry to ramble but this has been hard to plan for me, today I fiannlly found my dress for formal (its not formal its semi formal) cant get a floor lenght gown caught in my Chair now can I :D .

 

Have a lovley night, you sound like a VERY nice spouse, I love to see that, mine is too, but today Im tired of seeing him 24/7 since he works out of home,ha,ha,ha,ha.

 

hugs

Live Life

[CaptData]

Hi, do phone special needs for the dining and the room. Sometimes they will offer something better to the couple who are in the H/C and don't need it.

 

I travel all the time by myself (MS). Using scooter, wheelchair and canes, I manage to go on cruises every year now. I have a lot of meds and carry them in Original bottles and have never had any taken and no questions every asked. I require a fridge for one med and the Room Steward fills up the ice bucket in the fridge to help keep it cold.

 

Just a thought, I book one year in advance to get the H/C room. I buy insurance immediately so that pre-existing conditions are covered. This way if I have to cancel at any time due to MS attack or illness due to other problems, then I get all my money back minus what I paid for insurance. I have used this option once when my husband passed away 8 days before our first cruise.

 

Planning one year in advance gives me something to look forward to when I have bad days. It also allows me to plan my doctor's appointments to cover when I am going for final checks and "ok go". If a problem shows up just before I go I know I can cancel and get my money back.

[livelife]

thankyou Capt Data I never thought about that (booking so far ahead and that the insurance would still cover you) Im not cruise savvy at all. I WILL ask about the dining situation I will have to be in my chair to eat and I dont want the humiliation of them trying to CRAM me into a spot in front of everyone. I had to blow last night about the HC rooms, just needed to get that off my chest, many dont get it Im sure but unless one spends the amount of time we do in chairs or even scooters for some, then they have NO clue what its like to travel and try to manage every aspect of your trip, one thing I know is vacation is to be fun, and Im a VERY fun person to travel with I love trying new things. For me just having clothes to wear that look nice on me and IN my chair is important to me, dont want things getting caught in wheels, dont want to pee into diaper at night (bladder is WORST AT NIGHT YIKES) and have it running down my leg, or cathing, not being able to even get into the door to do it. At least Im so small my spouse can carry me easily, he does it every day, I dont like it but its a must for now. I think Im going to sit in the casino while there and have a a drink and a cigarette,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha neither of which I do but sounds MIGHTY GOOD right now,ha,ha,ha,ha. sometimes you gotta just let go for a day in life.

 

Thanks again great advice you gave me, next time I would love to take our kids one is adult other is not, but for this first one were going solo.

 

hugs

Live Life

[wizard-of-roz]

Also,

Put your meds in your dispenser. No one will bother it. Keep it close with your bag (that never leaves your side)! Or, bring the original bottles, no one will question or touch them!

 

All you will need is a certified/registered birth certificate/picture I.D. If you have a recent passport, even better. We have been traveling to Mexico/Canada with only birth certificates/photo I.D. This will be good until the end of this year. (Just to lazy to get updated passports)!

 

Wheelchairs are not looked at in any "negative" way. There is always room at the dining tables (in the main dining room or the buffet areas) for your chair! The staff are always happy to assist!

 

NO SMOKING in public areas. There are "smoking areas", even special rooms, on Celebrity or outside (special smoking areas)!

 

I have booked handicapped rooms, on Celebrity, Princess and NCL around 6 months prior to boarding and have never had a problem finding a room. I wouldn't wait much longer than that. Some ships don't have as many rooms as others. :)

 

Roz

[thecripcruiser]

I know just how u feel LiveLife, we've been cruising for along time, and in that time i've had to adjust constantly in order to keep traveling. Its' at a point now where I feel overwhelmed. I take my meds in original containers, I also have narcotics and injectables. This next cruise is the first time ive booked a HC cabin. Ive taken my cane and scooter on other cruises, but this time im taking a folding travel wheelchair, cause the scooter is so much hassle in ports. {I just got the chair last Fri, and I was so excited, I showed it off to my daughters. How pathetic is that}

Just wanted to say that I feel ya. Yes, it's a big hassle, but I wouldn't stop and won't till Daddy takes the T-Bird away:cool:

Shirl

[ZydeDiverDC]

Hello,

I came by this thread quite by accident but I am glad!

First I want to say i am so proud ot the people on this thread. So kind and thoughtful.. insightful and informative!

I was in a wheel chair for a bout a year. I can certainly relate to mobility issues. Anyone who came to my table on a cruise.. challenged.. would be welcome!

The most difficult time I ever had was sitting at a table that had a family including a very determined two year old. After that.. life is gravy!

I surely do hope your cruise and travel goes smoothly. And that the members here have helped you prepare so your mind is at ease and the good times are ready for you ... onboard!

Everyone here touched my heart. mushy i know but I really am glad to be a CC member when I see a thread like this one!:)